Ingredients
Cheese Log:
- 16 oz (500g) cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp thyme OR 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp basil
- ½ tsp rosemary
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp red pepper or chili flakes
- 2 cups cheddar or other melting cheese, freshly grated
- 9 oz (280g) roasted peppers, drained and finely chopped
- 6 oz (180g) salami, finely chopped
- ¾ cup green olives, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup green onion, finely minced (3-4 stalks)
Topping and Serving Suggestions:
- 7 oz (220g) sun-dried tomato strips with oil, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (or chives)
- Rosemary sprigs for decoration
- Ritz, Triscuits, or other snack crackers for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with vegetable oil, then line it with plastic wrap leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, herbs (thyme or Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, rosemary), black pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, freshly grated cheddar, chopped roasted peppers, chopped salami, chopped green olives, and minced green onions. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust salt as necessary, keeping in mind the saltiness of crackers used for serving.
- Form the Log: Scrape the cheese mixture into the prepared loaf pan and level the surface using a silicone spatula. Press down gently to remove any air pockets. Using a smaller pan will give a taller cheese log.
- Chill: Cover the cheese log with the plastic wrap overhang and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to one week, to allow flavors to meld and the log to firm up.
- Unmold and Garnish: When ready to serve, carefully turn the log out onto a serving platter and peel off the plastic wrap. Top the log with the roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with their oil. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and rosemary sprigs to give it a festive look.
- Serve: This cheese log is best served closer to room temperature rather than refrigerator cold for optimal flavor and texture. Serve alongside crackers like Ritz or Triscuits. The log is soft enough to scoop with crackers and knives are optional.
Notes
- Cream Cheese: Use block-style cream cheese such as Philadelphia. If using spreadable cream cheese, omit the sour cream.
- Sour Cream: Can be substituted with yogurt or mayonnaise to slightly loosen the mixture for easier scooping.
- Cheese: Choose flavorful melting cheese like cheddar, Swiss, gruyere, or pepper jack. Asiago cheese offers a more authentic Italian flavor. Avoid mozzarella as it is too mild for this recipe. Freshly grated cheese blends better than pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-clumping agents.
- Salami: Hot salami is preferred for the best flavor. Using pre-sliced deli salami makes chopping easier. Salami is a key flavor component.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American-Italian
