Kamil Perry
Cranberry cheese is a popular dish, especially during the holidays. It can be made with a variety of cheeses, including cream cheese, goat cheese, Brie, and vegan cheese. The tart and sweet flavors of cranberries pair well with the creaminess of cheese, creating a delicious and festive appetizer or snack. Cranberry cheese can be served in various ways, such as a dip with crackers, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a cheese log rolled in dried cranberries. It is also a versatile dish that can be customized with additional ingredients like apricots, orange zest, and cinnamon. Not only is cranberry cheese tasty, but it can also be a healthy option, as it is low in saturated fat. Overall, cranberry cheese is a flavorful and festive dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Sweet, savory, tart, and fruity |
| Health | Low in saturated fat |
| Occasion | Holiday parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas |
| Type of cheese | Cream cheese, goat cheese, Brie, cheddar, vegan cheese |
| Accompaniments | Bread, crackers, bagels, pita chips, veggie sticks, fruit, turkey sandwich |
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What You'll Learn
Cranberry cream cheese is a tasty, low-fat dip option
One simple recipe for cranberry cream cheese includes just a few ingredients: cream cheese, apricots, orange zest, and cranberries. Fresh or dried cranberries can be used, and the mixture can be thinned out with orange or lemon juice if it becomes too thick. A pinch of salt can also be added for extra flavour. This dip is not only tasty but also low in saturated fat, making it a healthier option for those conscious of their fat intake.
Cranberry cream cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. For a festive touch, it can be shaped into a log and rolled in dried cranberries, with the optional addition of ground cinnamon or chopped pistachios. This makes for a beautiful and delicious appetizer or snack, perfect for holiday entertaining. It can also be served as a dip with a variety of dippers, such as crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
For those who follow a vegan or dairy-free diet, cranberry cream cheese can also be made with vegan cheese. This version still captures the perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours and is a wonderful option for vegan Christmas or holiday parties. Whether served as a dip, spread, or log, cranberry cream cheese is a tasty and low-fat option that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Cranberry cream cheese is a simple yet impressive dish that can elevate any meal or gathering. Its combination of sweet and tangy flavours, along with its versatility and low-fat content, makes it a delightful choice for those seeking a tasty and healthier dip option. So, whether you're hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet night in, consider cranberry cream cheese as your next go-to dip!
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Cranberry grilled cheese sandwiches are a great way to use leftovers
Cranberry grilled cheese sandwiches are also a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers like turkey, ham, or roasted chicken. You can also add some greens like wild arugula or fresh sliced jalapeños to balance the sweet and sour of the cranberries. If you want to get creative, you can even make a cranberry cream cheese spread to use in your sandwich.
To make the sandwich, simply spread butter on one side of each bread slice and place the slices butter-side down. Spread cranberry sauce on the opposite side of each slice, then layer your choice of cheese on top. Add a pinch of flakey salt if desired, then top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices (butter-side up). Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
Cranberry grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious and creative way to use up leftovers, and you can get as creative as you like with your choice of bread, cheese, and additional ingredients.
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Cranberry pairs well with goat cheese and brie
While cranberries are often used in sweet dishes, they can also be paired with cheese to create a delicious, savoury treat. Cranberry cheese is a popular choice for holiday parties and Thanksgiving dinners, with its bright, fruity, and tart flavours. It is often served as a dip with crackers or bread, or used as a spread on sandwiches or bagels.
Goat cheese, also known as goat's milk cheese, has a tangy flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of cranberries. It is a popular substitute for cream cheese in recipes such as cranberry cream cheese dip or spread. Goat cheese's creamy texture and tangy flavour also complement the tartness of cranberry sauce, making it a versatile choice for both sweet and savoury dishes.
Brie, a soft-ripened cheese made from cow's milk, has a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It is a classic choice for cheese platters and baked dishes. When paired with cranberries, brie adds a creamy contrast to the tart and sweet flavours of the fruit. Baked brie stuffed with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, and topped with cranberry sauce, is a comforting and tangy dish perfect for fall and winter.
In addition to goat cheese and brie, other types of cheese that pair well with cranberries include blue cheese, feta, smoked provolone, Gouda, and sharp cheddar. The versatility of cranberries allows for a range of flavour combinations, from sweet and savoury to tangy and creamy.
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Vegan cranberry cheese is easy to make and perfect for Christmas
Vegan Cranberry Cheese: Easy to Make and Perfect for Christmas
Cranberry cheese is a delightful holiday treat, and you can easily make a vegan version at home. This dairy-free cheese recipe is perfect for a vegan Christmas, combining sweet and savoury flavours that are well-suited to the festive season.
