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An easy, impressive and crazy-delicious appetizer with butter-toasted pecans, fresh herbs and dried fruit, this Buttered Pecan Goat Cheese Log will wow everyone!
When you serve this Buttered Pecan Goat Cheese Log to family, friends and guests you'll hear lots of little sighs and words, like; "wow!", "yum". "whoa!", "mmm!". With creamy goat cheese crisp, butter-toasted pecans, fresh herbs, bits of dried cranberry (or other dried fruit) and a drizzle of sweet honey this is a crowd-pleasing showstopper!
I love having an appetizer that both grownups and kids enjoy, one that looks impressive but that's easy to put together and doesn't call for a lot of unusual ingredients. This Buttered Pecan Goat Cheese Log checks all the boxes!
What to serve with this Buttered Pecan Goat Cheese Log
I like to serve this goat cheese log with an assortment of crackers, but it's also delicious with crostini. To make crostini, simply slice up a small baguette, arrange the slices on a sheet pan, drizzle with oil and bake until crisp and golden. For those who are gluten-free or counting calories, a nice alternative option to crackers or crostini would be crisp celery sticks.
A few easy steps
How do you make this Buttered Pecan Goat Cheese Log? It won't take long, but here are just a few important steps. First of all, take the time (about a minute) to bring a cup of water to a boil in the microwave (or stovetop, if you prefer). Add the dried cranberries and let them "plump" for a few minutes. Then drain and set them aside to cool.
While the cranberries cool, melt a pat of butter in a pan. Add the pecans with a pinch of salt and stir, stir, stir until the pecans are golden and fragrant (2-3 minutes). Now, while the pecans cool, take out a sharp knife and chop up the cranberries and a handful of fresh herbs.
Just a few more steps... Combine the crisp buttery pecans, cranberries and herbs. Then add half of this toasted nut mixture to the goat cheese, reserve the other half for rolling.
Place a piece of plastic wrap on a work surface, add the herby goat cheese and roll it up into a log. I like to chill the log at this point, in the refrigerator if I have time (30-45 minutes) or a short stint (10 minutes) in the freezer.
The final step is easy and fun. Spread the reserved pecan mixture out on a piece of plastic wrap, parchment or wax paper. Unwrap the chilled goat cheese log and roll until it's well coated. At this point, it's easy to shape into a nice log. All that's left is to pull out a serving platter and some crackers and wait for the "wows"!
The sweet crowning glory
You can serve this appetizer as is but, for a lovely presentation and flavor enhancement, drizzle a bit of your favorite honey over this Buttered Pecan Goat Cheese Log just before serving. The sweet, sticky honey pairs so nicely with the crisp, buttery pecans, bright fresh herbs and creamy goat cheese. It's the crème de la crème!
A delicious gift from the kitchen
For those of you who enjoy sharing homemade gifts with others, this makes a lovely gift with a nice box of crackers or a bag of homemade crostini. I've created two labels I like to attach when gifting this delicious savory treat. The first simply says Buttered Pecan Goat Cheese Log and the second gives serving instructions.
If you'd like to receive a free printable PDF of these labels, simply leave us a comment below in the comment area requesting the labels. We will email them to you. When you receive our email, simply click on the PDF and it will open up the PDF Reader on your computer. Then go to the menu at the top, click on the word "FILE" and you will see the option to print.
Bon appétit and happy entertaining!
Café Tips for making this Buttered Pecan Goat Cheese Log
- Feel free to vary the herbs in this recipe. Sometimes I sub fresh basil for the parsley. If you don't care for rosemary, exchange it for thyme. And although I think fresh herbs are best, in a pinch you could use a spoonful of Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence instead (you'll just need to back down on the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh).
- The same thing is true with the dried cranberries. Golden raisins, dried currants, dried apricots or dates would all be delicious in lieu of the cranberries.
- This recipe calls for an 8-ounce log of goat cheese. This will easily feed 8-12 guests as an appetizer. The recipe can be halved though, to feed a smaller number of people. Both 4 and 8-ounce logs of goat cheese are available in most larger grocery stores. Look in the specialty cheese area.
- Don't care for goat cheese? You could use this same recipe with cream cheese, although I might add some finely shredded Cheddar or Parmesan to pizzazz the flavor a bit.
- You can make this Buttered Pecan Goat Cheese Log a few days in advance and it will be delicious. However, if you're not in a rush, roll the log in the pecan mixture fairly close to serving time.
