Cranberry Goat Cheese Log

Looking for the ultimate, easy, yet festive and delicious appetizer? Look no further! This Cranberry Goat Cheese Roll is one of the best things I make and it is SO EASY.

 

What is Goat Cheese?

Goat cheese has been around for ages, but I feel like it was more of a food trend in the last decade showing up as fried goat cheese balls, on crostini , salads, sandwiches, pizza and more.

Technically, goat cheese is any cheese made from goats milk and this can range from soft to hard cheese, however most people tend to automatically think of the soft goat cheese roll.

This soft cheese is also known as chèvre. It has a similar texture to cream cheese, is velvety, a little tangy and totally spreadable and dreamy. Perfect for cheese plates and also for crackers!

Ingredients

You only need five simple ingredients to make this cranberry goat cheese roll. And they’re all super easy to find.

• Goat cheese – You can find this already in roll form. It will usually be in the deli section by the other “fancy” cheeses.
• Dried cranberries – Sometimes called craisins, dried cranberries are going to be much sweet and little sticky, helping them adhere to your cheese log.
• Ground cinnamon – You can freshly grate your own cinnamon, or just use the already ground cinnamon from your spice cabinet.
• Fine sea salt – Salt enhances the flavors of nearly anything it’s added to. But keep in mind, different salt measure differently.
• Pecans – Chopped pecans not only add flavor, but they also add a nice crunch to this holiday appetizer.

How to Make A Cranberry Goat Cheese Roll

Making this recipe is super simple. And during the holidays, we could all use a little more simplicity!

1. Combine dried cranberries with ground cinnamon and sea salt. If you just try to roll the whole cheese log into both, it picks up the dried cranberries, but not the cinnamon and if you do cinnamon and then cranberries, the cheese isn’t tacky enough to really stick well to the fruit.
2. Roll cheese in cranberry mixture. Then roll your soft goat cheese log in the cinnamon and salt dusted cranberries and finely chopped pecans.
3. Serve with crackers. Place on your serving platter and your are DONE.

What to Provide with Cranberry Goat Cheese Log

The easiest answer is, well, crackers! But you can use other items as well including pretzels– twists or sticks. You can also use a loaf of bread, crostini or cheese crisps. Other chips, like kettle cooked potato chips are an option too if you love sweet and salty.

Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this cranberry goat cheese roll your own. Here are a few suggestions.

• Salt – Salt can emphasis any flavor whether it be tart or sweet. If you are totally opposed, omit it and you’ll still have a tasty treat.
• Cinnamon – The ground cinnamon you buy in a jar loses flavor and potency super fast. To ensure you are getting full cinnamon bang for your buck, buy whole sticks and quickly grate them yourself.
• Nuts – I prefer to use pecans for this recipe, but you can omit these altogether or use walnuts.
• Cranberries – You can use fresh, but make sure to chop them and then drain them well. The natural juices will prevent sticking and just fall off into a watery cheesy mess.

Storage and Freezing

How to Store Cranberry Goat Cheese Roll

This cheese log can be made up to two days in advance, however is best served within a few hours of making. It will stay good refrigerated for up to five days.

I like to let mine soften for 15-20 minutes for a better spreadable texture. I like to use fresh rosemary to garnish.

Can I Freeze This Cranberry Goat Cheese Roll?

You can freeze this recipe, but keep in mind that nearly all cheeses defrost a little drier than they were originally.

More Fun Holiday Recipes

The holidays are all about spending time with family and eating good food! Here are some of our favorite holiday recipes.

Grab one of these delicious recipes for your holiday celebration!  Pull Apart Cheesy Bread from What’s Cookin’ Chicago  Cranberry Goat Cheese Roll from Savory Experiments Loaded Cauliflower from Devour Dinner Caramelized Onion and Pear Bites from Chipa by the Dozen Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball from House of Nash Eats Old Fashioned Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar from Rose Bakes Pear and Brie Crostini from Tastes of Homemade Breakfast Charcuterie Board from Hoosier Homemade Hasselback Potato Gratin from The Flour Handprint  Beef Wellington from Fresh Coast Eats