Description
This Garlic Herb Cheese Log is a creamy, flavorful appetizer combining soft goat cheese with fresh herbs and a crunchy pecan coating. Perfect for entertaining, it can be made ahead and served with toasted baguette slices or crackers for a delicious, elegant start to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (11 oz.) soft fresh goat cheese log (may substitute all or part cream cheese)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives (1 ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (1 ½ teaspoons dried)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves (1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano leaves (½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (¼ teaspoon 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)
For Serving
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
Instructions
- Combine herbs: Add finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, basil, and oregano to a medium bowl and whisk to combine evenly. Remove 1 ½ teaspoons of this herb mixture to reserve for the pecan coating.
- Mix cheese mixture: To the remaining herbs in the bowl, stir in minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add the goat cheese and gently stir until all ingredients are evenly combined, creating a smooth and flavorful cheese mixture.
- Shape cheese log: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and form it into a log shape. Wrap tightly and freeze for 20-30 minutes. This step firms up the cheese log so it holds its shape but remains soft enough for the coating to stick.
- Prepare coating: Line the counter with parchment paper and combine the finely chopped pecans with the reserved 1 ½ teaspoons of herb mixture, spreading it into a single-layer square larger than the cheese log.
- Coat the cheese log: Remove the cheese log from the freezer and place it at the edge of the pecan coating mixture. Roll the log through the coating, pressing firmly to ensure the pecans and herbs stick evenly all around the surface.
- Chill or serve: The coated cheese log can be refrigerated at this point if not serving immediately. Remove from fridge about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
- Prepare toasted bread: Slice a baguette into 1/2” slices and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until the slices are golden and edges are crisp.
- Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the cheese log with olive oil. Serve alongside the toasted baguette slices or crackers for a delicious, elegant appetizer.
Notes
- You can prepare the cheese log in advance and refrigerate up to 3 days; the coating may not be as crunchy but will still be tasty.
- For a crunchier texture, coat the log in pecans just before serving.
- Feel free to customize the herb blend with your favorites.
- You can substitute cream cheese for goat cheese; adding finely grated Parmesan is a tasty option.
- For nut allergies, substitute pecans with toasted panko breadcrumbs cooked in a bit of butter to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with bread
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
