Pin it
My go-to party starter has always been this colorful Italian cheese log. It works beautifully for everything from laid-back get-togethers to fancy holiday celebrations. Everyone goes crazy for the mix of smooth cheese, aromatic herbs, and those sweet sun-dried tomatoes - guests can't seem to stop coming back for another bite.
The story behind this appetizer started when I needed something to bring to my in-laws' Christmas Eve dinner. Everyone loved how festive it looked with the red tomatoes against the bright green parsley. Now my family asks for it at practically every gathering, no matter what time of year.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Let it sit out for at least half an hour so it gets nice and soft
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Try to shred it yourself since the bagged stuff has additives that affect texture
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Splurge on real Parmigiano Reggiano for that amazing flavor punch
- Italian seasoning: Pick one with a good mix of oregano, basil, rosemary and thyme
- Garlic powder: This mixes in better than fresh garlic, but either works fine
- Sun dried tomatoes: Go for the ones packed in oil for maximum flavor, just drain them well
- Fresh parsley: Chop it finely for that pretty green coating
- Crackers or breadsticks: Choose ones sturdy enough to hold the cheese without breaking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create the Base Mixture:
- Your cream cheese needs to be completely soft to avoid any chunks. Grab a medium bowl and mix together the soft cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir vigorously with a sturdy spoon for about 2 minutes until everything's perfectly combined.
- Add the Flavor Builders:
- Scatter the Italian seasoning and garlic powder across your cheese mixture. Then fold in those chopped sun dried tomatoes. Keep mixing until you don't see any clumps of seasoning or tomato bits stuck together.
- Shape and Chill:
- Lay out some plastic wrap on your counter. Dump the cheese mix onto it and use the wrap to help you form a log about 6 inches long and 2 inches thick. Wrap it up tight, twist the ends closed, and stick it in the fridge for at least an hour but overnight works too.
- Garnish and Present:
- Take your chilled log out and unwrap it carefully. Spread chopped parsley on a flat surface and roll your cheese log over it, pressing gently so the herbs stick all around. Put it on a nice plate surrounded by crackers or breadsticks arranged in a pretty pattern.
Pin it
What really sets this recipe apart are those sun dried tomatoes. I learned about pairing them with cream cheese during a cooking class I took in Tuscany. Our teacher told us how each chewy, sweet bit captures the taste of Italian summer. Now whenever I make this log, I think about that sunny kitchen with its beautiful view of the vineyards.
Make Ahead Options
You won't find a better make-ahead appetizer than this cheese log. You can prep the whole thing, parsley coating and all, up to three days before your party. Just keep it wrapped tight in the fridge. Planning way ahead? The cheese mixture freezes well for up to a month - just don't add the parsley yet. Let it thaw in your fridge overnight, then roll it in fresh herbs before guests arrive.
Flavor Variations
The standard recipe gives you that classic Italian taste, but you can switch things up lots of ways. Want some heat? Throw in 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. If you love Mediterranean flavors, add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped kalamata olives with a tablespoon of fresh basil. During Christmas time, try mixing in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dried cranberries for a sweet-savory combo that works amazingly with the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Crackers and breadsticks are the usual choices, but don't stop there. This cheese tastes great spread on toasted baguette slices for a fancy crostini. Looking for something lighter? Serve it with cucumber rounds or strips of bell pepper. You can even stuff mushroom caps with this mixture and bake until they're hot and bubbly. At brunch, put it out next to bagels as a fancy alternative to plain cream cheese.
Pin it
This cheese log takes all the stress out of entertaining and will definitely wow your guests with both its amazing taste and pretty presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this Italian cheese log ahead of time?
You bet! This cheese log works great up to 3 days before your event. Just wrap it tightly in plastic and keep it in the fridge. For the best look, don't roll it in fresh parsley until you're almost ready to serve it.
- → What can I serve with the Italian cheese log?
This cheese log goes great with lots of things like crackers, breadsticks, sliced bread, or even fresh veggies such as cucumber rounds and colorful bell pepper slices.
- → How can I customize the Italian cheese log?
You can change this snack in many ways. Try mixing in chopped olives, red pepper flakes for some kick, fresh basil leaves, crunchy pine nuts, or bits of prosciutto. You can also shape it into a Christmas wreath or tree for holiday parties.
- → Can I use different cheeses in this appetizer?
Sure thing! While we suggest mozzarella and Parmesan, feel free to try other Italian cheeses like provolone, asiago, or fontina. Just make sure you keep about the same amount of soft cheese to hard cheese so it still holds together well.
- → Is this cheese log gluten-free?
The cheese mix itself doesn't have gluten, but double-check your Italian seasoning blend since some might contain additives with gluten. Pair it with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks for a totally gluten-free snack option.
- → How should I soften cream cheese properly?
For the smoothest result, let your cream cheese sit out at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before you start mixing. Or you can unwrap it and pop it in the microwave for a few 10-second bursts, checking often until it's just soft but not melty.