Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet impressive: This appetizer is quick to make, yet looks and tastes sophisticated, making it ideal for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
- Perfect balance of flavors: The creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the tartness of dried cranberries, while the black pepper adds a hint of warmth and the honey enhances the sweetness.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness with or without honey, and experiment with different herbs for garnish.
- Versatile serving options: Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh apple slices for a variety of textures and flavors that complement the cheese.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cheese Roll:
- 1 log (8 oz) goat cheese
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
- Extra black pepper (optional)
For Serving:
- Crackers
- Baguette slices
- Apple slices
Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Remove the goat cheese from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before starting to allow it to soften slightly, making it easier to work with.
2. Prepare the Cranberry Coating:
- Spread the chopped dried cranberries on a flat plate or piece of parchment paper.
- Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the cranberries to add a subtle warmth to the mixture.
- Optional: Drizzle a small amount of honey over the cranberries to add depth to the flavor.
3. Roll the Goat Cheese:
- Gently roll the goat cheese log over the cranberry mixture, pressing the cranberries into the cheese with your hands to ensure an even, complete coating.
- Press any loose cranberry bits into the sides of the cheese log to make sure it’s fully coated.
4. Chill the Cheese Roll:
- Wrap the rolled cheese log in plastic wrap to help set the coating and maintain its shape.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese and place it on a serving platter.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary for added color and flavor, and sprinkle with extra black pepper if desired.
6. Serve:
- Serve the goat cheese roll with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh apple slices for a delightful and easy-to-eat appetizer.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Sweetness: Omit the honey for a more savory flavor, or use more honey if you prefer extra sweetness.
- Herb alternatives: Instead of thyme or rosemary, try garnishing with fresh basil or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Nuts: For an added crunch, consider pressing crushed nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cheese along with the cranberries.
- Other fruits: You can substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits, such as apricots or figs, for a unique twist.
Storage
- Storage: Store any leftover goat cheese roll in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this appetizer as it may alter the texture of the cheese and cranberries.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
FAQs
Can I use pre-sliced goat cheese?
Yes, pre-sliced goat cheese works as well, but it may be trickier to roll and press the cranberries into. You may need to carefully assemble the slices in a more compact form.
How do I make this appetizer ahead of time?
You can prepare the cheese roll up to a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will firm up even more, and the flavors will continue to develop.
Can I add other fruits or flavors to this roll?
Yes! You can try adding dried figs, apricots, or even cranberries and raisins to customize the flavor to your liking.
How do I serve this at a party?
This appetizer can be served as a standalone treat or with a variety of crackers, breads, or sliced fruits, such as apple slices or grapes, for a beautiful and versatile appetizer spread.
Conclusion
Goat Cheese Rolled in Dried Cranberries is a simple yet elegant appetizer that combines the creamy richness of goat cheese with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries, balanced with a touch of honey and a sprinkle of black pepper. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to enjoy a flavorful snack, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.
Goat Cheese Rolled in Dried Cranberries
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Goat Cheese Rolled in Dried Cranberries is a sophisticated yet easy-to-make appetizer that pairs creamy goat cheese with sweet-tart cranberries, black pepper, and an optional drizzle of honey for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
1 log (8 oz) goat cheese
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Garnish:
Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
Extra black pepper (optional)
For Serving:
Crackers
Baguette slices
Apple slices
Instructions
- Remove the goat cheese from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before starting to soften slightly for easier handling.
- Spread the chopped dried cranberries on a flat plate or parchment paper. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and optionally drizzle honey for extra sweetness.
- Roll the goat cheese log over the cranberry mixture, pressing the cranberries into the cheese to ensure an even coating.
- Wrap the cheese log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set and firm up.
- Unwrap and place the cheese on a serving platter. Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs and extra black pepper.
- Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh apple slices.
Notes
For a nutty twist, press chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cheese along with the cranberries.
Experiment with different dried fruits like figs or apricots for a unique flavor variation.
For a savory version, omit the honey and increase the black pepper for a bolder taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
