Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Herb Cheese Log featuring a blend of goat cheese and cream cheese, coated with fresh herbs, lemon zest, garlic, and crunchy pecans. Perfect as an elegant appetizer for gatherings or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (10 oz) log chèvre goat cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Herb Coating
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
Additional
- Olive oil, as needed for drizzling
Instructions
- Mix Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Form Log and Chill: Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into a log. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 20 minutes until it is slightly firm but not frozen solid.
- Prepare Herb Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the chopped chives, parsley, basil, oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and finely chopped pecans. Stir to combine evenly.
- Roll in Herb Mixture: Lay a sheet of parchment paper on the counter and spread the herb coating in a square shape matching the length of the cheese log. Place the cheese log at one edge and roll it into the herb coating. Press the coating into the cheese to ensure it sticks and is evenly covered.
- Chill Until Serving: Refrigerate the coated cheese log until you are ready to serve. Just before serving, drizzle with olive oil for added flavor and enjoy.
Notes
- If fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried herbs but reduce quantity to about one-third.
- Chilling the cheese log before rolling helps maintain a firm shape and better coat adherence.
- Toasting the pecans lightly before chopping enhances their flavor and crunchiness.
- Serve the cheese log with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for a complete appetizer.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and substitute with finely chopped seeds or omit altogether.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
