Get ready to transform your appetizer game with the most addictive cheese log you'll ever taste! This isn't just another boring cheese spread - it's a tantalizing dance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Imagine a luxurious cream cheese base studded with zesty jalapeños, bursts of tangy cranberries, and a crunchy pecan exterior that promises a texture explosion in every single bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and allow to soften at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to ensure easy mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until well blended and smooth.
- Add garlic powder and onion powder to the cheese mixture, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout.
- Carefully fold in chopped dried cranberries, providing a sweet contrast to the cheese base.
- Gently incorporate chopped jalapeños, distributing them evenly to ensure balanced heat in each bite.
- Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a log approximately 6-8 inches long.
- Roll the log in chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure nuts adhere completely to the exterior of the cheese log.
- Wrap the cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and log to firm up.
- Before serving, remove from refrigerator 15 minutes prior to allow slight softening. Slice into rounds and serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure cream cheese is truly softened but not melted for the smoothest mixing consistency.
- Customize Heat Level: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your spice tolerance - remove seeds for less heat.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This cheese log can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, allowing flavors to intensify.
- Nut Alternatives: If pecans aren't your thing, try toasted almonds or walnuts for a different crunch.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with crisp crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even as a unique sandwich spread.
- Chilling is Crucial: The refrigeration step isn't optional - it helps flavors meld and creates a firmer texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
