Cranberry Goat Cheese Logs

Featured in: Olive-Cool Weeknight Dinners

This dish features soft goat cheese shaped into logs and coated with a mix of dried cranberries and crunchy nuts. Presented on a board surrounded by grapes, assorted crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh veggies, it blends creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors. A drizzle of honey adds a gentle sweetness while rosemary sprigs provide aromatic garnish. Ideal for easy, no-cook entertaining with optional substitutions like fig preserves or nut-free coatings.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:08:00 GMT
Cranberry Goat Cheese Logs beautifully displayed with grapes and crackers, ready to be enjoyed as an appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Cranberry Goat Cheese Logs beautifully displayed with grapes and crackers, ready to be enjoyed as an appetizer. | olivefrost.com

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 has become my go-to festive appetizer to impress guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor.

Ingredients

  • Cheese Logs: 2 (150 g each) goat cheese logs, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped, 1/3 cup pistachios or pecans, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • Board Accompaniments: 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, 1/2 cup seedless green grapes, 1/2 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed), 1/2 cup toasted baguette slices, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup roasted almonds or walnuts, 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers, 1/4 cup sliced radishes, fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

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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.
Product image
Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
Check price on Amazon
A close-up of festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Logs, showcasing the creamy cheese and colorful topping combination. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Logs, showcasing the creamy cheese and colorful topping combination. | olivefrost.com

This app brings smiles as family and friends gather around to enjoy the festive board together.

Notes

Add dried apricots olives or apple slices for more variety

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

Delicious Cranberry Goat Cheese Logs on a serving board with honey drizzle, inviting guests to sample. Save to Pinterest
Delicious Cranberry Goat Cheese Logs on a serving board with honey drizzle, inviting guests to sample. | olivefrost.com
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Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.
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This simple yet elegant appetizer is sure to wow your guests every time.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of goat cheese?

Yes, creamy cheeses like cream cheese or feta can substitute, but goat cheese offers a unique tangy flavor and soft texture ideal for coating.

How do I prepare the coating mixture?

Finely chop dried cranberries and nuts, then mix with fresh parsley if desired. Press the goat cheese logs gently into the mixture to ensure even coverage.

What are some good accompaniments to serve alongside?

Seedless grapes, assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed), toasted baguette slices, sliced cucumbers, radishes, and a drizzle of honey complement the flavors well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the coated logs up to a few hours in advance and refrigerate them covered. Assemble the board just before serving to keep fresh textures.

Are there nut-free options for the coating?

Omit nuts and increase dried cranberries or substitute with pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, nut-free coating alternative.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Logs

Creamy goat cheese logs coated with cranberries and nuts, paired with grapes and crackers for an elegant board.

Prep Time
15 minutes
0
Overall Duration
15 minutes
Recipe by Natalie Wilson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 8 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free

What You Need

Cheese Logs

01 2 goat cheese logs (5.3 oz each)
02 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
03 1/3 cup pistachios or pecans, finely chopped
04 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Board Accompaniments

01 1/2 cup seedless red grapes
02 1/2 cup seedless green grapes
03 1/2 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed)
04 1/2 cup toasted baguette slices
05 1/4 cup honey
06 1/4 cup roasted almonds or walnuts
07 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
08 1/4 cup sliced radishes
09 Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine finely chopped dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and parsley if using.

Step 02

Coat Cheese Logs: Roll each goat cheese log in the cranberry-nut mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 03

Arrange Cheese Logs: Place the coated goat cheese logs on a large serving board.

Step 04

Add Accompaniments: Arrange the grapes, crackers, toasted baguette slices, roasted nuts, cucumber slices, and radishes around the cheese logs.

Step 05

Drizzle Honey: Drizzle honey over the cheese logs or serve honey on the side.

Step 06

Garnish: Garnish the board with fresh rosemary sprigs for visual appeal.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately, inviting guests to spread the cheese on crackers or bread with the assorted accompaniments.

What You'll Need

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small bowls for toppings
  • Serving board or platter

Allergy Details

Be sure to check ingredients for allergens and ask your doctor if you’re not sure.
  • Contains milk (goat cheese) and tree nuts (pistachios, pecans, almonds, walnuts). May contain wheat if regular crackers or baguette are used. Use gluten-free alternatives if necessary.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Intended only for informational use, not medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 7 g