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Cranberry Goat Cheese Log

Featured in: Homemade Treats

This creamy goat cheese log blends softened goat cheese with chopped dried cranberries, honey, and black pepper for a subtly sweet and tangy flavor. It’s shaped into a compact log and chilled to firm up the texture. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries mixed with optional mint leaves accompany the cheese log, creating a colorful and elegant plate. Serve with crackers or baguette slices for a delightful appetizer or snack, perfect for festive occasions or casual gatherings.

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Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:51:00 GMT
Creamy cranberry goat cheese log appetizer, delightfully paired with fresh, colorful berries as a party snack. Pin this
Creamy cranberry goat cheese log appetizer, delightfully paired with fresh, colorful berries as a party snack. | plumoven.com

A festive, creamy goat cheese log studded with tangy dried cranberries, served alongside a medley of fresh berries for a colorful, elegant appetizer or snack.

This recipe has become a holiday tradition in my family, loved by all for its creamy texture and fresh berry contrast.

Ingredients

  • Cheese Log: 250 g (8 oz) goat cheese, softened 80 g (½ cup) dried cranberries, chopped 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional) 1 tsp honey ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Berry Garnish: 150 g (1 cup) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved 125 g (1 cup) fresh blueberries 125 g (1 cup) fresh raspberries 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn (optional)
  • For Serving: Crackers or baguette slices (gluten-free if needed)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, combine softened goat cheese, chopped dried cranberries, thyme (if using), honey, and black pepper. Mix gently until just incorporated.
Step 2:
Place the mixture on a piece of plastic wrap. Shape into a log, wrapping tightly and smoothing the surface. Chill for 15–30 minutes to firm up.
Step 3:
Meanwhile, gently toss the fresh berries and mint leaves in a bowl.
Step 4:
Unwrap the goat cheese log and place on a serving platter. Arrange the berries attractively around the log.
Step 5:
Serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices.
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| plumoven.com

Gathering around the table to enjoy this colorful appetizer always sparks joy and conversation in our family.

Tips for Serving

Serve the log with a variety of gluten-free crackers or crusty baguette slices for different textures and flavors.

Variations

Try rolling the cheese log in chopped nuts or herbs for added flavor and a decorative touch.

Storage

Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.

Tangy cranberries and goat cheese log with vibrant berries, perfect for easy entertaining and elegant presentation. Pin this
Tangy cranberries and goat cheese log with vibrant berries, perfect for easy entertaining and elegant presentation. | plumoven.com

This elegant appetizer is sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I soften the goat cheese for shaping?

Leave the goat cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it becomes soft and easy to mix.

→ Can I substitute dried cranberries with other fruits?

Yes, dried cherries or apricots can be used to add different fruity notes to the cheese log.

→ What is the best way to serve the cheese log?

Place the chilled cheese log on a platter surrounded by fresh berries and serve with crackers or baguette slices for easy snacking.

→ Can I add nuts to the cheese log?

Rolling the cheese log in chopped pistachios or toasted walnuts adds extra crunch and flavor.

→ How long can I prepare this in advance?

Prepare the cheese log up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated, wrapped tightly to maintain freshness.

→ What herb can be added for extra flavor?

Fresh thyme leaves are optional but provide a subtle aromatic touch when mixed into the cheese.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Log

A creamy goat cheese log studded with dried cranberries, served with a fresh berry medley.

Prep time
10 min
0
Total Duration
10 min
Created by Plum Oven Sophie Warren


Level of challenge Easy

Cuisine type American

Servings made 8 Portions

Dietary details Meat-Free, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Cheese Log

01 8 oz goat cheese, softened
02 ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
03 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, optional
04 1 tsp honey
05 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Berry Garnish

01 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
02 1 cup fresh blueberries
03 1 cup fresh raspberries
04 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn, optional

For Serving

01 Crackers or baguette slices, gluten-free if desired

How-To Steps

Step 01

Combine Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix softened goat cheese, chopped dried cranberries, fresh thyme if using, honey, and black pepper until just blended.

Step 02

Form and Chill Log: Place mixture onto plastic wrap, shape into a log, wrap tightly, smooth surface, then refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to set.

Step 03

Prepare Berries: Gently toss strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and torn mint leaves in a separate bowl.

Step 04

Arrange and Serve: Unwrap chilled goat cheese log, place on serving platter, and arrange berries decoratively around it. Serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Serving platter
  • Knife

Allergy Advisories

Review each item for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains milk from goat cheese.
  • Check crackers or bread labels for gluten content if using gluten-free option.
  • Dried cranberries may be processed with nuts; verify for nut allergies.

Nutrition info (per portion)

This nutritional overview is meant for general information. For medical concerns, ask a professional.
  • Caloric Value: 125
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 5 g