Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer

Posted Nov 09, 2017, Updated Nov 16, 2024

4.89 from 9 votes

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This cranberry goat cheese appetizer is made with 8 ingredients in 20 minutes. It’s a simple & delicious holiday starter to serve on Thanksgiving or at a Christmas party!

Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer on a cheese board with a knife that cut a portion out of it lying in front of the goat cheese log

This cranberry goat cheese appetizer is a delicious starter perfect for the holidays. Also, try this cranberry cream cheese dip and cranberry orange bread.

A mixture of cranberries, pecans, balsamic vinegar and rich fall spices sit atop a log of creamy goat cheese for an appetizer that will keep you coming back for more.

Plus, it is made with 8 ingredients in 20 minutes so it’s perfect for last-minute guests.

Thanksgiving is a day-long event for us. My entire family gets up early to run a Thanksgiving day 5K. Then we drink hot chocolate and watch the parade while we start cooking (check out all my favorite Thanksgiving recipes). However, due to waking up early & running, we get hungry and need some appetizers while dinner cooks, and this recipe is a favorite.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer on a serving plate garnished with rosemary

Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer: Substitutions

As always I recommend making this recipe exactly as written! However, if you must make some substitutions, here are a few possibilities!

overhead photo of the labeled ingredients in this Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer recipe

Maple syrup. Honey can be used in place of maple syrup.
Pecans. Walnuts are a great substitute.
Salted Butter. unsalted butter or olive oil are both good substitutes.
Granulated Sugar. white sugar or organic cane sugar are both good choices.
Goat cheese. Use an 8 oz log of goat cheese. You can choose a flavored variety, plain, or even one with a touch of honey.

a goat cheese log made into a Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer on a serving platter

How to Make Goat Cheese Appetizer

Let’s walk through how to make this recipe, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Chop the pecans. If using whole peans make sure to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.

Divide the ingredients. Both the maple syrup and the cranberries are divided. This is because some of the cranberries are completely mashed, while others are left whole. The “saucy” mashed berries hold together the whole berries and pecans, so this is an important step.

photo showing how to make this Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer

Toast Pecans

Begin by cooking the pecans, granulated sugar, cinnamon and salt, stirring oftne until the pecans are coated and begin to brown, about 3-4 minutes

Once they are lightly browned, remove the pecans from heat and spread on wax paper to cool.

two photos showing how to make Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer

Make the Cranberry Topping

While the pecans are cooling, make the topping by combining 2 tablespoons maple syrup and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until combined (about 30 seconds).

Then, add ½ cup of fresh cranberries and cook on medium heat for about 3 minutes until you begin to hear them pop, stirring occasionally.

Once the cranberries begin to pop, mash them with a potato masher or fork.

Continue cooking until the mixture begins to thicken and resembles jelly.

Then, add the remaining 1 Tablespoon maple syrup and ½ cup cranberries and stir to combine.

Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the mixture becomes thick and the cranberries just begin to pop (do not mash them this time).

Remove the mixture from heat and gently stir the toasted pecans into the cranberry mixture. Then, let the mixture stand at room temperature or in the refrigerator until cooled, or until ready to serve.

Prepare in Advance

You can also transfer the cranberry mixture to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, you can quickly assemble the appetizer and serve it cold.

Assemble

Carefully spoon the cooled cranberry mixture on top of the goat cheese log, spreading it evenly.

Serve

Serve the goat cheese appetizer with your favorite crackers. This recipe can be served chilled or with the cranberries at room temperature.

We love serving it as an appetizer to our favorite holiday recipes.

Front view of a knife cutting into Balsamic, Maple & Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer with Cinnamon Toasted Pecans

Store

This recipe stores well! Keep it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 5 days! Snack on it after your guests have left, or use it on top of a salad like this kale salad or brussel sprouts salad (so good).

Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer on top of a stack of crackers

Goat Cheese Appetizer Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes. To do this, make the cranberry mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Then, either warm the mixture slightly or serve it cold on top of your favorite goat cheese log.

How long does this recipe last?

Up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

What kind of cracker goes with goat cheese?

You can eat this with just about any variety of crackers. We like thick hearty crackers that hold up well to dipping. Here are some suggestions: wheat thin crackers, woven wheat crackers, small crostinis.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer being served with a cheese knife

If you make and love my recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so I can see your creations!

Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer

Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer: Substitutions