Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log with Pepper Jelly
Table of Contents
Ah, the holiday season! There’s nothing quite like the aroma of festive treats wafting through the house, evoking cherished memories of family gatherings and joyous laughter. One of my fondest memories is the making of our Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log with Pepper Jelly. This delightful appetizer combines the creamy richness of cheese with the sweet and tangy zing of pineapple and cranberries, all wrapped up with a touch of spicy pepper jelly. It’s a dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also warms the soul, making it a perfect centerpiece for any holiday spread.
Imagine this: you’re gathered around the kitchen table, the heart of the home, with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter. The Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log sits in the center, a beacon of home-cooked comfort and culinary delight. With each bite, you savor the creamy texture, the burst of sweetness, and the subtle heat of the pepper jelly. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a tradition, a memory in the making.
Why should you bring this delightful cheese log to your table? First, it’s an easy peasy recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Second, it’s versatile, perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive party. Third, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a crowd-pleaser. Lastly, the ingredients are simple and accessible, ensuring you can whip it up anytime the holiday spirit strikes.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
The Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is a true celebration of flavors. It embodies everything we love about holiday cooking: warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia. Here are a few reasons why you should make this recipe a part of your holiday tradition:
Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe is straightforward, with easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients. Perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. You don’t need complicated techniques or equipment, just a bit of time to let the flavors meld.
Burst of Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese, sweet pineapple, tart cranberries, and spicy pepper jelly creates a symphony of flavors that are both comforting and exciting. Each ingredient plays a unique role, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors of the cranberries and pepper jelly make this dish as visually stunning as it is delicious, ensuring it stands out on any holiday table. This cheese log is not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you pair it with crackers, pretzel crisps, or baguette slices, this cheese log is a versatile addition to any appetizer spread. You can experiment with different bases to find your favorite combination.
Nostalgic Charm: Each bite is a reminder of cozy holiday gatherings and cherished family traditions, making it a sentimental favorite. Bringing this dish to the table connects you with past celebrations and creates new memories.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the tools that will make this dish a breeze to prepare. You’ll need:
- A large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the ingredients without making a mess.
- A spatula or wooden spoon for mixing: These tools help you achieve a smooth, even mixture.
- A sharp knife for chopping: A good quality knife ensures precise cuts, especially for the cranberries and green onions.
- A cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
- Plastic wrap: Used for shaping and chilling the cheese log, ensuring it holds together.
- A serving platter: Presents the cheese log attractively, ready to impress your guests.
- A small saucepan (for warming the pepper jelly): This helps you achieve the perfect consistency for drizzling or dipping.
With these tools in hand, you’re all set to create a dish that will delight your family and friends.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup pepper jelly (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. This step ensures the base is well integrated and the texture is uniform.
Add the Flavors: Stir in the crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of pepper jelly. Mix until evenly blended. The combination of these ingredients creates the unique flavor profile of the dish.
Form the Log: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Chilling helps the flavors meld and the log to hold its shape.
Coat with Pecans: Once chilled, unwrap the log and roll it in the chopped pecans, pressing gently to help them stick. The pecans add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the cheese.
Add the Final Touches: Warm the remaining pepper jelly slightly and drizzle it over the top (or serve on the side as a glaze or dipping sauce). Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crackers, pretzel crisps, or baguette slices. The drizzle of pepper jelly and parsley garnish add a gourmet touch.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 20 minutes • Cooking Time: 0 minutes • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes • Calories: 120 per serving • Servings: 8
Note: For a milder flavor, use sweet pepper jelly instead of spicy, and adjust the amount of pepper jelly to your taste.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
Each ingredient in our Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log brings something special to the table. Let’s explore the health and flavor benefits:
Cream Cheese & Cheddar Cheese: These cheeses provide a rich, creamy base full of calcium and protein, essential for bone health. They also offer a satisfying richness that balances the sweetness and tartness of the other ingredients.
Pineapple: Adds a natural sweetness and is rich in vitamin C, promoting a healthy immune system. Its tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy cheeses and spicy pepper jelly.
Dried Cranberries: Offer a tart contrast and are high in antioxidants, which help combat inflammation. They also add a pop of color and texture to the cheese log.
Green Onions: Provide a mild, fresh flavor while offering vitamins A and C. Their subtle sharpness complements the creamy and sweet elements in the dish.
Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. They enhance the texture and provide a nutty flavor that enriches the overall taste.
Pepper Jelly: Enhances the dish with a sweet and spicy kick, creating a complex flavor profile. It ties together the flavors of the cheese, fruit, and nuts, making each bite exciting.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
The Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is a versatile appetizer that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions:
Crackers: Choose a simple, buttery cracker to let the flavors of the cheese log shine. Avoid highly flavored crackers that might compete with the cheese log’s complex taste.
Pretzel Crisps: Their salty crunch is a perfect match for the sweet and savory cheese log. They also provide a sturdy base that can handle the weight of the cheese.
Baguette Slices: Lightly toasted, they offer a sturdy base and a subtle flavor that compliments the cheese log. The warmth of the toasted baguette slices enhances the flavors of the cheese log.
Seasonal Fruit: Serve with slices of apple or pear for an extra touch of sweetness. The fruit adds a refreshing contrast and complements the sweet and tart elements in the cheese log.
Nuts and Olives: A small bowl of mixed nuts or olives adds variety and complements the cheese log’s flavors. They also provide additional textures and flavors to your appetizer spread.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), storing them properly ensures you can enjoy this delicious cheese log again. Here’s how:
Refrigerate: Wrap the cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cheese log in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Freezing helps preserve the flavors without compromising the texture.
Creative Leftovers: Spread leftover cheese log on a sandwich or a bagel for a flavorful lunch. You can also crumble it over a salad for a delightful twist. These creative uses ensure that none of this delicious dish goes to waste.
Bringing the joy and warmth of homemade cooking to your holiday table has never been easier. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, the Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log with Pepper Jelly is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home. As you share this dish with family and friends, you’ll be creating memories that last a lifetime.
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Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log with Pepper Jelly
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of pepper jelly. Mix until evenly blended.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once chilled, unwrap the log and roll it in the chopped pecans, pressing gently to help them stick.
- Warm the remaining pepper jelly slightly and drizzle it over the top (or serve on the side as a glaze or dipping sauce). Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crackers, pretzel crisps, or baguette slices.
