Introduction

This Cherry Cheese Log is a delightful and festive appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Creamy, tangy cream cheese blends with sweet maraschino cherries and a hint of orange zest, then gets a crunchy pecan coating for texture and flavor.

The image shows a cheese log shaped like a rough cylinder, with its exterior coated in chopped nuts that are light brown and textured, giving a crunchy appearance. Inside, the cheese is creamy white and soft, mixed with small bits of bright red cherries embedded throughout. On top of the log, there are larger slices of glossy red cherries arranged in a row. The cheese log rests on a white marbled surface, with golden croissants and more red cherries blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 ounces maraschino cherries
24 ounces cream cheese (3 blocks), softened
2 tablespoons sugar
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Drain the cherries, then rinse them thoroughly.
Step 2: Chop the cherries, rinse them again, and dry them with a paper towel until it no longer stains red—making sure the cherries are very dry.
Step 3: In a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, orange zest, and ground ginger until well combined.
Step 4: Gently fold in the chopped cherries, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap (about 15×30 inches).
Step 6: Shape the mixture into a log, then wrap tightly by twisting the edges of the plastic wrap in opposite directions.
Step 7: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese log for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Step 8: Remove from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic, and roll the log in chopped pecans until evenly coated.

Tips & Variations

Use finely chopped pecans for a more uniform coating or mix in some chopped dried cranberries for extra tartness.
For a nut-free version, try rolling the cheese log in finely crushed pretzels or seeds.
Make sure the cherries are very dry to prevent the cheese log from becoming watery.

Storage

Store the cherry cheese log wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for easier slicing. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A white rectangular plate with a log-shaped cheese ball coated in chopped brown pecans, topped with bright red chopped cherries in a line down the center. To the left of the cheese ball are several round and square pale yellow crackers stacked slightly on top of each other, and above them are three orange wedges with a shiny surface. At the top right corner, more whole pecans and shiny red cherries are scattered on the plate. All is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cheese log ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What can I serve with the cherry cheese log?

This cheese log pairs wonderfully with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.

Cherry Cheese Log Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 145 reviews

This Cherry Cheese Log is a delightful, creamy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet and tangy twist on a classic cheese spread. It features a smooth blend of cream cheese, maraschino cherries, orange zest, and a hint of ginger, all rolled into a log and coated with crunchy pecans for a pleasing texture contrast.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 10 to 12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

10 ounces maraschino cherries
24 ounces cream cheese (3 blocks), softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 orange, zested
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Coating

1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly, then rinse them very well under cold water to reduce sweetness and remove excess syrup.
Chop and Dry Cherries: Chop the cherries finely, rinse them again to ensure they are clean, and then pat dry with paper towels until the towels no longer turn red. This step is crucial to remove moisture for better texture and to prevent excess liquid in the cheese log.
Mix the Cheese Base: In a stand mixer or a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, orange zest, and ground ginger together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Fold in Cherries: Gently fold the chopped, dried cherries into the cream cheese mixture to distribute them evenly without crushing the fruit.
Shape the Log: Scoop the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap (approximately 15 by 30 inches). Shape the mixture into a log form, then wrap tightly by twisting the ends of the plastic wrap in opposite directions to firm it up.
Refrigerate: Place the wrapped log in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.
Coat with Pecans: After chilling, unwrap the log carefully and roll it in the chopped pecans until fully coated, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Notes

Ensuring the cherries are well rinsed and dried is key to prevent the cheese log from becoming soggy.
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the cheese mixture.
Serve chilled with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit for a perfect party appetizer.
Can be made a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.

Keywords: Cherry cheese log, cream cheese appetizer, holiday appetizer, pecan cheese log, fruit cheese spread