Description
A flavorful and creamy Garlic Herb Cheese Log made with soft goat cheese and a fresh herb blend, coated in crunchy pecans and drizzled with olive oil. Perfect for serving as an elegant appetizer with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Log
- 1 (11 oz.) soft fresh goat cheese log (may substitute all or part 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
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 teaspoons reserved herb mixture (from the herbs above)
Finishing
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together chives, parsley, basil, and oregano. Remove 1 ½ teaspoons of this herb mixture to use later for the pecan coating.
- Mix Cheese Base: To the remaining herbs, add lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in the goat cheese until evenly combined.
- Form Cheese Log: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until slightly firm but still soft enough to press the coating into it.
- Prepare Coating: Line a counter with parchment paper. Combine chopped pecans and the reserved 1 ½ teaspoons of herbs on the parchment, spreading into a single layer slightly larger than the cheese log length.
- Coat Cheese Log: Remove the cheese log from the freezer. Place it at one edge of the pecan mixture and roll it to evenly coat, pressing the pecans into the soft cheese so they stick. Wrap the coated log in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve, or serve immediately.
- Soften Before Serving: Remove the cheese log from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Drizzle with olive oil just before presenting.
- Toast Baguette Slices: Slice a baguette into 1/2-inch slices and arrange on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until the slices are golden with crisp edges.
- Serve: Serve the garlic herb cheese log alongside the toasted baguette slices or crackers for a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- You can prepare the entire cheese log in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days; however, the pecan coating will lose some crunch. For best crunch, add the coating just before serving.
- Feel free to customize the herb blend with your favorites or use dried herbs as indicated.
- Cream cheese can be used as a substitute for goat cheese; adding finely grated Parmesan to cream cheese adds extra flavor.
- If you have a nut allergy, try substituting the pecans with toasted panko breadcrumbs buttered lightly for crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with baguette
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
