Amazing Italian Cheese Log PACKED with Flavor
Are you just getting so busy with your holiday prepping that all you can think of is preparing recipes that are EASY, but DELICIOUS? Well, have I got the best recipe to help out! Amazing Italian Cheese Log Packed with Flavor is just what the name says: Amazing and a Flavor Sensation!
I’m so busy right now at work that I could just cry. And I’ve been wanting to get into the kitchen to prepare something easy and yummy! I knew that I wanted to make an Italian Cheese Log since I haven’t made one in years — here’s my mother’s recipe that I used.
This Italian Cheese Log was inspired by Nagi, at RecipeTin Eats. I knew that her recipe would be outstanding. I was right! With just a few tweaks, this Amazing Italian Cheese Log Packed with Flavor will not disappoint! You’ll find yourself and others nibbling on this continually!
All of us are in need of some extra Christmas cheer this year. Just one look at this cheese log and after one bite, you’ll be well on your way to a cheerful time. Just look at how super festive this Italian cheese log is with all of the bright and vivid colors, ↑↑↑ you just can’t help but feel some of that holiday cheer!
This recipe is just a snap to make. In just one large mixing bowl, mix all the ingredients together (except those for the topping). Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan lined with plastic cling wrap and then chill.
Keeping the cheese log in the frig allows all of the ingredients to marry. This is one of those recipes that is not just delicious when first served, but that gets even better and better the next day . . . and the next day after that!
And here’s the big plus: This can be made up to a week in advance.
How easy is that?
So “Andiamo a cucina” — let’s go to the kitchen and start cooking!
Always get your ingredients measured and laid out to make the whole process more enjoyable. Plus you’ll be able to see what ingredient might be missing.
What You Need for an Italian Cheese Log:
- Cream cheese
- Sour Cream
- Salami (preferably Genoa)
- Green olives, Castelvetrano are the best, but hard to find pitted
- Roasted red peppers
- Cheddar cheese (or Asiago, Gruyere, etc.)
- Sundried tomatoes
- Green onions
- Italian parsley
- Herbs and Spices (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper)
Nagi says you need this recipe for numerous reasons:
- Easy
- It’s crazy-delicious! “Packed with flavor” is an understatement
- Looks festive and fantastic for the holiday buffet
- Can be made ahead up to 1 week
- Can be scaled up or down
- Costs much less than a cheese platter
PIN FOR LATER!
Italian Cheese Log
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cream cheese (2 8oz. packages)
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese (or Asiago, Pepper Jack, Gruyere, etc. don’t use mozzarella due to lack of enough flavor), freshly grated
- 9 oz. roasted red peppers, drained and finely chopped
- 6 oz. salami or soprasseto, finely chopped
- 1 cup green olives, preferably Castelvetrano imported from Italy, finely chopped
- ½ cup green onions or scallions, finely minced
- ½ tsp. EACH: thyme, basil, rosemary, and black pepper
- 1 tsp. EACH: garlic powder, red pepper flakes
- Serve with your favorite crackers or mini toasted bread slices
Topping
- 8 oz. sun-dried tomato strips WITH the oil, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup Italian parsley, finely chopped (or chives can be used)
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Add-In Options:
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- artichokes
- capers
- black olives
- prosciutto
- bacon (cooked)
- capicola (hot cappy)
Instructions
- Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and then line it with plastic cling wrap with an overhang.
- Mix all of the cheese log ingredients together.
- Scrape into the loaf pan with a rubber spatula, pressing down to remove any air pockets; level off the surface (a smaller pan = a taller loaf).
- Cover with the overhanging plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours or more (up to 1 week).
- Turn out onto a serving platter and peel off the cling wrap.
- Top with sun-dried tomatoes and pour over the oil.
- Garnish Italian parsley and rosemary sprigs for a festive appearance.
- Serve with crackers and little cheese knives for spreading onto crackers.
Cheese logs/cheese balls are one of my favorite things to make during the holiday season. I love all the flavors you packed into this log and it looks so appetizing with the sun dried tomato topping. My family would devour it in no time. Thanks for sharing Roz!
This looks fabulous Roz! I love all of the ingredients. And such a beautiful presentation!
I’m so you are still so busy at work. Hopefully by Monday things will have calmed down so you can enjoy your holiday. I know how getting into the kitchen for just a short period can lift your spirits, so I’m thrilled you found time to make your mother’s cheese log and post it. It is absolutely beautiful and I’m sure it’s as delicious as it looks. Love the addition of the salami. Have never had one with salami. My SIL always makes one for Christmas Eve, but since we won’t be getting together this year due to COVID, I might just have to make my own. Thanks for sharing your recipe! It’s a keeper.
We are not that busy preparing for the holidays like we used to since we are in lock down basically although no one says it aloud. BUT this appetizer will be gone in a flash at our home !
This is a PERFECT appetizer for the holiday season, Roz. Love that simple yet stunning topping.
Absolutely the most festive plate for the holiday season may you and yours have a blessed season with good healthy, good food and a happy new year!