This Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer is a simple and elegant holiday starter. Made with 8 ingredients in 20 minutes, it's a delicious appetizer to serve on Thanksgiving or at a Christmas party!
Add pecans, granulated sugar, cinnamon and salt and stir to combine.
Cook, stirring consistently until the pecans are coated and begin to become darker brown, about 3-4 minutes
Remove from heat and spread on wax paper to cool.
Cranberries:
In a small saucepan over medium heat add 2 Tbsp. maple syrup and balsamic vinegar and heat until combined (about 30 seconds)
Add ½ cup of fresh cranberries and cook on medium heat for about 3 minutes until you begin to hear them pop, stirring occasionally.
Mash the cranberries with a potato masher or fork.
Continue cooking until the mixture begins to thicken and resembles jelly.
Add the remaining 1 TBS 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 mixture from heat and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes or until ready to serve.
Assembly:
Place goat cheese on a cheese board or serving plate.
Gently stir pecans into the cranberry mixture.
Carefully spoon the mixture on top of the goat cheese log, spreading it evenly.
Serve with your favorite crackers!
Video
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
Maple syrup. Honey can be used in place of maple syrup.
Pecans. Walnuts also taste amazing in this recipe.
Butter. Olive oil can be used in place of butter, although I don't suggest it.
Granulated Sugar. I used organic cane sugar but any granulated variety can be used with great results! Coconut sugar and maple sugar are also great refined sugar free options.
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.
Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.