- Chopping the pecans for this recipe is no big deal, but to make things super easy when I'm entertaining and have a long list of other tasks, I like to keep a bag of these finely chopped pecans stashed away.
- I usually let my goat cheese sit out for 30-40 minutes to allow it to soften before adding the pecans, herbs, etc. but if I'm in a hurry, 10-20 seconds in the microwave does the trick nicely!
Thought for the day:
I know what it is to be in need,
and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry,
whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Phillippians 4:12-13
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon butter (I use salted)
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounce log of goat cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
- honey for drizzling
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Bring a half cup of water to a boil in the microwave (or on the stovetop). Add the cranberries and let them sit for 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool.
-
Heat a small sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and swirl the pan until melted. Add the pecans and salt. Increase the heat slightly and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the pecans are golden and fragrant. Remove from the heat and transfer the pecans to a medium-size bowl to cool.
-
Transfer the plumped cranberries to a cutting board and chop medium-fine with a sharp knife. Add the cranberries and chopped herbs to the bowl with the pecans. Stir to combine.
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Place the softened goat cheese in a medium-size bowl and stir until creamy. Add half of the pecan mixture and stir to combine.
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Place a sheet of plastic wrap (about 14-16-inches long) on a work surface. Transfer the goat cheese mixture to the center of the plastic wrap. Bring the plastic wrap up over the cheese and mold the mixture into a log shape (similar to the original goat cheese log). Refrigerate for 30-40 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes.
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Place another sheet of plastic wrap or a sheet of parchment or wax paper on a work surface. Spread the remaining pecan mixture out to an even layer. Unwrap the goat cheese log and roll in the nut mixture, pressing gently to coat. Be sure to coat the ends too. Once the log is coated with the nut mixture, you can shape it again as desired. Refrigerate if making in advance.
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To serve, remove the log from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes in advance then drizzle with honey before serving. Sprinkle with more fresh herbs, if desired. Serve with crackers, crostini or celery sticks.
See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips.
Recipe inspired by Carlsbad Cravings.
Trish Campbell says
YUM! Please send the tags to me. Thanks so much.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure! Sending them now, Trish!
Dale says
So yummy looking! Friends are moving over the holidays, celebrating a family member's B-Day and Christmas of course!
I am sure they would enjoy receiving this delicious appetizer, along with my raincoast crackers I made from your recipe.
Please forward to me the PDF labels. Thank you.
Merry Christmas!
Chris Scheuer says
This will be a wonderful treat! We'll be happy to send the labels, Dale. Enjoy!
Daphne Summerhill says
Hello again!
This cheese log is beautiful. What a great gift it will make. Could I please have the labels for that professional finish?
I made your Roasted Tomato Lentil Soup Caprese for dinner tonight. It was delicious and the presentation was so nice I felt like I was in a bistro. I really miss being in a bistro.... In addition to olive oil, I drizzled a bit of basalmic over the baby heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella and basil leaves. I added a pinch of my favorite sea salt and fresh ground pepper. The flavor was amazing and the texture was perfect thanks to my immersion blender. Thank you for your great recipes that make me look like I know what I'm doing!
Chris Scheuer says
Just sent the labels, Daphne! So happy you enjoyed the soup. I love your adaptation!
Deb says
HI,
I love your recipes, and the stories that you share with us. I look forward to making this cheese log, sounds delicious and i like the ability to substitute different flavor profiles. Please send me the pdf - thanks deb
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Deb. Yes it is very versatile. Sending the labels now!
Cindy Sides says
Hi Chris,
What would be a good sub for the rosemary (just don't care for it) Would love to have the label PDF, Thank you !
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Cindy, I think thyme would be a wonderful sub. I have also used basil but, with basil, you could add more. If using basil, I would bump it up to two tablespoons.
Brigitte says
Hi Chris,
I don't know how you do it to come up with such wonderful ideas, I have 5 grandchildren and whenever they come for dinner or lunch and sometimes breakfast they always ask if I'm going to make a platter, meaning an antipasto platter being italian that is our tradition before we dig into the main course. This log is so pretty it will definetly make it to our Christmas platter. May I please have the labels I would like to make extra and give one to my daughter and one to my daughter-in-law to take home to enjoy.
