Christmas Cheese Logs
Festive cheese logs with sharp cheese, cream cheese, olives, and pecans, perfect as an appetizer for holiday gatherings and cheese lovers, offering savory, nutty, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the grated sharp cheese, cream cheese, chopped ripe olives, chopped pecans, garlic powder, salt, and a large pinch of soda with approximately half a small can of Pet milk until well blended.
- Divide the mixture into several small rolls.
- Sprinkle wax paper with paprika and roll each cheese mixture into the paprika-coated paper to shape the logs.
Tips & Substitutions
For easy blending, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a spicier flavor, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the sharp cheese with smoked gouda for a different taste profile. Additionally, for a lower-fat option, try using reduced-fat cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese logs make a great appetizer served with crackers or fresh vegetables. Pair with a glass of white wine or a festive cocktail for a holiday gathering. They also complement well with a side of Hungarian Cauliflower for a balanced spread at your Christmas party.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cheese logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To serve, simply slice the logs and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cheese Logs contains roughly 1275 calories, with 31g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2476mg per serving (108% 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 these cheese logs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese logs a day or two in advance. Just keep them wrapped in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time on the day of your event but also allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a different flavor, walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes for pecans. You can also leave out the nuts entirely for a nut-free version of the cheese logs, maintaining the delicious texture and flavor.
How do I make these cheese logs more visually appealing?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider rolling the logs in finely chopped herbs such as parsley or chives instead of paprika, or even drizzling them with Delicious Caramel for a sweet touch. Garnishing with colorful peppercorns or edible flowers can also make for a stunning presentation.
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).