Description

This Boursin-Cream Cheese Log with Cranberry Walnut Glaze is a festive and elegant appetizer featuring a creamy cheese base blended with herbs and dried cranberries, topped with a sweet and tangy cranberry walnut glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

1 package (5.2 oz) Garlic & Fine Herbs Boursin
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
Pinch of black pepper

Cranberry Glaze

⅓ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp chopped walnuts
½ tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

Garnish

Whole walnuts
Fresh parsley or thyme

Instructions

Blend Cheese Base: In a mixing bowl, blend Boursin and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy for a creamy texture.
Add Mix-ins: Stir in the chopped dried cranberries, finely chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of black pepper to distribute flavor evenly through the cheese.
Initial Chill: Chill the mixture for 15 minutes in the refrigerator to help it firm up and become easier to shape.
Shape Cheese Log: Using plastic wrap, shape the chilled cheese mixture into a round dome or a classic cylinder log form.
Final Chill: Place the shaped cheese log back in the refrigerator and chill for an additional 30 minutes to fully set and firm the shape.
Prepare Glaze: In a small pan, gently heat the cranberry sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and optional balsamic vinegar until warm and well combined.
Add Walnuts to Glaze: Stir in the chopped walnuts and allow the glaze to cool slightly to thicken before topping the cheese log.
Glaze the Cheese Log: Spoon the cooled cranberry walnut glaze evenly over the top of the cheese dome for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Garnish & Serve: Decorate with whole walnuts and fresh parsley or thyme. Serve the cheese log chilled with crackers, crostini, or apple slices for a perfect appetizer presentation.

Notes

For a smoother spread, ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature before blending.
Chilling between steps helps maintain the shape and texture of the cheese log.
Use either honey or maple syrup according to dietary preferences or flavor choice.
Optional balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tang that enhances the glaze but can be omitted if desired.
Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheese log, Boursin cheese, cream cheese appetizer, cranberry glaze, walnut topping, holiday appetizer, creamy cheese spread