A Tasty Cranberry, Orange, And Goat Cheese Appetizer

Cranberry orange goat cheese is a delicious and simple appetizer that can be served in a variety of ways. It is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a year-round treat. The combination of tangy goat cheese and sweet cranberries can be enjoyed as a baked dish, on a charcuterie board, or even as a sandwich filling. This versatile appetizer can be made ahead of time and served with a variety of crackers, crostini, or fresh fruits. It can also be paired with a glass of wine for a truly indulgent experience.

Explore related products

Mud Pie Can-Berry Ceramic Cranberry Serving Dish and Spatula Set

$28 $35

Wensleydale with Cranberries 1lb

$24.99

Acacia Wood Serving Platter 17.5 x 6 Long with Grooves & Handle. Luxury Snack Paddle Large XL Reversible Tray for Dinner Parties Chips Dips Crudités Cheese Charcuterie Gift (Long Rectangle)

$24.99

Wensleydale with Cranberries (1 pound) by Gourmet-Food

$32.98 $39.99

LAUCHUH Porcelain Chip and Dip Serving Set Divided Serving Trays Appetizers and Cheeses Serving Platter Compartment Dish for Father's Day, Christmas, Snack, Fruit, Veggies, Candy, 12-inch Set of 1

$26.99 $29.99

Rachael Ray Cucina Dinnerware 8-Inch x 12-Inch Stoneware Rectangular Platter, Cranberry Red -

$19.99

How to make a cranberry goat cheese log

Cranberry goat cheese logs are a great addition to a fall or winter cheese board and can be made with simple ingredients. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious cranberry goat cheese log.

Ingredients:

• Goat cheese log
• Cranberries (fresh or dried)
• Sugar
• Water
• Orange zest
• Ground cinnamon
• Mint (optional)
• Gluten-free crackers, crostini, or bread (for serving)

Method:

• Combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and ground cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. This should take about 8-15 minutes, depending on whether you are using fresh or frozen cranberries.
• Allow the mixture to cool completely before assembling.
• Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface. Spoon about 6 tablespoons of the cranberry sauce onto the plastic wrap, creating a rectangle the length of the goat cheese log.
• Place the unwrapped goat cheese log on top of the cranberry sauce.
• Top the goat cheese log with the remaining cranberry sauce, smoothing it over the entire surface (top and sides), similar to frosting a cake.
• Wrap the plastic wrap around the goat cheese log to seal everything in.
• Refrigerate until about 30 minutes before serving. Let the cranberry goat cheese log sit at room temperature for a while to slightly soften before serving.
• Serve with your favourite gluten-free crackers, crostini, or bread.

Variations:

You can also try different variations of the cranberry goat cheese log by adding or substituting ingredients:

• Pecans, rosemary, and honey
• Walnuts, pistachios, or other nuts
• Green onions or scallions
• Ginger
• Fresh or dried cherries

Baked goat cheese with cranberries

This baked goat cheese with cranberries is a fancy yet simple appetizer that can be served during the holidays or any other day. It is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients:

• Goat cheese
• Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• Sugar
• Water
• Orange zest
• Cinnamon
• Mint
• Toasted bread and/or crackers
• Nuts (optional)
• Pomegranate seeds (optional)

Instructions:

First, make the cranberry sauce by combining cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 8-15 minutes depending on the type of cranberries used. Let the sauce cool completely before assembling.

Next, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly in a medium baking dish. Cut the goat cheese into 10 slices and nestle the slices into the cranberry sauce.

Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the sauce and cheese are warmed through. If desired, broil under high heat for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese, but be careful not to burn it.

Finally, garnish with mint and serve warm with crostini and/or crackers. For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts or pomegranate seeds on top.

Tips:

• If you want to slice the goat cheese in advance, place the slices on a parchment-lined plate and cover with plastic wrap.
• You can also use canned cranberry sauce, but make sure to look for the "whole berry" type instead of the "jellied" kind.
• This appetizer can be served with fresh fruit like apple slices, grapes, or pear wedges, and cured meats like prosciutto or salami.

Goat cheese pizza

Cranberry orange goat cheese can be used as a topping for pizzas, which can be served as a festive appetizer during the holidays or at parties.

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350-550° F. While the oven is preheating, prepare the pizza dough by rolling it out with your hands or a rolling pin on a floured surface. Try to make the pizza dough as thin as possible and place it on parchment paper for ease.

Sauce

For the sauce, add fresh cranberries to a saucepan over medium heat with olive oil, minced garlic, shallots, and jalapeno pepper. Add in some orange juice, and maple syrup, and cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. You can also add in cinnamon and sugar to taste.

Assembly

Spread the cranberry sauce over the pizza dough with the back of a spoon or a pastry brush. Generously add crumbled goat cheese on top. If you prefer your goat cheese slices to be more melted, add the cheese before baking. If you would like the cheese to retain its shape, add the cheese after baking.

Baking

Slide the pizza onto a hot pizza stone and bake for 8-16 minutes until the outer crust is golden brown and the cheese is slightly browned.

