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A close-up of an orange cranberry pecan cheese log on a wooden board. The creamy cheese mixture is coated in chopped dried cranberries, pecans, and parsley. Crackers, nuts, and sliced oranges surround the cheese log. A serving knife rests beside it.
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Orange Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

A creamy Orange Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log rolled in a crunchy cranberry-pecan coating—perfect for holiday grazing boards and seasonal celebrations.
Course Appetizers & Starters
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6
Author Michelle Ordever

Ingredients

  • 8 ounce package cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ½ cup dried cranberries chopped and divided
  • ½ cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Serving Suggestions

  • Crackers
  • Fresh fruit
  • Vegetable crudités
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Add the cream cheese, water, orange juice, orange zest, and one-third cup of the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl.
    Overhead view of a metal mixing bowl containing cream cheese, a pile of dried cranberries, and a mound of orange zest. Surrounding the bowl are small dishes of pecans and cranberries, along with a wooden plate holding half an orange on a light gray surface.
  • Stir the mixture using a silicone spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the mixture.
    Overhead view of a metal mixing bowl filled with a blended cream cheese mixture containing small bits of cranberries and orange zest. A red silicone spatula rests in the bowl. Small bowls of pecans and cranberries, along with half an orange on a wooden plate, are visible at the top of the image.
  • Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a clean surface and spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center.
    Overhead view of a wooden cutting board covered with a sheet of plastic wrap. A mound of the cream cheese mixture sits in the center, ready to be shaped. Small bowls of pecans and dried cranberries, along with a wooden plate holding halved oranges, are visible at the top of the image.
  • Wrap the plastic around the cheese mixture and gently form it into a log. Chill for 30 minutes.
    Overhead view of a cream cheese mixture wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and shaped into a log. It sits on a wooden cutting board. Small bowls of pecans and dried cranberries, along with a wooden plate holding halved oranges, are visible at the top of the image.
  • In a small bowl, combine the remaining chopped cranberries, pecans, and parsley.
    Overhead view of a bowl filled with a mixture of chopped dried cranberries, pecans, and fresh parsley. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl. Part of a wooden plate holding a halved orange and a light-colored cloth are visible at the top of the image on a gray surface.
  • Remove the cheese log from the plastic wrap and place it on a plate. Press the cranberry-pecan mixture onto all sides to coat evenly.
    Overhead view of a partially coated cheese log placed on a white plate. Chopped dried cranberries, pecans, and parsley are scattered around and pressed onto the surface of the log. A light-colored cloth and a wooden plate with a halved orange are visible at the top of the image.
  • Transfer to a serving board with crackers, fruit, or sliced vegetables—serve and enjoy!
    A close-up of an orange cranberry pecan cheese log coated in chopped dried cranberries, pecans, and parsley. It sits on a wooden board surrounded by assorted crackers, whole almonds, pecans, and slices of fresh oranges.

Notes

Tips

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese to make mixing easier.
  • Wet your hands slightly before shaping to help smooth the log.
  • Add a pinch of salt or black pepper if you prefer a more savory balance.
 

Substitutions

  • Walnuts—An easy 1:1 swap for pecans with a similar soft crunch.
  • Hazelnuts—Slightly sweet and crunchy; pair beautifully with orange and cranberry.
  • Almonds—Use chopped, slivered, or sliced almonds for a firmer crunch.
  • Pistachios—Add a pop of color and a mild, buttery flavor.
  • Cashews—Soft and creamy; chop finely so they adhere well.
  • Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)—Great nut-free alternative; toast lightly for extra flavor.
  • Sunflower seeds—Another nut-free option with a pleasant crunch.
  • You can also swap the dried cranberries for dried cherries for a similar sweet-tart flavor.
 

Leftovers

  • Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
  • Serve chilled straight from the fridge.
 

Freezing

  • Freeze the shaped cheese log (before coating) in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
  • Thaw in the fridge, then roll in the cranberry-pecan mixture before serving.
Always consult the Food Standards Agency in your country for the most up-to-date advice on storing and freezing foods: ) Food Safety https://www.foodsafety.gov/ (USA) | Food Standards Agency https://www.food.gov.uk/ (UK)
 

Nutrition

Serving: -4