Ingredients
You can find all the ingredients you need at your local supermarket. Here's what you'll require:
- Vegan cheese base ingredients (you can use cashews, spices, nuts, dried fruit, and herbs)
- Agar powder or corn starch (to bind the cheese)
- Fresh or dried cranberries
- Orange zest (optional)
- Apricots (optional)
Method
The process is simple and should take less than 1.5 hours. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Add the vegan cheese base ingredients to a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Pour the mixture into a pan and heat it over medium to high heat. This step is crucial for activating the agar powder or corn starch.
- Keep stirring to prevent burning.
- After a few minutes, the mixture will transform into a thick paste.
- Add the cranberries and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a dish and spread it evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour to let it set.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan cranberry cheese is a versatile treat. Here are some serving ideas:
- Spread it on crackers or rye bread.
- Serve it with crudités for a refreshing dip.
- Use it as a filling for vegan cranberry cheese tarts, combining it with puff pastry, garlic-infused olive oil, onion chutney, vegan mozzarella, and fresh thyme.
- Create a cranberry rosemary cashew cheese log by mixing chopped nuts, cranberries, and rosemary with the cheese and shaping it into a log.
So, this festive season, impress your guests and cater to various dietary needs with this easy-to-make, delicious vegan cranberry cheese. It's the perfect blend of sweet and savoury, bringing cheer to your Christmas table.
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Cranberry cheese logs are a festive appetizer
Cranberry Cheese Logs: A Festive Appetizer
Cranberry cheese logs are a delightful and festive appetizer to serve during the holidays. They are simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients, and can be prepared in advance, making them an excellent choice for busy hosts. The combination of sweet and tangy cranberries with creamy cheese creates a delicious flavour profile that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients and Variations
The primary ingredients for a cranberry cheese log are, of course, cheese and cranberries. For the cheese, options such as goat cheese, cream cheese, or a honey-laced chèvre are popular choices. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own vegan cheese using cashews, agar powder, or corn starch, and nutritional yeast for an umami flavour.
When it comes to cranberries, you can use either fresh or dried cranberries. Dried cranberries are a favourite for their sweet and slightly tart flavour, as well as their plump texture. However, if you prefer fresh cranberries, you can easily use them instead. To enhance the flavour and texture of your cranberry cheese log, you can also add ingredients like apricots, orange zest, nuts, parsley, rosemary, or even a drizzle of honey.
Preparation and Serving Suggestions
To prepare your cranberry cheese log, start by mixing your chosen cheese with any additional ingredients, such as apricots or orange zest. Shape the cheese into a log, then chill it in the refrigerator or freezer until it firms up. In the meantime, prepare your cranberries by chopping them finely, and feel free to mix in any additional ingredients like nuts or herbs. Once the cheese log is chilled, remove it from the fridge and roll it in the cranberry mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
Cranberry cheese logs can be served as part of a cheese board or as an appetizer with crackers, pita chips, veggie sticks, or fresh bread. They are versatile and pair well with a variety of savoury and sweet accompaniments. For a festive touch, sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top of the cheese log before rolling it in the cranberry mixture.
A Crowd-Pleasing Favourite
Cranberry cheese logs are a delightful and festive way to incorporate the flavours of the season into your holiday gatherings. They are a crowd-pleasing favourite, offering a balance of sweet and savoury flavours that complement each other beautifully. Whether you're serving them at a holiday party or enjoying them as a special treat during the colder months, cranberry cheese logs are sure to be a delicious and memorable part of your celebrations.
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Frequently asked questions
Cranberry cheese is a combination of cheese and cranberries. It can be made with dried or fresh cranberries and is often served as a dip or spread.
Cranberry cheese has a sweet and savoury flavour profile. The cranberries add sweetness and tartness, while the cheese provides a savoury or creamy element.
Cranberry cheese made with cream cheese, apricots, orange zest, and cranberries is low in saturated fat and high in flavour. It can be a good source of protein and calcium, depending on the type of cheese used.
Cranberry cheese can be served as a dip with crackers, pita chips, veggie sticks, or fruit. It can also be spread on bread, rolls, or sandwiches, or used as a topping for crostini. Additionally, it can be rolled into a log with dried cranberries and served as an appetizer or snack.
Yes, vegan cranberry cheese can be made by blending vegan cheese base ingredients with cranberries and using agar or corn starch as a binding agent. This dairy-free alternative offers the same sweet and savoury flavour combination as traditional cranberry cheese.
