Description
This Garlic Herb Cheese Log is a flavorful appetizer featuring a soft goat cheese log blended with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and coated with crunchy pecans. Perfect for entertaining, it pairs beautifully with toasted baguette slices or crackers, offering a creamy, herbaceous, and slightly tangy bite with a satisfying nutty crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Log
- 1 (11 oz.) soft fresh goat cheese log (may substitute all or part with 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
Pecan Coating
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 teaspoons reserved chopped fresh herbs (from the herb mixture)
To Serve
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, basil, and oregano. Whisk together well to blend the herbs evenly. Remove 1 ½ teaspoons of this herb mixture and set aside for the pecan coating.
- Mix Cheese and Seasonings: To the remaining herbs in the bowl, add the lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in the goat cheese until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, herbaceous cheese mixture.
- Shape and Chill the Cheese Log: Place the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and form it into a log shape. Wrap tightly with the plastic wrap and freeze for 20-30 minutes. This firms the log to hold its shape yet keeps it soft enough for coating.
- Prepare the Pecan Coating: Line your work surface with a large piece of parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans with the reserved 1 ½ teaspoons of herbs. Spread this pecan-herb mixture into a thin, even layer on the parchment paper, sized slightly larger than your cheese log.
- Coat the Cheese Log: Remove the cheese log from the freezer and place it on the edge of the pecan coating. Roll the log over the coating to fully cover it, pressing gently so that the pecan mixture adheres firmly to the cheese. You may refrigerate the coated log at this point or serve immediately.
- Let Cheese Soften Before Serving: If refrigerated, remove the cheese log about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften for easier spreading.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the cheese log with olive oil for added flavor and sheen. Serve alongside toasted baguette slices or your choice of crackers.
- Toast the Baguette: Slice baguette into 1/2 inch slices and arrange on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until golden and crisp around the edges. Remove and serve with cheese log.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The goat cheese log can be fully prepared in advance, wrapped tightly, and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Note that the pecan coating will soften and be less crunchy over time.
- For a crunchier coating, prepare the cheese log in advance without coating it. When ready to serve, let it soften at room temperature for 15 minutes, then roll in pecans.
- Herbs Variations: Feel free to swap or add your favorite fresh herbs to customize flavor.
- Cheese Substitute: Cream cheese can be used as a substitute for goat cheese. Adding finely grated Parmesan to cream cheese is recommended for a richer flavor.
- Nut Substitute: Pecans provide the best crunch. If a nut allergy exists, consider panko crumbs toasted with butter, although texture will differ.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/16th of the log with coating)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
