Cranberry and Goat Cheese Log Recipe for Holiday Appetizers

Cranberry cinnamon goat cheese log on a plate with gluten-free crackers.

If you need a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer made from simple ingredients, this cranberry goat cheese log is it. With only three ingredients and about five minutes of prep, it’s perfect for entertaining and easily fits a gluten-free spread when served with gluten-free crackers.

For my 30th birthday I hosted a small taco-and-cocktail gathering. Since the main food arrived later, I set out an easy cheese board with store-bought cheeses, cured meats, dried fruit, and crackers—and I like to add one or two homemade touches. While shopping I kept seeing cranberry-coated goat cheese logs at the store, and I remembered a lovely blueberry goat cheese log I’d had at a picnic. I decided to make my own cranberry version at home.

It’s so simple you could buy it, but homemade is faster, cheaper, and you can customize it. I kept this version intentionally plain—just goat cheese, dried cranberries, and a hint of cinnamon. I experimented with nuts and fresh herbs but preferred the straightforward flavor that lets the goat cheese shine.

A plate with cranberry cinnamon goat cheese log and cinnamon sticks.

To assemble, roughly chop dried cranberries and toss them with ground cinnamon. Spread the mixture on a flat plate and gently roll the goat cheese log in it until the surface is covered. If the cranberries don’t adhere at first, press them into the cheese with your hands until they stick.

This log looks beautiful on a cheese board and tastes even better than it looks. Serve it with gluten-free crackers for an easy appetizer, or bring it to a holiday party—you’re guaranteed to get compliments. Leftovers are great spread on toast; it’s a tasty alternative to cream cheese.

A plate of gluten-free crackers and cranberry goat cheese log.

Love goat cheese? Try these other gluten-free goat cheese recipes!

Sweet Potato Rounds with Roasted Grapes and Goat Cheese
Gluten Free Asparagus Goat Cheese Tart

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Cranberry Goat Cheese Log Recipe

This cranberry goat cheese log is a three-ingredient, gluten-free appetizer that’s ideal for holidays and casual entertaining. It’s flavorful, fuss-free, and can be doubled to serve a larger group. Serve with gluten-free crackers or use as a spread on toast for breakfast.

Plate of gluten-free crackers with cranberry rolled goat cheese log and cinnamon.

A goat cheese log with dried cranberries and cinnamon.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Log

Dried cranberries, cinnamon, and goat cheese create a simple, three-ingredient gluten-free appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve with gluten-free crackers or on a cheese board. Easily doubled to serve a crowd.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

4 oz goat cheese
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Let the goat cheese soften slightly at room temperature while you prepare the cranberries.
Roughly chop the dried cranberries and mix them with the ground cinnamon.
Spread the cranberry-cinnamon mixture on a flat plate.
Carefully roll the goat cheese log in the mixture until all sides are covered. Press the cranberries into the cheese if needed to help them adhere.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition