Nut And Cheese Log
A savory nut and cheese log with a zesty kick, perfect for entertaining or snacking, offering rich flavors of pecans, garlic, and Worcestershire in a creamy, flavorful spread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put pecans and garlic through the medium blade of a food chopper.
- Mix cream cheese, salt, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and Tabasco in a bowl.
- Blend the chopped pecans and garlic into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a roll 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Sprinkle chili powder over the roll.
- Wrap tightly in wax paper.
- Chill the log for at least 4 hours.
- Slice before serving or leave as a log.
- Allow to soften at room temperature before serving with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, try substituting walnuts or almonds for pecans. If you prefer less heat, reduce the Tabasco or omit it entirely. Adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley can brighten the flavor profile. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you want a spicy kick, consider incorporating a bit of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Nut and Cheese Log as an appetizer alongside a variety of crackers, vegetable sticks, or toasted baguette slices. It pairs well with a light salad or can complement dishes like Baked Apples With Currants for a delightful contrast. Consider offering it with a selection of cheeses or fruits for a more varied cheese board experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Nut and Cheese Log wrapped tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you have leftovers, avoid slicing until ready to serve to maintain freshness. Reheat slightly at room temperature before serving to enhance the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent melting.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nut And Cheese Log contains roughly 178 calories, with 4g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1249mg per serving (54% 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 Nut and Cheese Log ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to a week in advance and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. Just remember to allow it to soften at room temperature before slicing it for the best texture.
What can I do if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute it with a vegan cream cheese or a mixture of ricotta and sour cream for a similar consistency. Just be mindful that the flavor will change slightly, so adjust seasonings accordingly.
How can I customize the flavors in this recipe?
You can easily customize the flavors by adding spices such as smoked paprika or cumin, or incorporating other ingredients like dried cranberries or chopped olives. Experimenting with different nuts or adding a touch of honey can also create a unique twist.
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).