❤️Recipe Summary

This Gluten Free Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Log is a festive, sweet-savory appetizer perfect for holidays, parties, and last-minute hosting. It comes together in under 10 minutes, looks stunning on a platter, and pairs beautifully with gluten-free crackers, sliced apples, or veggies. If you’re looking for a no-bake, crowd-pleasing fall or winter appetizer—this one ALWAYS impresses.

Why you’ll love this gluten free cheese log recipe:

• No cooking required—just mix, roll, and chill.
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free.
• Holiday-perfect flavors with cranberry, honey, and toasted walnuts.
• Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining.
• Elegant party presentation with minimal effort.

Ingredient Notes:

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious cheese log:

• Goat cheese: Soft, tangy, and perfect for mixing. You can use a goat cheese log or crumbled chèvre.
• Cream cheese: Helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Dried cranberries: Add sweetness and color—use unsweetened if preferred.
• Walnuts: Chop finely; toast for extra flavor. Pecans also work great.
• Honey or maple syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness.
• Orange zest: Optional but adds a festive citrus brightness.
• Gluten-free crackers: Serve alongside the cheese log.
• Garnish ideas: Fresh rosemary, extra cranberries, or chopped nuts.

A Note From My Kitchen

I love making this cheese log the night before a holiday gathering. The flavors develop beautifully overnight, and chilling helps the cheese firm up so it slices cleanly. If you want a sharper flavor, use a stronger goat cheese blend; for milder flavor, increase the cream cheese ratio.

How to Make a Gluten Free Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Log (Step-By-Step)

• Mix the base: In a bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and orange zest.
• Add mix-ins: Fold in half of the chopped dried cranberries and half of the chopped walnuts.

• Shape the log: Transfer the mixture onto parchment paper and roll into a log shape. Chill for 20–30 minutes.
• Coat the outside: Mix the remaining cranberries and walnuts on a tray. Roll the chilled cheese log in the mixture to coat evenly.

• Chill again: Refrigerate 20 more minutes before serving.
• Serve: Place on a platter with gluten-free crackers, apple slices, or celery sticks.

Fun Variation Ideas!

• Cinnamon-spiced version: Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice.
• Savory version: Swap honey for herbs + cracked pepper.
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese + vegan chèvre.
• Nut-free: Roll in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this cheese log ahead of time?
Yes! Make it 24–48 hours ahead. Add the coating right before serving for best texture.

Can I freeze the cheese log?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Absolutely—pecans, almonds, pistachios, or even mixed nuts all work great.

What can I serve with it besides crackers?
Apple slices, grapes, gluten-free baguette, cucumbers, and carrots.

More Gluten Free Appetizer Recipes:

• Gluten-Free Spinach & Artichoke Dip
• Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls
• Gluten-Free Shrimp & Avocado Lettuce Cups
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Hummus Platter

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Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Log with Gluten-Free Crackers

Ingredients 1x 2x 3x

Cheese Log

• 8 oz goat cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp orange zest (optional)
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped

For Serving

• Gluten-free crackers
• Apple slices
• Fresh rosemary (garnish)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and orange zest until smooth.
2. Fold in half of the chopped cranberries and half of the chopped walnuts.
3. Place the mixture on parchment paper and shape into a log.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
5. Spread the remaining cranberries and walnuts on a tray. Roll the chilled log into the mixture to coat.
6. Chill again for 20 minutes before serving.
7. Serve with gluten-free crackers, sliced apples, or veggies.

Notes

For extra flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before mixing. Make sure your crackers and serving items are certified gluten-free.

SPECIAL NOTE

Goat cheese softens quickly at room temperature. Keep the cheese log chilled until just before serving for the best texture and presentation.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 160
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 1g

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.