Cranberry Jalapeño Pecan Cream Cheese Roll
Here’s how to elevate your next gathering with a crowd-pleasing Cranberry Jalapeño Pecan Cheese Log. This festive appetizer combines tangy cream cheese with the sweetness of cranberries, the crunch of pecans, and the subtle heat of jalapeño. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for the holiday season or any occasion where you want to impress!
Why You'll Love This Recipe: - Quick to Prepare: Only 15 minutes of active prep time, and the fridge does the rest! - Flavor-Packed: The mix of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy makes it irresistible. - Versatile: Serve with crackers, fresh veggies, or even slices of baguette.
Helpful Tips: 1. Choosing the Ingredients: - Cream Cheese: Let it soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make mixing a breeze. - Cranberries: Use dried cranberries for a pop of sweetness and chewy texture. Fresh ones might be too tart. - Jalapeños: If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and membranes before dicing. 2. Making It Ahead: This cheese log is a time-saver! Prepare it up to two days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and coat it with the pecan mixture right before serving for a fresh and vibrant look. 3. Presentation Matters: - Roll the cheese log gently in the pecan mixture for an even coating. - Garnish with a sprinkle of extra chives or a few whole cranberries for added flair. 4. Serving Ideas: Pair this cheese log with buttery crackers, pita chips, or a mix of fresh veggies like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and celery sticks. You can also use it as a bagel
INGREDIENTS:
9oz CREAM CHEESE
1/4 CUP CRANBERRIES, ROUGHLY DICED
1/2 CUP PECANS, DICED
4 TBSP FINELY CUT CHIVES OR GREEN ONION
2 TBSP FINELY DICED JALEPEÑO
In a small mixing bowl, combine diced pecans, cranberries, chives and jalepeño. In a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese. Use a spatula to combine with HALF of the pecan mix (save the rest to coat the outside.) Add the mixture to a large sheet of plastic wrap and mould into a log shape, using the plastic wrap to tightly contain it. Pop in the fridge until solid. Spread the second half of the pecan mixture on a chopping board. Unwrap thee cheese log and coat all over with pecan mix. Serve with crackers or chips. Enjoy!
