Description
This Garlic Herb Cheese Log is a vibrant and creamy appetizer perfect for any gathering. Made with soft goat cheese and fresh herbs, then rolled in a crunchy pecan coating and drizzled with olive oil, it’s a deliciously elegant cheese spread that pairs beautifully with toasted baguette slices or crackers. Simple to prepare and easily made ahead, this cheese log offers a burst of herbal flavor and texture that will impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (11 oz.) soft fresh goat cheese log (may substitute all or part with cream cheese)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives (or 1 ½ teaspoons dried)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (or 1 ½ teaspoons dried)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper or freshly cracked to taste
Coating
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- Reserved 1 ½ teaspoons herb mixture (from above herbs)
Finishing
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Herbs: Add all fresh or dried herbs (chives, parsley, basil, oregano) to a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Remove 1 ½ teaspoons of this herb mixture and set aside for the pecan coating.
- Mix Cheese Log: To the remaining herb mixture in the bowl, stir in lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the goat cheese and mix thoroughly to combine evenly.
- Form Cheese Log: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and freeze for 20-30 minutes to allow the log to firm up slightly without becoming hard, so the coating will stick easily.
- Prepare Coating: On a sheet of parchment paper, combine the finely chopped pecans with the reserved 1 ½ teaspoons of herb mixture and stir together. Spread this pecan-herb coating into a single-layer square slightly larger than the cheese log.
- Coat Cheese Log: Remove the cheese log from the freezer and roll it along the edge of the pecan coating on the parchment paper, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks evenly over the entire log. Wrap the coated cheese log in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve, or serve immediately.
- Toast Bread: To serve, slice a baguette into 1/2-inch slices and arrange them on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden and crisp on the edges.
- Serve: Remove the cheese log from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Drizzle with olive oil just before serving. Serve alongside toasted baguette slices or crackers for a delightful appetizer.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese log in advance, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pecan coating will have less crunch but will remain tasty. Alternatively, prepare the cheese log ahead and add the pecan coating just before serving for maximum crunch.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to customize the herb mix with your favorites like dill, thyme, or rosemary to suit your palate.
- Cheese Substitute: Cream cheese can be used instead of goat cheese for a milder flavor; adding some finely grated Parmesan cheese can enhance the taste.
- Nut Substitute: Pecans provide the best crunch and flavor. If nut allergies are a concern, substitute with toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
