Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Cranberries and Pistachios

This easy goat cheese appetizer is perfect to put together for a party or small gathering.

The goat cheese appetizer features a log of goat cheese rolled into diced pistachios and cranberries. The goat cheese is topped with pepper jelly and drizzled with hot honey. This simple appetizer is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy.

This simple goat cheese appetizer is always a hit! It looks decadent and delicious and only takes 10 minutes to put together before a party.

What is Hot Honey?

Hot honey is a simple yet flavorful condiment made by combining honey with chili peppers or chili flakes to create a balance of sweetness and heat. The process typically involves gently heating honey and infusing it with the desired level of spice by adding dried or fresh chili peppers, chili flakes, or even hot sauce. Once the flavors meld, the mixture is strained to remove any solid bits, leaving a smooth, spicy-sweet syrup. The spice level can be adjusted based on the type and amount of chili used. Hot honey is easy to make at home and is prized for its versatility, enhancing dishes like pizza, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, or even desserts with a kick of heat.

What cheese can I use in the goat cheese appetizer if I don’t like goat cheese?

If you’re looking to substitute goat cheese in a goat cheese appetizer, here are some great alternatives, each offering a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor profile:

1. Cream Cheese
   • Best for: A mild and creamy substitute.
   • Tip: Mix with a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to mimic goat cheese’s tanginess.
2. Ricotta Cheese
   • Best for: A soft, slightly sweet option.
   • Tip: Choose whole-milk ricotta and whip it for a smoother consistency.
3. Feta Cheese
   • Best for: A crumbly, tangy alternative.
   • Tip: Blend with a bit of cream or olive oil to make it spreadable.
4. Mascarpone
   • Best for: A richer, less tangy option.
   • Tip: Combine with a small amount of plain yogurt for added acidity.
5. Boursin Cheese
   • Best for: A pre-seasoned, herb-infused alternative.
   • Tip: Skip additional seasoning if using Boursin, as it’s already flavored.
6. Cottage Cheese
   • Best for: A lighter, low-fat option.
   • Tip: Blend until smooth and add a touch of salt or lemon for flavor.
7. Labneh
   • Best for: A tangy and creamy Middle Eastern alternative.
   • Tip: Serve as-is or roll into a log for a more authentic presentation.
8. Cashew or Almond Cheese (Vegan)
   • Best for: A plant-based substitute with creamy texture.
   • Tip: Look for options labeled as tangy or aged for a closer flavor match.
9. Neufchâtel Cheese
   • Best for: A lower-fat, cream cheese-like substitute.
   • Tip: Use straight out of the package, as it’s already soft and spreadable.

These options can be seasoned and garnished like goat cheese to match the original recipe’s flavor profile.

Can I make my own Pepper Jelly?

Making pepper jelly involves combining a mixture of sweet and hot peppers with sugar and vinegar to create a balanced blend of flavors. The peppers are finely chopped, often using a food processor, and then simmered with the sugar and vinegar to extract their essence and meld the flavors. Once the mixture reaches a boil, pectin is added to help the jelly set. The mixture is cooked briefly until it thickens, and then it’s poured into sterilized jars while still hot. After sealing, the jars can be processed in a water bath for long-term storage. We have a whole blog post with a recipe for making your own Pepper Jelly if you’re interested in trying it! It is easy to make yourself and tastes so good on the goat cheese appetizer.

More Delicious Appetizers: