Goat Cheese Appetizer Log with Pistachios, Cranberries and Caramelized Shallots

I absolutely love a good charcuterie board – and honestly, who doesn’t? There’s always something for everyone. One of my favorite additions to a spread is a non-dairy cheese option, and goat cheese fits the bill perfectly. I’m especially fond of Le Cendrillon™, an ash-covered, soft-ripened goat cheese. Drizzled with local honey and paired with a crisp cracker (sometimes even one made from my own sourdough discard, speckled with sesame seeds and herbs), it's an elegant and flavourful bite.

The challenge with chèvre or goat cheese, though, is that not everyone is a fan. To make it more approachable, I used a mild and creamy goat cheese from Costco (one of their 300 g packs from the two-pack option) and crafted a log full of complementary flavors – smooth, subtle, and absolutely delicious. This recipe highlights the balance of tangy cheese, sweet cranberries, and the rich crunch of pistachios. A drizzle of honey, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of flaky salt ties everything together beautifully.

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

• Quick and Easy – It takes very little time to prepare but looks incredibly impressive on the table.

• Versatile – Swap the cranberries for any dried fruit you love! Dates would add a rich sweetness, while pomegranate molasses instead of honey could bring a gorgeous, tangy glaze.

• Nut-Free Option – Skip the pistachios to keep the dish nut-free, or substitute almonds for a different kind of crunch. The pistachios, however, add just the right touch of salt and texture.

Ingredients:

• 300 g Goat cheese

• 2 tbsp. honey

• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios

• 1/2 cup chopped cranberries

• 1 large grey shallot

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp flaked salt

• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cook until translucent. Stir in 1 tbsp of honey, allowing it to coat and caramelize the shallots. Set aside to cool.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, crumble the goat cheese. Add the cranberries, caramelized shallots, and pistachios. Drizzle with the remaining honey, sprinkle with black pepper, and mix until fully incorporated.

3. Place a long piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Transfer the cheese mixture to the center and shape into an 8-inch log, using the plastic wrap to help form and roll it tightly. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to secure the log.

4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the log to firm up.

5. Before serving, let the cheese log return to room temperature for easier slicing.

   Serve as part of a charcuterie board or with toasted English muffins, bagels, or crackers. Enjoy!

Goat Cheese Appetizer Log with Pistachios, Cranberries and Caramelized Shallots

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Author: Richelle Fortin

I absolutely love a good charcuterie board – and honestly, who doesn’t? There’s always something for everyone. One of my favorite additions to a spread is a non-dairy cheese option, and goat cheese fits the bill perfectly. I’m especially fond of Le Cendrillon™, an ash-covered, soft-ripened goat cheese. Drizzled with local honey and paired with a crisp cracker (sometimes even one made from my own sourdough discard, speckled with sesame seeds and herbs), it's an elegant and flavourful bite. The challenge with chèvre or goat cheese, though, is that not everyone is a fan. To make it more approachable, I used a mild and creamy goat cheese from Costco (one of their 300 g packs from the two-pack option) and crafted a log full of complementary flavors – smooth, subtle, and absolutely delicious. This recipe highlights the balance of tangy cheese, sweet cranberries, and the rich crunch of pistachios. A drizzle of honey, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of flaky salt ties everything together beautifully.Why You Will Love This Recipe:Quick and Easy – It takes very little time to prepare but looks incredibly impressive on the table.Versatile – Swap the cranberries for any dried fruit you love! Dates would add a rich sweetness, while pomegranate molasses instead of honey could bring a gorgeous, tangy glaze.Nut-Free Option – Skip the pistachios to keep the dish nut-free, or substitute almonds for a different kind of crunch. The pistachios, however, add just the right touch of salt and texture.

Ingredients

• 300 g Goat cheese
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/2 cup chopped cranberries
• 1 large grey shallot
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp flaked salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cook until translucent. Stir in 1 tbsp of honey, allowing it to coat and caramelize the shallots. Set aside to cool.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, crumble the goat cheese. Add the cranberries, caramelized shallots, and pistachios. Drizzle with the remaining honey, sprinkle with black pepper, and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Place a long piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Transfer the cheese mixture to the center and shape into an 8-inch log, using the plastic wrap to help form and roll it tightly. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to secure the log.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the log to firm up.
5. Before serving, let the cheese log return to room temperature for easier slicing.
6. Serve as part of a charcuterie board or with toasted English muffins, bagels, or crackers. Enjoy!