Cranberry Goat Cheese and Almond Crackers

Creamy goat cheese with spiced cranberry jam and homemade almond poppy seed crackers.

A few years ago, I stumbled upon a seasonal cranberry goat cheese log at Costco. I was curious, so I bought one to try. I thought it was quite good, especially for holiday snacking. The following year I looked for the cheese again, but sadly it was unavailable. I did not let that stop me from having my holiday nibbles. Oh no! I slipped into the kitchen and whipped up my own version.

My recipe came out less tart, with a little more spice, and absolutely delicious. Since then, I have continued making the cranberry cheese instead of buying it. I tweak things here and there and try out new additions. This year I have kept the recipe simple but added some homemade crackers.

Crackers are readily available for purchase in a multitude of varieties. It is so convenient that most people (even myself) don’t think of making them. But…Making crackers is super easy, and it adds a personal touch that guests will notice!

These almond crackers have a nice crispness, with a hint of sweetness from the honey and a touch of savory from the olive oil. They would be a nice addition to any type of cheese platter. To make them, simply mix all of the ingredients, roll out, cut, and bake. I used a scalloped cutter for my crackers but they can be cut however you like.

Goat cheese normally comes in a log or a tub but can be formed into any shape. I shaped this cheese in a bowl. Use whatever is handy. This could be a ring mold, muffin pan, or even free form. Line your mold with plastic wrap. Fill the mold, pull the wrap tightly around the cheese, and press into the mold. Lift the cheese out of the mold, unwrap, and place on a serving platter. The plastic wrap might leave lines in the cheese. If it is covered with cranberry jam, then no problem. If you want to showcase the cheese, allow it to come to room temperature and smooth out any lines with a spatula.

Cranberry Goat Cheese and Almond Crackers

Course Appetizer, Snack
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 10

Ingredients

Cranberry Jam

  • 3 1/2 cups cranberries fresh
  • 1/3 cup spiced rum
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 1/16 tsp cloves ground
  • 1/8 tsp ginger ground
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup sugar

Almond Poppy Seed Crackers

  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds

Cranberry Goat Cheese

  • 8 ounces goat cheese
  • 1 cup cranberry jam
  • cinnamon stick garnish as needed
  • thyme garnish as needed

Instructions

Cranberry Jam

  • Place all of the ingredients in a pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 30 minutes or until all the berries are soft. Cool and refrigerate until ready to use. Makes 2 cups of jam.

Almond Poppy Seed Crackers

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients and knead a couple of times. Cover and rest the dough for 10 minutes. Roll out to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut to desired shape. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-12 minute. Cool and store in an airtight container until ready to use. Makes 25-30 crackers

Cranberry Goat Cheese

  • Soften the cheese at room temperature for 10 minutes. Line a mold with plastic wrap. Press the cheese into the mold. Pull the wrap tightly around the cheese and remove from the mold. Unwrap and place on a serving platter. Spoon the cranberry jam over the top. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and thyme. Serve with almond crackers.

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