Toppings

Add your desired toppings to the baked pizza. Fresh thyme, crushed pistachios, arugula, lemon zest, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic vinegar will add a sweet and spicy flavor to the pizza. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or some pomegranate seeds.

Explore related products

Baked Brie Topping Mix - Cranberries & Almonds

$12.98

Wensleydale w/ Cranberries Cheese (2.5 Lb Half Wheel) from England

$72

Boston International Cutting/Cheese Board with Handle - Wood and Enamel Serving Tray, 16" x 12", Cranberry Wreath

$32.82

LAUCHUH Chip & Dip Serving Set, 11 inch Porcelain Divided Serving Platter Large Relish Tray Appetizer Tray for Party, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Nuts, Candy, Veggies, Candy and Snacks, White

$25.99 $29.99

White Stilton w/ Cranberries Sold by the pound

$39.98

Wensleydale Cheese with Cranberries (2 x 1 pound)

$58.99

Goat cheese with crackers

There are many ways to serve cranberry orange goat cheese with crackers. Here is a guide to help you get started:

Preparing the Cheese

Start by letting the goat cheese soften at room temperature. If you have a log of goat cheese, you can roll it in the dried cranberries and cinnamon mixture. Alternatively, you can make a cranberry sauce by simmering cranberries, orange zest, spices, water, and sugar for 15-20 minutes. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent scorching. Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool. You can also add in some honey for extra sweetness.

Serving with Crackers

Now, it's time to serve your delicious creation! Choose your favourite crackers—options like butter crackers, wheat crackers, gluten-free crackers, or seeded crackers will all work great. You can even make your own homemade brown rice crackers if you're feeling adventurous.

Arrange the crackers on a plate or charcuterie board, and then place the goat cheese on a separate plate with an appetizer knife. Your guests can then spread the cheese onto the crackers themselves.

If you want to get creative, you can also try making "truffles" by chilling the cranberry goat cheese mixture, forming it into small balls, and rolling them in chopped, toasted nuts. These can be served on top of the crackers for a fancier presentation.

Additional Tips

For a complete appetizer spread, consider adding some fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, or pear wedges. You can also include a small salad with arugula or mixed greens dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. And don't forget the beverages! A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, will pair wonderfully with the goat cheese and cranberries.

There you have it—a delicious and impressive appetizer that your guests will surely enjoy!

Goat cheese with fresh fruit

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various fruits, adding a creamy and tangy dimension to sweet, fresh flavours. Here are some ways to serve goat cheese with fresh fruit:

Goat Cheese, Honey, and Fruit Crostini

For a simple, yet elegant appetizer, prepare some goat cheese, honey, and fruit crostini. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Cut a French baguette into 3/4-inch slices and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted. In a small bowl, mix goat cheese and honey until you get a relatively smooth consistency. It's okay if it's a little crumbly. Spread the goat cheese mixture onto the toasted bread slices and top with fresh, seasonal fruit. Before serving, drizzle each crostini with a bit of honey. This appetizer can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day or at room temperature for 8-10 hours.

Goat Cheese and Fruit Salad

For a refreshing summer salad, combine fresh greens such as arugula, sliced cucumbers, grapes, and dried cranberries in a large bowl. You can also add in sliced onions and almonds for a crunchy texture. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, jam, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds to make a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Crumble or slice the goat cheese and add it to the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle some additional poppy seeds on top for a pop of texture and visual appeal. This salad is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, crispy, and creamy flavours.

Baked Goat Cheese with Cranberries

This warm and comforting dish is perfect for the holiday season. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spread cranberry sauce in an even layer in a medium baking dish. Cut goat cheese into 10 slices and nestle them into the cranberry sauce. You can also prepare the cranberry sauce and slice the goat cheese in advance and assemble them right before baking. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the sauce and cheese are warmed through. If desired, broil under high heat for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the cheese, but be careful not to burn it. Garnish with fresh herbs like mint, thyme, rosemary, or basil, and serve warm with crostini and/or crackers.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Log

This simple 3-ingredient appetizer is perfect for holiday entertaining. You can use either dried or fresh cranberries for this recipe. If using dried cranberries, roughly chop them and mix with ground cinnamon. Place the cranberry cinnamon mixture on a flat plate. Take a log of soft goat cheese and carefully roll it in the mixture until all sides are coated. If needed, use your hands to press some of the cranberries into the cheese. This can be served immediately or refrigerated until ready to eat. Serve with your favourite gluten-free crackers or smear it on toast.

Fruit and Goat Cheese Pairing Guide

When pairing goat cheese with fresh fruit, it's essential to consider the seasonality of the fruit. In the summer, opt for fresh goat cheese with slices of peach, apricot, nectarine, or red berries like cherries or redcurrants. During autumn, apples, pears, figs, or grapes complement the more aged goat cheeses beautifully. You can also try stewing, caramelizing, or poaching apples and pears to create delicious sweet and savoury recipes. For a quick breakfast or snack, pair a few slices of fresh fruit with goat cheese and yoghurt or fromage blanc.

Frequently asked questions