Ever Ready Cheese Log
Ever Ready Cheese Log offers a creamy, tangy flavor with crunchy saltine cracker coating, making it perfect for appetizer platters or casual gatherings. Its combination of sharp cheese, vegetables, and savory additions creates a delightful bite-sized treat that appeals to cheese lovers and party hosts alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. processed sharp American cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. onion, minced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. green pepper, minced ⓘ
- 3 stuffed olives, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sweet pickle, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. pimento, chopped ⓘ
- 1 hard-cooked egg, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. saltine crackers, finely crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the grated processed sharp American cheese with minced onion, minced green pepper, chopped stuffed olives, chopped sweet pickle, chopped pimento, chopped hard-cooked egg, crushed saltine crackers, mayonnaise, and salt.
- Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Form the mixture into rolls.
- Wrap each roll in waxed paper.
- Refrigerate until firm.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or using a flavored cream cheese. If you're out of olives, capers or diced pickles can serve as a tasty substitute. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor. This cheese log is versatile; feel free to swap in different cheeses or add spices to suit your taste. It pairs beautifully with Zucchini-Rice Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese log with an assortment of crackers, fresh veggies, or even sliced cold cuts for a delightful appetizer. It also makes a great addition to a charcuterie board. Pair it with a light salad or serve alongside dishes like Fried Apple Pie Crusts for a well-rounded spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep the cheese log longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. When ready to serve, you can slice it cold or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier slicing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ever Ready Cheese Log contains roughly 240 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1598mg per serving (69% 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 the cheese log ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cheese log can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to keep it wrapped in waxed paper and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of saltine crackers?
If you don't have saltine crackers, you can substitute with crushed pretzels, corn chips, or even finely crushed tortilla chips. Each will add a unique flavor and crunch to your cheese log, so feel free to experiment.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian! Just ensure that the processed cheese you use does not contain rennet or any animal-derived ingredients. It's a delicious option for vegetarian recipes and a great party snack.
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).