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Festive Italian Cheese Log
Jemero Carter

Italian Cheese Log

Italian Cheese Log
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 15 people
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g cream cheese softened
  • cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon each thyme oregano, basil, rosemary, black pepper (or 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper or chilli flakes adjust to taste
  • 2 cups grated cheddar or similar cheese
  • 280 g jarred roasted red peppers drained and finely chopped
  • 180 g salami finely chopped
  • ¾ cup green olives pitted and finely chopped
  • cup green onion scallion, finely minced
For topping / serving
  • 220 g sun-dried tomato strips oil-packed, roughly chopped, with some oil
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley or chopped chives
  • A few sprigs of rosemary for decoration
  • Crackers bread slices or crostini, for serving

Method
 

  1. Line a loaf pan (or a small deep dish) with plastic wrap, leaving some overhang to help lift out the cheese log later. Lightly spray or grease if desired.
  2. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, herbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chilli flakes, and grated cheddar. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
  3. Fold in the chopped roasted red peppers, finely chopped salami, chopped olives, and minced green onions — stir until all mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
  4. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down firmly to remove air pockets and level the surface. The tighter you press, the firmer the log will hold its shape.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap (using the overhang) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) — chilling helps it firm up so you can unmold it cleanly.
  6. When ready to serve, lift the cheese log from the pan using the overhanging plastic wrap and place it onto a serving platter. Remove the wrap.
  7. Generously top the log with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and drizzle some of the tomato oil over the top for extra flavour and moisture.
  8. Sprinkle chopped parsley (or chives) over for freshness and color; place a few rosemary sprigs around for a festive, aromatic presentation.
  9. Serve at room temperature with crackers, bread slices or crostini so guests can spread or scoop the cheese log.

Notes

  • Protein: ~7 g
  • Fat: ~16 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~4 g
  • Fiber: ~0.5 g
  • Sodium: moderate to high (varies with salami, olives and salt)