Description
This Garlic Herb Cheese Log is a delightful and elegant appetizer featuring a creamy goat cheese base combined with fresh herbs and garlic, rolled in crunchy pecans, and finished with a drizzle of olive oil. It’s perfect for parties or a sophisticated snack, served alongside toasted baguette slices or crackers.
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 teaspoon 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
- 1 ½ teaspoons of reserved chopped herbs mixture (from the Cheese Mixture herbs)
Finishing
- Drizzle of olive oil
For Serving
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
- Olive oil for drizzling on baguette slices
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Mixture: Add all the fresh herbs to a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Remove 1 ½ teaspoons of this mixture to reserve for the pecan coating. To the remaining herbs in the bowl, add lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Combine Cheese and Herbs: Add the goat cheese to the herb mixture and stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined, ensuring the flavors are well incorporated throughout the cheese.
- Form Cheese Log: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. This soft chilling allows the log to firm up enough to hold its shape without becoming too hard to press the coating onto.
- Prepare Pecan Coating: Lay a large piece of parchment paper on your counter. Combine the finely chopped pecans with the reserved 1 ½ teaspoons of herbs. Spread this coating mixture into a single layer, forming a square slightly larger than the length of your cheese log.
- Coat Cheese Log: Remove the cheese log from plastic wrap and place it at the edge of the pecan mixture. Roll the log through the pecan coating, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks evenly all over the cheese log.
- Chill or Serve: You may refrigerate the coated cheese log until ready to serve or enjoy immediately. If refrigerating, remove the log about 15 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly.
- Toast Baguette Slices: Slice a baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices and arrange them on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
- Serve: Drizzle the cheese log with a little olive oil just before serving. Serve with the toasted baguette slices or crackers for a perfect compliment.
Notes
- Make ahead: The goat cheese log can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. The pecan coating may lose some crunch over time but remain tasty. For maximum crunch, apply the coating just before serving.
- Herbs variation: Feel free to experiment with your favorite fresh herbs to customize the flavor.
- Cheese substitution: Cream cheese can be used as a substitute for goat cheese, optionally mixing in freshly grated Parmesan for added flavor.
- Nut substitution: It is best not to substitute nuts to maintain crunchiness; however, for nut allergies, toasted panko breadcrumbs with some butter can be used instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1 ounce)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
