Save to Pinterest A festive, savory cheese log shaped and decorated like a holiday yule log, perfect as an elegant centerpiece for your holiday table. Creamy, tangy cheeses blended with herbs and nuts are enrobed in a rich, textured coating, then festooned with edible foliage for a stunning presentation.
This cheese log has become my holiday table favorite, impressing guests every year with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- Cheese Mixture: 300 g cream cheese softened, 150 g fresh goat cheese (chèvre) softened, 120 g sharp cheddar cheese finely grated, 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened, 2 tbsp sour cream, 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, 1 1⁄2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 garlic clove minced, 1⁄2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1⁄2 tsp smoked paprika, 1⁄2 tsp lemon zest, 1⁄2 tsp salt
- Coating & Decoration: 60 g walnuts or pecans finely chopped, 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves finely chopped, 1 tbsp pink peppercorns (optional), edible flowers small rosemary sprigs or fresh cranberries for garnish, crackers crostini or fresh vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, goat cheese, cheddar, butter, and sour cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 2:
- Stir in chives, parsley, thyme, garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and salt until fully incorporated.
- Step 3:
- Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Shape gently into a log about 25 cm (10 inches) long, smoothing the sides to resemble a yule log.
- Step 4:
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Step 5:
- On a clean surface, combine chopped nuts, parsley, and rosemary. Unwrap the chilled cheese log and roll it in the nut-herb mixture to coat all sides evenly.
- Step 6:
- Place the cheese log on a serving platter. Use a fork to create bark texture along the log. Garnish with pink peppercorns, edible flowers, rosemary sprigs, and cranberries to resemble winter foliage.
- Step 7:
- Serve with crackers, crostini, or vegetable sticks.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings our family together, sparking conversations and compliments around the holiday table.
Notes
For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the cheese mixture. Swap nuts for toasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. This can be made up to 2 days ahead; garnish just before serving. Wine pairing: Try with a dry sparkling wine or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, electric mixer or sturdy spatula, plastic wrap, chef's knife, cutting board, serving platter, fork (for texture)
Nutritional Information
Calories: 230, Total Fat: 19 g, Carbohydrates: 3 g, Protein: 8 g (per serving without accompaniments)
Save to Pinterest This cheese centerpiece is the perfect blend of flavor and festivity to brighten any holiday gathering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cheeses are used in this cheese log?
The cheese log combines cream cheese, fresh goat cheese (chèvre), and sharp cheddar for a creamy and tangy flavor profile.
- → How is the yule log shape achieved?
The cheese mixture is shaped into a log about 25 cm long on plastic wrap, then chilled to firm. Textured with a fork and coated with a nut-herb mixture to resemble bark.
- → Can nuts be substituted for allergies?
Yes, nuts can be replaced with toasted pumpkin seeds or omitted entirely to accommodate nut allergies.
- → What herbs are included in the cheese mixture?
Fresh chives, parsley, thyme, garlic, and rosemary are used to add layered herbaceous flavors.
- → How should this dish be served?
Serve chilled with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer or holiday centerpiece.
- → Is there a recommended wine pairing?
This cheese log pairs well with dry sparkling wine or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement its flavors.