Carrot Cheese Log
A flavorful and colorful cheese log infused with grated carrots, Parmesan, and fines herbes. Perfect as a light appetizer or party spread, it pairs well with crisp crackers and fresh cucumber slices. Its bright flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together shredded carrots, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and crushed fines herbes.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If you're out of fines herbes, a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and basil can work as a substitute. Feel free to add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor. For a crunchier texture, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the carrot cheese log with fresh cucumber slices and an assortment of crackers for a delightful appetizer platter. You can also pair it with a light salad or a refreshing dip for a more substantial snack. This dish pairs beautifully with Lemon Oat Lacies(Cookies) for a sweet finish to your gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing the cheese log as the cream cheese may become watery upon thawing. When ready to serve, simply remove from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carrot Cheese Log contains roughly 243 calories, with 6g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (96% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use regular cream cheese instead of reduced calorie?
Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese for reduced calorie cream cheese if you prefer a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that this may increase the calorie count of the dish. The texture and taste will remain delicious, and it might be creamier, which some might prefer.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of the carrot cheese log, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Ensure that your cereal is also vegan-friendly to maintain the overall integrity of the dish.
What can I serve with the carrot cheese log?
In addition to crackers and cucumber slices, you can serve the carrot cheese log with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or celery sticks for dipping. It also goes well with a light spread of hummus or a yogurt-based dip, adding a refreshing contrast to the cheese log.
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).