Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log: A Festive Appetizer Everyone Will Remember

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A pineapple cranberry holiday cheese log is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy—everything you want in a festive appetizer. It’s colourful, adaptable, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or contributing to a holiday potluck, this cheese log always stands out on the table. The contrast between the juicy pineapple, tart cranberries, and rich cream cheese creates a flavour profile that feels both nostalgic and refreshing. I’ve even made this using fresh pineapple once when I had leftovers from another recipe, and the natural sweetness made the cheese log taste brighter and more vibrant. The texture, too, is a highlight—soft on the inside, coated with crunchy nuts and cranberries on the outside. It’s a crowd-pleasing starter that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum visual appeal and festive charm.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ingredients Breakdown

Cream Cheese
Cream cheese forms the base of the cheese log, giving it its signature smooth, rich texture. It blends easily with mix-ins, allowing the sweet and savoury flavours to shine.

Crushed Pineapple
Pineapple adds sweetness and moisture. Its tangy brightness balances the richness of the cream cheese, and when well drained, it mixes beautifully without making the log too soft.

Dried Cranberries
These provide bursts of tartness and chewy texture. Their deep colour also enhances the festive appearance of the cheese log.

Pecans or Walnuts
Chopped nuts add crunch and earthiness. Pecans offer a sweeter flavour, while walnuts give a slightly more robust, savoury note.

Green Onions
Green onions add a gentle bite, highlighting the savoury side of the dish and preventing it from leaning too sweet.

Cheddar Cheese
Shredded cheddar introduces a subtle sharpness and helps bind the mixture while adding another layer of flavour.

Garlic Powder
Garlic powder seasons the cheese mixture without overpowering the fruity components. It brings balance and depth.

Salt
A small amount of salt sharpens the flavours and ensures the cheese log tastes bright rather than flat.

Black Pepper
A touch of black pepper introduces mild warmth and complexity, complementing both the cheese and the fruit.

Directions

Begin by ensuring the crushed pineapple is thoroughly drained. Excess moisture can soften the cheese mixture too much, so press it gently with the back of a spoon if necessary. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and easily workable. Add the cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing until everything is well combined. Fold in the drained pineapple and a portion of the dried cranberries, blending gently to maintain their texture.

Once fully mixed, transfer the mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a tight log, smoothing the surface as you go. Wrap it securely and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the flavours to meld and the structure to firm. Meanwhile, mix chopped nuts with the remaining dried cranberries. When the log is chilled, unwrap it and roll it across the nut-and-cranberry mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres evenly.

Place the finished cheese log on a serving platter and refrigerate until ready to serve. Allowing it to sit at room temperature for a brief moment improves spreadability without sacrificing firmness.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 people as an appetizer. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, with a recommended chilling time of 1–2 hours for best results.

Storage/reheating

Store the cheese log tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because it is dairy-based, it should not be reheated. Instead, let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Holiday Cheese Log
Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-and-spicy contrast.

Tropical Twist
Incorporate shredded coconut and macadamia nuts for a flavour reminiscent of a tropical cheese board.

Cranberry-Orange Version
Add a touch of orange zest and swap pineapple for more cranberries to create a brighter, citrus-inspired log.

Savory Herb Blend
Mix in chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a more herbaceous, savoury finish.

Bacon-Pecan Cheese Log
Fold in cooked bacon bits for smokiness and a heartier flavour.

Almond-Cranberry Coating
Use slivered almonds instead of pecans or walnuts for a lighter crunch that still complements the sweetness.

Cheddar-Free Version
Omit the cheddar and replace it with a mild cheese if you prefer a softer, more delicate flavour.

Honey-Drizzled Finish
Drizzle a small amount of honey over the cheese log right before serving for added sweetness and shine. I have tried this version with toasted pecans, and it added a warm, dessert-like accent.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, but it must be finely chopped and thoroughly drained to avoid adding excess moisture.

Can I make this cheese log ahead of time?

Absolutely. It can be prepared up to two days in advance.

Can I substitute cream cheese with a lighter version?

Light cream cheese works, though the texture will be slightly softer.

Do I need to toast the nuts?

Toasting enhances flavour, but it is optional.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the nuts or replace them with crushed pretzels for crunch.

How do I keep the cheese log firm?

Ensure the pineapple is well drained and chill the mixture for at least an hour.

Can I shape this into a ball instead of a log?

Yes, the mixture shapes easily into a cheese ball.

Can I use different dried fruits?

Dried cherries or apricots are delicious alternatives.

What should I serve with it?

Crackers, baguette slices, or sturdy vegetable sticks all work well.

Can I freeze the cheese log?

Freezing isn’t recommended, as dairy-based spreads can separate once thawed.

Conclusion

This pineapple cranberry holiday cheese log brings together sweetness, tanginess, creaminess, and crunch for a festive appetizer that feels both joyful and refined. With simple preparation, adaptable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavours, it’s a reliable favourite for any holiday celebration. Once you try this version, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it elevates your seasonal gatherings.

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