Cream Cheese Log

Don’t you love a recipe that is easy to make but is also a crowd pleaser? I’m sure this is a popular one for many families during this festive season. This Cream Cheese Log with pecans, cheddar, cranberries, rosemary, and oregano is rich, creamy, tangy, crunchy, sweet and savory with aromatic herbal notes. It really is the perfect festive appetizer for holiday entertaining that pairs well with crackers, veggies, or bread. It is easy to prepare and is visually striking, adding a gourmet touch to any holiday spread. Whether served on a cheese board, as a dip, or as individual mini logs, it is a versatile and elegant option for any celebration. I like to serve this for guests and family members as something to graze on while the main meal is being warmed up and served @sarchakra

PREP TIME: 20 mins plus refrigeration

COOK TIME: 0 min 

YIELDS: Serves 6 

Ingredients

• Cream cheese 8 oz, softened
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Roasted pecans ½ cup, chopped
• Dried cranberries ½ cup, chopped
• Fresh rosemary 2 tbsp, finely chopped
• Dried oregano 1 tsp 
• Organic honey 2 tbsp for drizzleSalt a pinch
• Black pepper ½ tsp 

Method 

• In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spatula to blend them until smooth and creamy.
• Stir in half the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, freshly chopped rosemary, and oregano. 
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
• Drizzle in a bit of honey for extra depth of flavor.
• On a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper, transfer the cream cheese mixture. Shape it into a log, pressing gently to compact it and form a smooth, even surface.
• Wrap the log tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up the mixture and allow the flavors to meld together.
• Once chilled, remove the log from the wrap. Roll it in a mixture of the remaining finely chopped pecans, cranberries, rosemary and oregano to coat the outside.
• Place the log on a beautiful platter. Surround with crackers, fresh vegetable crudités, apple slices, or even small bread sticks for a delicious, interactive holiday appetizer.

Notes

For a personalized touch and an easy grab-and-go snacking, make individual mini cream cheese logs for each guest, wrapped in parchment and tied with festive twine.

Cut the cream cheese log into small cubes and skewer them with fresh rosemary sprigs, cranberries, and apple slices for a bite-sized, rustic platter.

Mash up the cream cheese log and serve it as a dip with crunchy vegetables, pita chips, or crostini.

Garnish with a few edible flowers like pansies or violets to add color and sophistication.

Add your cream cheese log as part of a larger cheese and charcuterie board. Include crackers, fresh fruits, and a few other savory bites to complete the spread.

Spread the cream cheese log on toasted baguette slices for a simple yet festive holiday crostini appetizer.

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