Save A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese logs coated with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy nuts, beautifully arranged with accompaniments for a stunning board presentation.
This appetizer always impresses my guests and adds a beautiful touch to our holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Cheese Logs: 2 (150 g each) goat cheese logs
- Cranberry Mixture: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- Nuts: 1/3 cup pistachios or pecans, finely chopped
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Board Accompaniments: 1/2 cup seedless red grapes
- Seedless Green Grapes: 1/2 cup seedless green grapes
- Assorted Crackers: 1/2 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed)
- Toasted Baguette Slices: 1/2 cup toasted baguette slices
- Honey: 1/4 cup honey
- Roasted Nuts: 1/4 cup roasted almonds or walnuts
- Sliced Cucumbers: 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
- Sliced Radishes: 1/4 cup sliced radishes
- Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, chopped nuts, and parsley (if using).
- Step 2:
- Roll each goat cheese log in the cranberry-nut mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly.
- Step 3:
- Place the coated goat cheese logs on a large serving board.
- Step 4:
- Arrange grapes, crackers, baguette slices, almonds or walnuts, cucumber slices, and radishes around the cheese logs.
- Step 5:
- Drizzle honey over the logs or serve on the side.
- Step 6:
- Garnish the board with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to spread cheese on crackers or bread with accompaniments.
Pin it My family loves gathering around the board and sharing stories while enjoying these flavorful cheese logs with fresh accompaniments.
Required Tools
Sharp knife Cutting board Small bowls for toppings Serving board or platter
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (goat cheese) Tree nuts (pistachios pecans almonds walnuts) Wheat (if using regular crackers or baguette) For gluten-free option use gluten-free crackers and bread Always check product labels for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern
Nutritional Information
Calories 180 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 7 g
Pin it This easy no-cook appetizer is perfect for any occasion and can be customized to suit all tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different nuts for coating?
Yes, pistachios, pecans, almonds, or walnuts can all be used to add crunch and flavor.
- → How should I serve the cheese logs for best presentation?
Arrange the coated cheese logs on a large board surrounded by grapes, crackers, baguette slices, and garnish with rosemary for a festive look.
- → Is it possible to make this suitable for a nut-free diet?
Omit the nuts and replace them with extra dried cranberries or pumpkin seeds to maintain texture and taste.
- → What accompaniments pair well with these cheese logs?
Seedless grapes, gluten-free crackers, sliced cucumbers, radishes, and a drizzle of honey complement the flavors nicely.
- → Can I prepare the cheese logs ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them shortly before serving to keep the coatings fresh and prevent sogginess.