Italian Cheese Log
A creamy, savory cheese log coated with chopped pecans, featuring black olives, garlic, and onion for a flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings and cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- After the cream cheese has softened, mix in the chopped onion, chopped black olives, and chopped garlic.
- Refrigerate the mixture until it is firm enough to shape into a log.
- Roll the cheese log in chopped pecans or walnuts to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or basil to the cheese mixture. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or even crushed almonds can be great substitutes for rolling the log. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. Pair it with crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Cheese Log with a variety of crackers and fresh vegetables for a stunning appetizer platter. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Anita's Lasagna or Italian Hot Dip for a complete meal. For a touch of elegance, consider drizzling it with balsamic glaze before serving, which adds a sweet-tangy flavor that complements the cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, which will soften it slightly and restore its creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Cheese Log contains roughly 491 calories, with 10g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 468mg per serving (20% 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 cheese log ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese log a day in advance. Just follow the instructions to mix the ingredients and shape the log, then refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it convenient for entertaining.
What can I serve with the cheese log?
This cheese log goes well with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it alongside an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable crudités. You could also pair it with a selection of Italian wines for a complete experience.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
The original recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. However, if you want to enhance it further, consider adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. These additions complement the existing ingredients and align with vegetarian recipes.
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).