Name: Holiday Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: PT-492261H54M5S
Ingredients: 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened to a spreadable consistency; ½ cup of fresh basil pesto; ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped; ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, finely grated; ¼ cup of toasted walnuts, finely chopped for crunch; 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, finely chopped for color; Assorted crackers for serving; Fresh vegetables, such as cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or carrot sticks for serving

Description

The Holiday Cheese Log is the perfect appetizer for your festive gatherings. Its delicious combination of flavors and inviting presentation will impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

16 ounces of cream cheese, softened to a spreadable consistency
½ cup of fresh basil pesto
½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, finely grated
¼ cup of toasted walnuts, finely chopped for crunch
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, finely chopped for color
Assorted crackers for serving
Fresh vegetables, such as cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or carrot sticks for serving

Instructions

Start by placing the softened cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
Now, divide the cream cheese mixture evenly into two separate bowls. In one bowl, fold in half a cup of basil pesto until it’s thoroughly blended into the cream cheese. In your second bowl, mix in the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the grated Parmesan cheese.
On a flat surface, lay down a large sheet of plastic wrap. Starting with the sun-dried tomato mixture, spread it out into a rectangle that’s about ½ inch thick. Next, gently spread the pesto mixture evenly over the sun-dried tomato layer.
Using the plastic wrap, carefully start to roll the layered cheese mixture into a log shape. Make sure to twist the ends of the plastic wrap tightly to secure the log.
Place the log in the refrigerator and chill it for at least two hours.
After chilling, unwrap the cheese log. In a shallow dish, combine the finely chopped walnuts and parsley. Roll the chilled cheese log in this mixture.
Finally, place the cheese log onto a serving platter. Surround it elegantly with assorted crackers and fresh vegetables. Serve it chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

This cheese log can be made two days in advance.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (chilling time only)
Category: Appetizers

Nutrition

Calories: Approx. 200 per serving
Sodium: 300 mg
Protein: 5 g