Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Herb Cheese Log featuring fresh goat cheese blended with a delightful mix of herbs, garlic, and lemon zest, coated in crunchy pecans and drizzled with olive oil. Perfectly paired with toasted baguette slices or crackers, this elegant appetizer is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
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 and Garnish
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- Drizzle of olive oil
For Serving
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine all the fresh herbs and whisk together. Reserve 1 ½ teaspoons of this herb mixture to use later for the pecan coating. In the remaining herbs, stir in the lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful blend.
- Mix Cheese: Add the goat cheese (or cream cheese substitute) to the herb mixture and stir gently but thoroughly until the herbs are evenly incorporated throughout the cheese.
- Shape Cheese Log: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using the wrap, form the mixture into a neat log shape. Wrap tightly and place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm up slightly, ensuring it holds its shape but remains soft enough to press the coating onto it.
- Prepare Nut Coating: Lay a large sheet of parchment paper on the countertop. In a small bowl, mix the finely chopped pecans with the reserved 1 ½ teaspoons of herbs. Spread this coating mixture evenly on the parchment in a square shape slightly larger than the cheese log length.
- Coat Cheese Log: Remove the cheese log from the freezer and place it at the edge of the pecan coating on the parchment. Roll the cheese log carefully through the coating, pressing lightly to ensure the pecans and herbs adhere evenly all around the log.
- Chill or Serve: After coating, you can refrigerate the cheese log until ready to serve or enjoy immediately. If refrigerated, remove it 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly for better texture.
- Drizzle and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the cheese log with olive oil. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers for a perfect accompaniment.
- Toast Bread: For the toasted baguette slices, cut the baguette into 1/2-inch slices and arrange on a large baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until the bread is golden and the edges are crisp.
Notes
- Make ahead: You can prepare the goat cheese log entirely in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pecan coating may not stay as crunchy but will still be delicious. For a crunchier coating, prepare the cheese log ahead without the pecan coating and roll in pecans just before serving.
- Herbs: Feel free to customize the herb blend to your preference with your favorite fresh or dried herbs.
- Goat Cheese Substitute: Cream cheese works well as a substitute. Consider adding finely grated Parmesan for more flavor when using cream cheese.
- Nut Substitute: Nuts provide the best crunch. If you have a nut allergy, try using toasted panko breadcrumbs with a little butter as an alternative coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/16 of log with coating and baguette)
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
