Bushra Griffith
Cheese logs are a retro appetizer that can be made with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese. They are often flavoured with herbs and spices, such as chives, parsley, basil, oregano, and garlic, and rolled in nuts or bacon for added texture and flavour. The cheese mixture is shaped into a log, coated in the topping of choice, and then refrigerated until firm. They can be served with crackers, pretzels, or vegetables and are a popular addition to charcuterie or cheese boards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Chives, Pecans, Garlic, Herbs, Lemon Zest |
| Other Ingredients | Mayonnaise, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper |
| Preparation Method | Grate cheese, mix with other ingredients, shape into a log, coat with toppings, wrap in plastic, chill |
| Serving Suggestions | Crackers, Bread, Bagels, Pasta, Charcuterie or Cheese Boards, Pretzels, Vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese types
Cheese logs are a retro appetizer that can be made with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, colby jack, monterey jack, longhorn, Swiss, and goat cheese. The base of the cheese log is typically made with a combination of shredded cheese and cream cheese, which helps to hold the roll together. For a more indulgent option, bacon and chives can be added to the cheese mixture, creating a savoury and flavourful log.
Another popular variation is a garlic herb cheese log, which incorporates fresh herbs like chives, parsley, basil, and oregano, along with lemon zest, garlic, and a crunchy pecan coating. This version offers a tangy and punchy flavour profile. To prepare the garlic herb cheese log, the fresh herbs are combined in a medium bowl, with some set aside for the pecan coating. The remaining herbs are then mixed with lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper, before being combined with goat cheese. The mixture is then shaped into a log using plastic wrap.
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, a cheese log with a chilli powder coating is an ideal option. This variation typically includes shredded cheese, cream cheese, and pecans, with the option to add bacon bits or green onions for additional flavour. The cheese mixture is formed into a log shape and then rolled in chilli powder. This recipe is quite versatile, allowing for substitutions such as almonds or other finely chopped nuts.
Cheese logs can be made in advance, making them a convenient and impressive appetizer for special occasions and holiday gatherings. They are often served with crackers, pretzels, or vegetables for dipping. When preparing a cheese log, it is recommended to let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving to allow it to soften slightly for easier spreading.
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Seasonings
Herbs
Fresh or dried herbs can be added to the cheese mixture to create a fragrant and flavourful cheese log. Common herbs used include chives, parsley, basil, and oregano. These herbs provide a bright and fresh taste, complementing the creaminess of the cheese. For a springtime twist, as suggested by a recipe from Carlsbad Cravings, you can add a tangy twist with lemon zest and a punch of garlic.
Spices
For a hint of heat and a smoky flavour, spices such as chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper are popular additions. These spices not only add a kick but also a depth of flavour to the cheese log.
Savoury Seasonings
Cheese logs often include savoury seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. These ingredients add a savoury tang to the cheese and enhance its overall flavour.
Nuts
Nuts are not only used as a coating for cheese logs but can also be incorporated into the mixture itself. Finely chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or other nuts of your choice can add a crunchy texture and a boost of flavour.
Meat
For a heartier option, meat can be added to the cheese log mixture. Bacon is a popular choice, providing a salty and savoury element to the cheese. The bacon can be incorporated in small bits or used as a coating, creating a bacon-crusted cheese log.
The versatility of cheese logs allows for endless customisation, so feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations to create your signature cheese log!
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Nuts
A variety of nuts can be used, including pecans, walnuts, almonds, or a combination of nuts. For example, the Garlic Herb Cheese Log is enveloped in crunchy pecans, while the Pecan Cheese Log is made with chopped pecans and the Old Fashioned Cheese Log is made with finely chopped pecans and rolled in chili powder.
When pressing or coating the cheese log with nuts, it is recommended to wet your hands or the cheese log lightly first to help the nuts stick. This can be done by dipping your hands or the cheese log in water or another liquid. The cheese log can then be rolled in the nuts, or the nuts can be pressed into the cheese log with your hands.
If you are making a cheese log in advance, it is recommended to freeze or refrigerate it without the nuts and then add them later. This will help ensure that the nuts remain fresh and crunchy.
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Meat
Cheese logs are a versatile and tasty snack, but what exactly are they made of? Well, the answer is that they can be made of a variety of different ingredients, depending on your personal preference.
Firstly, let's talk about the cheese itself. While some recipes call for a single type of cheese, such as goat cheese or cream cheese, others mix multiple cheeses together to create a more complex flavour. Common types of cheese used in cheese logs include cheddar, colby jack, monterey jack, longhorn, and Swiss. It's worth noting that using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese can make a big difference in terms of flavour and texture.
Now, let's discuss the mix-ins and coatings. Many cheese log recipes incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, for added crunch and flavour. Herbs like chives, parsley, basil, and oregano can also be mixed into the cheese or used as a coating. For a hint of spice and smokiness, some recipes roll the cheese log in chili powder. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add in mix-ins like bacon bits, green onions, dried cranberries, or garlic.
The process of making a cheese log typically involves mixing the cheese with your desired mix-ins, forming it into a log shape, and then rolling the outside in a coating of nuts, herbs, or spices. The cheese log is then wrapped in plastic and chilled until it's ready to be served.
Cheese logs are typically served as appetizers or snacks, often accompanied by crackers, pretzels, vegetables, or anything else you'd like to dip into the cheesy goodness. They can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them a convenient and impressive dish to bring to parties or special occasions.
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Preparation
Cheese logs are a delightful retro appetizer that can be made in a variety of ways, with different combinations of cheese, spices, herbs, and coatings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a cheese log:
Step 1: Choose Your Cheese and Ingredients
The first step in making a cheese log is to select your cheeses. Cream cheese is a popular base for cheese logs as it helps hold the mixture together. You can use regular or low-fat cream cheese. In addition to cream cheese, you can choose one or more varieties of shredded cheese such as cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Longhorn, Swiss, or any cheese of your preference. If you want to add some spice, you can include green onions or chives. You can also add other ingredients like bacon bits, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, lemon zest, or nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Grate or shred your chosen cheeses and place them in a large bowl. Mix the cheeses together with a paddle attachment or by hand. Add in your desired seasonings and mix until well combined. You can include ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, pepper, or dried herbs. Continue mixing until you have a homogeneous mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Cheese Log
Now it's time to shape your cheese mixture into a log. Wet your hands and form the cheese mixture into a cylindrical shape, similar to a log. You can also form the cheese into smaller logs or cheese balls if you prefer. Smooth out the surface of the log and ensure it is compact.
Step 4: Coat the Cheese Log
Prepare a coating for your cheese log by choosing from a variety of options. You can use chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Alternatively, you can coat your cheese log with crushed crackers, pretzels, potato chips, dried fruits like cranberries or cherries, or even bacon bits. Spread your chosen coating on a plate and roll the cheese log over it, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres to the surface.
Step 5: Wrap and Refrigerate
Once your cheese log is coated, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the cheese log for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to slice and serve.
Your cheese log is now ready to be served as a delicious appetizer! Enjoy it with crackers, pretzels, vegetables, or anything else you'd like to dip into cheesy goodness.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese log is made out of a combination of different types of cheeses, such as cheddar, colby jack, and cream cheese. They can also include other ingredients like chives, bacon, nuts, and seasonings.
Common ingredients paired with a cheese log include crackers, grapes, meats, and other charcuterie board items.
It typically takes around 10-15 minutes to prepare a cheese log. It then needs to be refrigerated for at least 1-2 hours to firm up before serving.
