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Cranberry Goat Cheese Log

Featured in: Simple Feasts

This elegant berry-studded goat cheese log combines softened goat cheese with chopped dried cranberries, honey, and a hint of black pepper. After shaping and chilling, it's paired with a fresh medley of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and optional mint leaves, creating a festive and colorful presentation. Ideal for an easy yet refined appetizer, it can be served with crackers or baguette slices, offering a delightful balance of creamy, tart, and sweet notes perfect for any occasion.

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Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:03:00 GMT
Creamy Cranberry & Goat Cheese Log is garnished with a vibrant array of fresh berries, perfect appetizer. Save
Creamy Cranberry & Goat Cheese Log is garnished with a vibrant array of fresh berries, perfect appetizer. | sugarprairie.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 favorite in my family because it looks stunning and tastes even better than it looks.

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.
A close-up of a festive Cranberry & Goat Cheese Log with berries and serving crackers alongside. Save
A close-up of a festive Cranberry & Goat Cheese Log with berries and serving crackers alongside. | sugarprairie.com

This appetizer creates a special family moment every holiday season when shared around the table.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a dry sparkling wine or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect balance of flavors.

Dietary Notes

This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free if served with gluten-free crackers.

Storage Tips

Keep the goat cheese log wrapped and chilled up to 2 days before serving for optimal freshness.

Enjoy a delicious goat cheese log recipe bursting with cranberries and a colorful berry medley. Save
Enjoy a delicious goat cheese log recipe bursting with cranberries and a colorful berry medley. | sugarprairie.com

A simple but elegant appetizer that impresses guests every time.

Kitchen Help

→ Can I prepare the goat cheese log ahead of time?

Yes, the log can be shaped and chilled for up to a few hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and ensure firmness.

→ Are there alternative dried fruits that work well?

Dried cherries or apricots can be substituted for cranberries to provide a different but complementary sweetness.

→ How can I add extra texture to the cheese log?

Rolling the log in chopped pistachios or toasted walnuts adds a pleasant crunch and enhances flavor complexity.

→ What fresh herbs complement the berry garnish?

Fresh mint leaves add a bright, aromatic touch to the mixed berries and can be included optionally.

→ What serving options pair well with this dish?

Gluten-free crackers or baguette slices work well, offering a crisp contrast to the creamy log and juicy berries.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Log

Creamy goat cheese blended with dried cranberries, served with fresh berry garnish for a festive starter.

Setup duration
10 min
0
Complete duration
10 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Simple Feasts

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free, Without gluten

Components

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 needed)

Method steps

Phase 01

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently mix softened goat cheese, chopped dried cranberries, thyme (if using), honey, and black pepper until just incorporated.

Phase 02

Shape Log and Chill: Transfer mixture onto plastic wrap, form into a log shape, wrap tightly, smooth surface, and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to firm.

Phase 03

Prepare Berry Garnish: In a separate bowl, gently toss fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and mint leaves (if using).

Phase 04

Arrange and Serve: Unwrap goat cheese log, place on a serving platter, arrange berries around the log attractively, and serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk (goat cheese)
  • Check crackers or bread for gluten if gluten-free serving is required
  • Dried cranberries may be processed with nuts; verify if nut allergies are a concern

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 125
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 5 g