This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Whether I’m entertaining guests or going to someone’s house for a party, I love to assemble a beautiful charcuterie or cheese board. This Herbed Goat Cheese Log is at the center of all of my boards because it looks festive and impressive for the holidays, feeds a crowd, and can be made in advance.
Growing up, there was never a Thanksgiving dinner without a “cheese log” of some sort. It’s the type of appetizer that everyone loves and there really is so much variety. My mom used to make a cheese log with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pecans and chili powder that I would devour. There are so many ways you can make a cheese log, but the basic method calls for combining all of the ingredients, rolling the mixture into a log on a piece of plastic wrap, and chilling it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect to slice and serve on crackers or a crostini with a nice glass of wine.
Here, I’ve combined some seasonal ingredients like goat cheese, pecans, herbs, and cranberries to make a festive holiday appetizer that I hope will become part of your family’s gatherings for many years to come.
ingredients:
- Fresh Parsley
- Fresh Basil
- Fresh Oregano
- Garlic
- Lemon Zest
- Goat Cheese
- Honey
- Roasted and Salted Pecans
- Dried Cranberries
step-by-step instructions:
step one: mix the herbs
In a medium bowl, combine the parsley, basil, and oregano. Reserve about 2 teaspoons of the herb mixture and set aside.
step two: make the goat cheese mixture
Add the garlic, lemon zest, goat cheese, and honey and mix until well combined.
step three: shape the log
Place a piece of plastic wrap (14- to 16-lnches long) on a work surface and transfer the goat cheese mixture to the center of the wrap. Bring the plastic wrap up over the cheese and mold the mixture into a log. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for 30 to 45 minutes.
step four: garnish and serve
Place another 14- to 16-inch sheet of parchment or wax paper on a work surface. Spread the chopped pecans, cranberries, and remaining herb mixture in an even layer across the middle of the parchment paper. Unwrap the goat cheese log and roll in the nut mixture, pressing gently to coat. Reshape the log as desired, then serve.
recipe FAQs:
The best way to soften goat cheese for this holiday herbed goat cheese log is by letting it rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes until it’s soft to the touch. This will make it much easier to mix with the other ingredients and shape into a log.
I like to serve a goat cheese log with charcuterie such as prosciutto and salami, marinated olives, firm fruits like grapes or cherries, nuts, whole grain mustard, and crackers and crostini.
Whether you’re trying to get ahead or have leftovers to save, wrap the goat cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
As you prepare to entertain guests this holiday season, try this make-ahead goat cheese log! Tag me on social @thedefineddish so I can see your final dish!
looking for more holiday appetizers? try these!
Sausage Rolls with Hot Honey and Thyme
Bacon Apricot Zingers with Blue Cheese Drizzle
Herbed Goat Cheese Log
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 8 ounces goat cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup finely chopped roasted and salted pecan halves
- 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the parsley, basil and oregano. Reserve about 2 teaspoons of the herb mixture and set aside.
- Add the garlic, lemon zest, goat cheese, and honey and mix until well combined.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap (14- to 16-lnches long) on a work surface, and transfer the goat cheese mixture to the center of the wrap. Bring the plastic wrap up over the cheese and mold the mixture into a log. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Place another 14- to 16-inch sheet of parchment or wax paper on a work surface. Spread the chopped pecans, cranberries, and remaining herb mixture in an even layer across the middle of the parchment paper. Unwrap the goat cheese log and roll in the nut mixture, pressing gently to coat. Reshape the log as desired, then serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is such an incredible recipe! I made it years ago for Thanksgiving and it was such a hit. I made it again recently for some friends who, “don’t love goat cheese” and they’ve now requested it multiple times because they liked it so much!
Obsessed. Licked the bowl clean. All ready for Thursday. Thank you for helping me look like I have my s*** together on Thanksgiving!!