Description
This Garlic Herb Cheese Log is a flavorful and elegant appetizer featuring a creamy goat cheese base infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest, then coated in crunchy pecans. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, it can be served alongside toasted baguette slices or crackers for a delightful bite.
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
Pecan Coating
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 teaspoons reserved mixed herbs (from the original herb mix)
To Serve
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Mixture: Add all the fresh herbs to a medium bowl and whisk to combine evenly. Remove 1 ½ teaspoons of this mixture to reserve for the pecan coating.
- Mix Cheese Base: To the remaining herb mixture, stir in lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the goat cheese to the bowl and stir until the cheese is evenly combined with the herbs and seasonings.
- Form Cheese Log: Transfer the cheese mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap, shape the mixture into a log shape. Wrap the log tightly and place it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm up slightly—this helps it hold its shape while still being soft enough for coating.
- Prepare Pecan Coating: On a large piece of parchment paper, mix together the finely chopped pecans and the reserved 1 ½ teaspoons of herb mixture. Spread this coating into a single layer square slightly larger than the length of the cheese log.
- Coat Cheese Log: Remove the cheese log from the freezer and place it at one edge of the pecan coating. Roll the log over the coating surface, pressing gently to adhere the pecans evenly all around the cheese log. Wrap the coated cheese log in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve, or serve immediately.
- Toast Bread: When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice a baguette into 1/2 inch slices and arrange on a baking sheet. Drizzle slices generously with olive oil. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden and crisp on the edges.
- Serve: Remove the cheese log from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Drizzle the top with olive oil just before serving and accompany with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prep the cheese log completely in advance, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pecan coating may soften, but it remains tasty. For crunchier coating, apply pecans just before serving.
- Herbs: Feel free to customize the herb mix based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
- Cheese Substitutes: Use cream cheese instead of goat cheese if preferred, optionally mixed with finely grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Nut Substitutes: Pecans provide the best crunch; avoid substitutions unless for allergies. Toasted panko with butter can be an alternative crunch coating.
- Serving Size: This recipe yields approximately 16 appetizer servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 1 oz)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
