Yuletide Log Cheese Centerpiece (Print View)

Savory cheese log shaped and decorated like a yule log with herbs and nuts for an elegant holiday display.

# Components:

→ Cheese Mixture

01 - 10.5 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 5.3 oz fresh goat cheese (chèvre), softened
03 - 4.2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
04 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 tbsp sour cream
06 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - 1.5 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 0.5 tsp lemon zest
13 - 0.5 tsp salt

→ Coating & Decoration

14 - 2.1 oz walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
16 - 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
17 - 1 tbsp pink peppercorns (optional)
18 - Edible flowers, small rosemary sprigs, or fresh cranberries for garnish
19 - Crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks for serving

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, goat cheese, cheddar, butter, and sour cream until smooth and fluffy.
02 - Stir in chives, parsley, thyme, garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - Transfer mixture onto plastic wrap and form gently into a 10-inch log, smoothing sides to resemble a yule log.
04 - Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
05 - On a clean surface, combine chopped nuts, parsley, and rosemary.
06 - Unwrap chilled log and roll in nut-herb mixture to coat all sides evenly.
07 - Place log on serving platter; use a fork to create bark texture. Garnish with pink peppercorns, edible flowers, rosemary sprigs, and cranberries for a winter foliage effect.
08 - Present alongside crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Elegant centerpiece for holiday tables
  • Creamy tangy cheeses with herbs and nuts
02 -
  • Contains milk/dairy and nuts
  • For nut allergies, substitute nuts with seeds or omit entirely
03 -
  • Use softened cheeses for easy mixing
  • Chill log well before coating for firm shape
Return