Name: Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup shelled roasted, salted pistachios; 7-8 oz. goat cheese log or tub; 4 oz. cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons honey; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup Cranberry Pistachio Coating mixture (reserved from directions); Honey, for drizzling

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 78 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a festive yet surprisingly easy appetizer that gets rave reviews every time, I’m excited to share this Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe with you! It’s creamy, tangy, a little sweet, with that perfect crunch from pistachios and a burst of fresh cranberries — my family goes crazy for this one during the holidays and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned cheese log pro or a curious first-timer, stick with me here because this recipe will make your next gathering a total hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick: You only need about 30 minutes total, but it looks like you spent hours prepping.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The creamy cheese blends beautifully with tart cranberries and salty pistachios.
Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prep this the day before and chill it until guests arrive.
Versatile for Any Occasion: It’s a total crowd-pleaser whether it’s a holiday party, a casual get-together, or just because.

Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe come together with such harmony — soft cheeses, fresh cranberries, and crunchy pistachios all spiced just right. When shopping, try to find fresh, firm cranberries and good quality goat cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe - Ingredients

Fresh cranberries: They add a tart, juicy punch and vibrant color that’s hard to beat.
Roasted, salted pistachios: These bring the perfect savory crunch and a beautiful green contrast.
Goat cheese: Its tangy creaminess is the star base here—make sure it’s fresh and soft enough to mix easily.
Cream cheese: This smooths out the tanginess of the goat cheese and helps the log hold its shape.
Honey: For a subtle, natural sweetness that complements the tart cranberries.
Spices (ginger, cinnamon, thyme, rosemary, pepper, salt): These add warmth and depth—trust me, they transform the flavor completely.
Plastic wrap & parchment paper: Super important for shaping and rolling your cheese log cleanly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe pretty classic because the balance is just right, but feel free to get creative and make it your own! It’s one of those recipes that really welcomes tweaks and additions.

Use different nuts: I’ve swapped pistachios for toasted pecans or walnuts before, and it still turned out fantastic.
Add dried fruit: Some folks like a mix of dried cranberries or apricots folded in for extra chewiness and sweetness.
Switch cheeses: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try a combo of cream cheese with a mild feta or mascarpone for a different twist.
Herb variations: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried can bring a brighter flavor punch.

How to Make Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe

Step 1: Chop the Cranberries and Pistachios with Care

Start by tossing your fresh cranberries and roasted, salted pistachios into a food processor and pulse them until finely chopped—but not mushy. You want the nuts and berries to still have texture for that perfect crunch and pop. I learned the hard way that over-processing turns this coating into a paste, which isn’t nearly as appealing. Remove about ½ cup of this mix and set it aside for the coating later.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese and Spices

In a medium bowl, stir together your goat cheese, softened cream cheese, honey, and all the spices listed (ginger, cinnamon, salt, thyme, rosemary, pepper). Then add the remaining chopped cranberries and pistachios to the cheese mixture and mix until everything is evenly combined. This is where the magic happens—the spices really elevate the flavor and bring warmth to the cheese blend.

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Cheese Log

Place the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and form it into a log shape. Wrap it tightly and pop it in the freezer for about 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps firm up the log just enough so it holds together well, but it’s still soft enough to press the coating onto it without cracking. I never skip this chilling step because it makes rolling so much easier.

Step 4: Roll the Cheese Log in Cranberry Pistachio Coating

Lay out a large piece of parchment paper on your counter and spread the reserved cranberry pistachio coating in a thin layer, slightly larger than your cheese log. Take the chilled cheese log from the freezer and roll it gently but firmly in the coating, pressing it in so it sticks well on all sides. At this point, you can refrigerate the log until you’re ready to serve, or enjoy it immediately if you prefer.

Step 5: Serve with a Honey Drizzle

Before serving, take the cheese log out of the fridge about 15 minutes ahead of time to let it soften up to the perfect spreadable consistency. Just before plating, drizzle generously with honey—this adds a subtle sweetness that ties everything together beautifully. Serve it up with your favorite crackers and watch how fast it disappears!

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe

Pulse Don’t Puree: When chopping cranberries and pistachios, pulse gently to keep a great texture without turning it into mush.
Chill to Shape: Freezing the cheese log briefly helps it hold its form and makes coating easier—don’t skip this cool step.
Room Temp Before Serving: Letting the cheese log soften a bit before serving makes spreading a breeze and tastes so much better.
Don’t Over-Season: The balance of spices is delicate here, so stick to the amounts in the recipe to avoid overpowering the cranberry and cheese flavors.

How to Serve Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe

Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love drizzling this cheese log with a generous swirl of honey right before serving—that golden touch adds subtle floral sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a few extra chopped pistachios on top, just for that extra pop of crunch and color. Fresh thyme leaves or small rosemary sprigs also make an elegant garnish and tie back to the flavors inside the log.

Side Dishes

This Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log pairs wonderfully with an assortment of crackers like water crackers, whole wheat, or even lightly salted pita chips. I also enjoy serving it alongside fresh sliced apples or pears—the sweetness and crispness complement the tangy cheese beautifully. For a bigger spread, include some charcuterie meats, olives, and nuts for guests to mix and match.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests at your next gathering, try slicing the cheese log into rounds and serving each piece on a small cracker with a drizzle of honey and a pistachio sprinkle. Or shape the log in a festive wreath shape for holiday parties. I’ve even rolled smaller mini logs for individual portions at cocktail parties—people love these bite-sized treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheese log keeps really well wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I recommend slicing what you think you’ll eat in the next day or two so the remaining log stays fresh longer. It’s just as delicious the next day once it’s had time to sit and meld flavors.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cheese log a couple of times with good results. Just wrap it super tight in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it the usual 15 minutes at room temp before serving. Texture may be slightly softer but still delightful.

Reheating

This cheese log is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no need to heat it. Just plan ahead by taking it out about 15 minutes before serving so it softens up perfectly for spreading.

FAQs

Can I make the cranberry pistachio cheese log ahead of time?

Absolutely. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it keeps. You can prepare it up to a day ahead and refrigerate it, which actually helps the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to take it out a bit before serving so it softens up nicely.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can substitute with dried cranberries, chopped finely to mix into the cheese. You won’t get the same tart burst as fresh, but the flavor still works well paired with the pistachios and cheese. Just reduce or omit any additional sweeteners since dried cranberries can be quite sweet already.
Can I use different types of cheese for the log?

Yes! While goat cheese mixed with cream cheese is traditional here for that tangy yet smooth texture, feel free to experiment. Some folks like adding mascarpone for richness or swapping goat cheese for a mild feta. Just keep in mind the flavors and textures will change slightly.
What’s the best way to serve a cheese log like this?

Serve it with an assortment of your favorite crackers and fresh fruit slices for a balanced appetizer plate. Don’t forget that honey drizzle right before serving—it adds such a gorgeous touch! You can even slice into rounds for easy finger food if you want a more elegant presentation.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe brings together simple ingredients for a stunning and delicious appetizer. From the first time I made it, it quickly became a holiday staple in my home because it’s so easy to prepare yet looks and tastes like you put in way more work. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it brings that little extra sparkle to your next party or cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back to it season after season!