Candace'S Basil Cheese Loaf
A rich, savory cheese loaf layered with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, featuring fresh herbs and a creamy cheese blend, perfect for entertaining or a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature ⓘ
- 4 oz. Roquefort cheese, room temperature ⓘ
- 1 c. loosely packed spinach leaves, washed and thoroughly dried ⓘ
- 3/4 c. loosely packed Italian parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 c. loosely packed fresh basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 c. minced sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and Roquefort in a bowl; mix until smooth. Set aside.
- Combine spinach, parsley, basil, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor with the motor running.
- Slowly drizzle the oil through the feed tube of the food processor.
- Continue processing until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add chopped walnuts and grated Parmesan cheese; mix thoroughly.
- Line a 5 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving extra wrap hanging over the sides.
- Spread one third of the cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan.
- Next, spread half of the pesto mixture and arrange a layer of sun-dried tomatoes on top.
- Repeat with remaining cheese mixture, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes layers.
- Finish with the remaining third of the cheese mixture. Cover with overhanging plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure both cheeses are at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute Roquefort with Gorgonzola or feta if desired. Fresh herbs are crucial for flavor; consider adding a touch of dill or chives for a different twist. If you want a bit more crunch, add chopped pecans instead of walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
This Basil Cheese Loaf is perfect for gatherings; serve it with crackers or toasted baguette slices. It pairs beautifully with Mardon'S Pasta Salad for a light lunch or as an appetizer. Add a side of Horiatiki Salata (Greece)(Summer Salad) for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with extra herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. To serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing. Avoid reheating to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candace'S Basil Cheese Loaf contains roughly 538 calories, with 19g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (98% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 739mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this loaf in advance?
Absolutely! This dish benefits from chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Prepare it a day ahead, and simply slice it for serving. It's an ideal choice for parties or potlucks, ensuring you have a delicious appetizer ready when you need it.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, consider using roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile. They add a nice sweetness and color. Alternatively, fresh cherry tomatoes can be diced and layered for a fresh twist, though they will not have the same concentrated flavor.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, you can create a vegan version using plant-based cream cheese and a crumbly vegan cheese to replace Roquefort. For the pesto mixture, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and ensure your sun-dried tomatoes are oil-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious plant-based appetizer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).