Description
This Italian Cheese Loaf is a festive, flavorful appetizer perfect for Christmas gatherings. A creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, a mix of herbs, roasted peppers, salami, olives, and cheddar cheese creates a rich and savory cheese log. Topped with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, it’s easy to prepare ahead and serve with crackers for an inviting party starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Log:
- 500g (1 lb) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp each thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, black pepper OR 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp each garlic powder, salt, red pepper/chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups cheddar or other flavored melting cheese, freshly grated
- 280g (9 oz) roasted peppers, drained and finely chopped
- 180g (6 oz) hot salami, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup green olives, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup green onion, finely minced (3 – 4 stalks)
Topping/Serving:
- 220g (7 oz) sun dried tomato strips with oil, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped (or chives)
- Rosemary sprigs (decoration)
- Jatz or other crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Spray a loaf pan with oil and line it with cling wrap, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, herbs, spices, freshly grated cheese, chopped roasted peppers, salami, green olives, and green onion. Mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust salt if needed, considering the saltiness of your crackers.
- Form the Loaf: Scrape the cheese mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Level the surface and press firmly to remove any air pockets. Using a smaller pan will result in a taller loaf.
- Chill: Cover the loaf with the cling wrap overhang and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to 1 week, to allow flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.
- Unmold and Decorate: Once chilled, turn the loaf out onto a serving platter and peel off the cling wrap. Top with sun-dried tomato strips along with their oil, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and garnish with rosemary sprigs for a festive look.
- Serve: Serve the cheese loaf at closer to room temperature for best texture and flavor. Offer with crackers and knives for smearing, although the log is soft enough to scoop directly with crackers.
Notes
- Use Philadelphia block cream cheese for best texture. If only spreadable cream cheese is available, omit the sour cream.
- Sour cream can be substituted with yogurt or mayonnaise to loosen the mixture slightly.
- Choose flavorful, melting cheeses such as cheddar, tasty, Swiss, gruyere, pepper jack, or Asiago for an authentic Italian touch. Avoid mozzarella as it lacks sufficient seasoning.
- Use hot salami for a flavor punch. Large round presliced deli salami makes chopping easier.
- For a freeform log, shape the mixture on cling wrap, roll and twist ends tightly, refrigerate, and then mold as desired.
- Customize by swapping or adding ingredients like artichokes, capers, different olives, pickles, chorizo, bacon, or ham. For a vegetarian option, skip the salami and add 1/2 cup grated parmesan for flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
