Spiced-Cherry Cheese Log

Name: Spiced-Cherry Cheese Log
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 1 pkg. cream cheese spread, softened; 1 pkg. shredded white cheddar cheese; ½ cup dried cherries, chopped; ¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice; ½ cup pecans, toasted; RITZ Crackers

This simple cheese spread makes holiday or fall entertaining easy! The creamy cheddar spread is mixed with dried cherries then rolled in nuts.

Prep time:

0 min

Total time:

0 h 0 min

Servings:

Makes 24 servings, 2 Tbsp. spread and 5 crackers each.

Ingredient list

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese spread, softened
1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded white cheddar cheese
½ cup dried cherries, chopped
¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice
½ cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
RITZ Crackers

Directions

Mix cream cheese and cheddar in medium bowl until blended. Stir in cherries and pumpkin pie spice.

Shape into log; wrap in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate 2 hours.

Roll in nuts just before serving with the crackers.

Recipe Tips

Size-WiseSavor every bite of this tasty spread. Each 2-Tbsp. serving goes a long way on flavor.
VariationsPrepare recipe as directed, using one of the following flavor options: Italian: Substitute 1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese for the cheddar, 1/4 cup sliced drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the cherries, and 1/2 tsp. each Italian seasoning and garlic powder for the pumpkin pie spice. Smoky Bacon: Omit pumpkin pie spice. Mix ingredients as directed, substituting 1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded orange cheddar cheese for the shredded white cheddar cheese and 2 Tbsp. bacon bits for the chopped cherries. Stir in 2 sliced green onions, then shape into log. Herbed: Omit pumpkin pie spice. Prepare recipe as directed, substituting 1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese for the cheddar, and 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 Tbsp. each chopped fresh parsley, fresh basil and fresh chives for the cherries.
How to Wrap for Gift-GivingPlace cheese log and knife on decorative platter or cutting board. Wrap with colorful food wrap and ribbon. After serving the cheese log at the holiday party, the hostess will have a lovely gift to remember the occasion by.