Thank you and I wish you and your family a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year
Brigitte
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Brigitte! What an awesome tradition that your grandchildren will always remember! I love it! We'll be happy to send you the labels.
Debra C York says
Beautiful idea! Just in time for neighbor gifts tomorrow. Please send me the label PDF.
glynniebelle says
Thinking I’ll try this with cream cheese instead of goat cheese. The rest of the family doesn’t like goat cheese. Thanks for all the great recipes
Chris Scheuer says
Hope everyone enjoys it, Glynniebelle!
Sheila Cholyk says
With Covid I was thinking of sending my neighbours a little appetizer tray anyway.....homemade sourdough crackers and this log would be great! Could I please have a copy of the labels as well. Thanks as always! I really enjoy your posts and recipes. Merry Christmas!
Chris Scheuer says
That's such a sweet idea, Sheila! We'll send the labels now!
Gale Crudup says
Love this! Please send labels!
Have a blessed Christmas!
Gale
Chris Scheuer says
You too, Gale! Sending the labels now.
SANDY STOTHERS says
I would love the labels! Many thanks!
Sandy
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, send them now, Sandy!
2 sisters recipes says
Your log looks and sounds awesome! Thank you for this lovely idea as a gift as well. Merry Christmas!!
Xo Anna and Liz
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you! 💕
Laurie Johnson says
I love your website! Please send label pdf.
Merry Christmas!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Laurie, I appreciate your kind words. Sending the labels now.
Sylvia Hasbach says
Hi Chris!
I have enjoyed making your jams with your custom labels! This looks exciting! Please send the pdf.....
Thank you so much!
Sylvia
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Sylvia! We'll get the labels off to you now.
Janice T.Boyer says
Looks so good. Such a great idea for gift giving.
I made strawberry jam and also the shortbread
and the labels were a lovely addition.
Please send me the pdf for the cheese log.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
🎅🏻🧑🏻🎄🎄💖
Chris Scheuer says
That's awesome, Janice! We'll be happy to send the labels. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
Deborah says
Labels pls!
Looks delicious!!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, sending them now, Deboral!
Sue Mellado says
Yes I will make this !!
Please send the labels. I took advice and was able to print the other labels and they are happily on their way to California.
Sadly without me this year but still will be enjoyed.
Sud
Chris Scheuer says
Aww, I know what you mean, Sue. Lord willing, we'll all be able to be together next year! We'll send the labels now. Merry Christmas~
Carol Scully (Stoney Manor) says
Chris, every time I open your emails I find one glorious recipe after another!!! It a pleasure to see your creativity and your gorgeous pictures. I’m planning on making this for New Years. Can’t quite get it done for Christmas. I would love to receive your PDF files. And thank you for including the scriptures.
Chris Scheuer says
So nice to hear from you, Carol! Hope you're doing well. We'll send the labels now. Merry Christmas!! 💕🎄💕
Kathy says
WOW ! Looks soooo yummy! Could you please send the label pdf? Thanks and Happy Holidays 🎉🎊🎁
Chris Scheuer says
Sure! Sending the PDF for the labels now, Kathy!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Kathy! Sending the PDFs now. Enjoy!
ARLENE TUROCY says
Very yummy. Please send the labels 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Arlene, the labels should be in your email.
Katharine Bell says
Looks amazing! Would love to have both labels! Merry Christmas, Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Katharine, sending the labels now!
Doris Noblet says
Oh, Chris, this looks so yummy and a lot less trouble than a cheese ball. Please send the labels. And a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Scott.!
Chris Scheuer says
Hello friend, we'll be happy to send you the labels. Yes, this is way easier than a cheese ball!
Dixie says
Would love to have the label pdf.
Have enjoyed making and will be sharing many of your dishes with our family over the holidays.
Thank you for all your good works. Have a glorious Christmas and blessed New Year.
Dixie
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Dixie! 💕 We'll get the labels off to you now.
Beverly Nichols says
This looks wonderful! What a lovely neighbor gift!
Would love the pdf for labels!
Chris Scheuer says
A great neighbor gift! The labels are on the way, Beverly!
Kasey Cree says
This looks wonderful...I'm going to make it for Christmas Eve.
I've love a copy of the label please.
Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
This will be wonderful for Christmas Eve! Sending the labels now, Kasey! Merry Christmas! 🎄
Home KellyRhea says
Yummy!please send the tag pdf.
Chris Scheuer says
They're on the way!