Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log: A Festive, Easy Cheese Log for Busy Hosts

Meta description: Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log: festive, easy appetizer for busy hosts. Quick to make, popular, tangy-sweet—perfect for parties and potlucks!

There’s something about a cheese log that makes guests instantly feel welcome—maybe it’s the creamy tang, maybe it’s the bite-sized promise of holiday cheer. Whatever it is, the Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is my go-to when I need a show-stopping appetizer that’s actually simple to make. If you’re juggling school carpools, work deadlines, or pretending you’ve nailed Pinterest-level holiday hosting (no judgment — I’m right there with you), this recipe is a lifesaver.

If you love the sweet-salty combo, you might also enjoy my cranberry pecan cheese ball for your next party — it’s a slightly different vibe but the same crowd-pleasing energy: cranberry pecan cheese ball.

Why the Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log Belongs on Your Table

It’s fast: Most of the work is mixing and shaping. No oven required.
It’s festive: Bright cranberries and tropical pineapple give it a color pop that looks beautiful next to a tray of crackers.
It travels well: Bring one to a potluck and you’ll be asked for the recipe.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
4 oz goat cheese or Neufchâtel (optional for tang)
1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup salted butter, softened (optional — helps with spreadability)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (reserve 1/4 cup for coating)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional; balances sweetness)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for serving
Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Recipe Steps — Simple, Practical, and Fun

Prep the cheeses:
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer (or a wooden spoon if you’re feeling old-school) to beat the cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth. If you added butter for extra creaminess, beat that in now. The goal is a silky base that’s easy to shape.
Fold in flavor:
- Add the drained crushed pineapple, chopped dried cranberries, honey, lemon zest, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a spatula to fold gently so you don’t break up the pineapple chunks too much. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt.
Add the crunch:
- Stir in the chopped pecans, reserving 1/4 cup to finish the outside. The nuts add texture and make the cheese log feel decadent without being complicated.
Shape the log:
- Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to help you roll the mixture into a log about 8–9 inches long. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap like a candy wrapper to tighten. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to let flavors meld.
Coat and present:
- Unwrap the chilled log and roll it in the reserved chopped pecans until well coated. Place on a serving platter and tuck fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs around it for a festive look.
Serve:
- Arrange crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices around the log. A small cheese knife or spreader is friendlier than a fork here—no one wants cold fingers at a party.

Cooking Notes and Timing

If you’re hosting a holiday brunch or cocktail hour, make the cheese log a day ahead. It gets better as the flavors deepen.
If you’re short on time, you can make mini logs or form the mixture into balls and chill for 30–45 minutes.
For a lower-sugar version, reduce the honey/maple to 1 Tbsp and use unsweetened dried cranberries.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log
This holiday cheese log balances sweet and savory in a way that keeps picky eaters and adventurous foodies happy. The pineapple brings tropical brightness, cranberries add that festive tang, and pecans deliver crunch. It’s also an easy way to look like you planned something fancy when you really just opened a box of crackers and called it a day.

Quick Tips from My Kitchen (No Judgment Zone)

Drain the pineapple well. Nobody wants a soggy cheese log—think soggy shoes at a wedding: avoidable and embarrassing.
Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing; it blends more smoothly and saves your arm.
If you don’t like nuts, swap the pecan coating for toasted coconut flakes for a tropical spin.
For a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder or finely chopped jalapeño. Bold move, but it works.

A Short, True Story
My sister Patricia and I made this for our first holiday open house together. I was convinced the guests would prefer mini quiches and fancy charcuterie. But the cheese log? It disappeared so fast we joked it had its own fan club. Patricia still texts me the morning after every party: “Make that cheesy pineapple thing again?” So yes—this recipe has been field-tested by family and scarfed down by strangers. That’s the best kind of validation.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Wine: A slightly sweet Riesling or a fruity Pinot Gris pairs nicely with the sweet-tart duo of pineapple and cranberry.
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider or a citrusy kombucha brings refreshing balance.
Add a spread: A small bowl of fig jam or cranberry chutney beside the log is a win for people who love building flavor stacks on crackers.

Variations to Try

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles: Want bite-sized glamour? Form the mixture into truffles instead of a log and roll in pecans or crushed pretzels. If you’d like a similar bite-sized idea, check out my take on cranberry pecan cheese truffles here: cranberry pecan cheese truffles.
Savory twist: Replace pineapple with finely chopped roasted red pepper and skip the honey for a more savory holiday option.
Vegan option: Use a cultured vegan cream cheese, coconut cream for richness, and a neutral binder like a spoonful of vegan mayo or tahini.

FAQs (Quick Answers for Busy Hosts)

Q: Can I substitute fresh pineapple for canned?
A: Yes, but make sure it’s very well drained and chopped small. Fresh pineapple has more juice; pat it dry on a paper towel first.

Q: How far ahead can I make this?
A: Up to 24 hours. Keep it wrapped and refrigerated, then roll in nuts right before serving for the best texture.

Q: Can I freeze the cheese log?
A: I don’t recommend freezing — the texture of the cream cheese can change. If you must, freeze before coating, and thaw in the fridge overnight.

Q: What if someone has a nut allergy?
A: Roll the log in toasted coconut or crushed pretzels for crunch, or coat with finely chopped, toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

Q: How do I keep the log from sticking to plastic wrap when I shape it?
A: Lightly oil the plastic wrap or use parchment paper instead. Chill until firm before unwrapping to reduce sticking.

How to Make it Look Like You Spent Hours

Place the log on a wooden board, add clusters of grapes, sprigs of rosemary, and a little bowl of honey nearby.
Use a small cookie scoop to pre-slice dollops of the log on crackers — it feels curated and reduces the “knife drama” at the party.

Final Notes from My Kitchen
I love recipes that let me be generous without being stressed. This Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is exactly that: fuss-free, festive, and strangely addictive (ask Patricia). It’s the kind of recipe I make when I want to focus on people instead of pans. If a recipe can give you more time to chat, laugh, and maybe sneak a second cracker before guests arrive, it’s doing its job.

Conclusion

If you’d like another version to inspire your holiday spread, take a peek at this classic take on the Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log for ideas and presentation tips: Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log – Cooked. For a crunchy twist and a different cranberry-cheese combo, this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log guide offers helpful tips and photos: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log | Don’t Go Bacon My Heart.

Thank you for letting me share this little holiday treasure from my kitchen to yours. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy snack for two, this Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is here to make the season taste a touch sweeter. Enjoy—and tell me how your guests reacted (I live for the good gossip).