Honey Apricot Goat Cheese Log with Almonds

This Goat Cheese Log with Apricots and Honey is sure to be a hit at any party or holiday gathering! This easy appetizer recipe features fun flavors and can be made ahead of time or as fast as 30 minutes!

This Apricot Honey Goat Cheese Log is simple to make and a must make party appetizer. Cheese logs are always a hit during the winter holiday months, BUT this cheese log features all the summertime flavors making it great for summer occasions as well.

This appetizer can be made ahead of time, or be ready in about 30 minutes great for the party planner or the last minute recipe type of person. My favorite way to enjoy cheese is drizzled with some honey, basil and spread on a crunchy bagel chip. I hope you and your guests love this recipe as much as I do, enjoy!

Ingredient Notes

Cheese
My favorite combination to use is equal parts plain goat cheese and cream cheese. I think this combo yields the best texture, flavor and pairs well with the add ins. You could also use all goat cheese, all cream cheese or incorporate another cheese. Other good cheese options to try are mascarpone and ricotta cheese. Note that any changes to the cheese will yield a slightly different cheese log.

Nut Options
Almonds are my ALL TIME favorite nut and I add them into a lot of recipes. I used sliced almonds because they incorporate into the cheese log well and toast faster. Other options include chopped or crushed almonds, pecans, or pistachios. Whatever nut you use I do recommend chopped them into smaller pieces and toasted them for a bit.
I do not recommend using any flavored nuts, peanuts for this recipe as the flavor would be very overpowered and compete with everything else going on.

Why This is a HIT at any Party
Fun Flavors: Great Combination of Sweet & Savory
Can be Made Ahead of Time
Crowd Pleaser
Versatile: Different Ingredient Options & Form Options

Instructions

1. Add sliced almonds to a small skillet and toast over medium heat for about 5minutes. Stir often and be sure not to burn them.
2. While the almonds are toasting, roughly chop/dice the dried apricots. Set aside.
3. Add the goat cheese, cream cheese, all of the spices half of the toasted almonds, half of the dried apricots (set the rest aside for the topping) into a large bowl.
4. Use a spoon to mix the cheese until all of the ingredients are well combined.
5. Once combined, scoop the cheese onto a large piece of cling wrap (I like to double layer mine) in the rough shape of a log.
6. Wrap the cling wrap around the cheese sealing on all sides and gently roll and use your hands to form the cheese log shape. Once rolled, store in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight. If you are in a time crunch you can put the cheese into the freezer for 10 minutes.
7. When ready to serve, spread the apricot jam onto a serving bowl or platter.
8. Spread the reserved ingredients on a plate in a line. Remove the cheese from the cling wrap and gently roll into the reserved almonds and apricots. I concentrate mine on the top, sides and use my hand to gently press them into the cheese.
9. Once rolled, place the cheese on top of the jam and drizzle with honey and fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Make Ahead Tips
This Honey Cheese Log is perfect for making ahead of time for an easy party appetizer. I combine everything then roll into the log for and let sit in the fridge until ready to serve. You can make up to a day ahead of time.
When ready to serve continue with rolling the log in the topping, and serve with jam, honey, fresh basil and dippers of choice.

Pro Tips

Let it Chill
Before rolling the cheese log into the outer coating it is important to let it chill in the fridge or freezer first. The cheese will be very soft other wise and break apart when rolling. I like to let mine sit in the fridge for about 30-40 minutes and the freezer for 10-15 minutes. The freezer is great in a time crunch.

Finishing Touches
Cheese logs are all about presentation. Don't skimp on the outer coating, spread the apricot jam on a platter or bowl instead of just putting on the side and drizzle with honey and fresh basil. These last touches add more flavor and really add to the overall look which makes this appetizer feel more fancy for a party or holiday.

Mix it Up
If you aren't digging the cheese log vibe, you can use the same recipe and instead make a large cheese ball or mini cheese balls speared with toothpicks. With the mini cheese balls you can serve on the side and let guests add their own.

Serving Ideas

Cheese logs are great with a variety of dippers. This Honey Goat Cheese Log pairs great with some herb flavors crackers, toasted bread, bagel chips, or sliced apples. Plain crackers or raw veggies are also good serving options.

My Favorite Kitchen Tools
I love serving cheese of are varieties on a nice serving stone or in a serving bowl. The serving bowl works great for this goat cheese log because the apricot jam stay container more.

FAQS

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Happy Eating!