Description
Delightful appetizer showcasing vibrant Mediterranean flavors with creamy cheese and zesty olive tapenade.
Ingredients
Scale
- 11 oz soft goat cheese (or part cream cheese)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup chopped green olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped capers
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup chopped toasted almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional Garnish: Whole green olives, Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Start by making the creamy cheese base, which is crucial for the flavor of your log. In a mixing bowl, combine the soft goat cheese with crumbled feta cheese, a tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Using a fork or hand mixer, blend these ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.
- Next, move on to the olive tapenade for a delightfully savory layer. In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped Kalamata olives, green olives, capers, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to ensure all components are incorporated.
- Now it’s time to assemble your layered cheese log. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Take about a third of your cheese mixture and spread it into a rectangle shape, about ¼-inch thick. Once the layer is smooth, add a layer of tapenade on top, spreading it evenly over the cheese. Repeat this process, alternating layers of cheese and tapenade. Finish with a final layer of cheese on top. Use the plastic wrap to carefully roll the log, shaping it tightly. Once formed, chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- While your cheese log chills, combine the chopped toasted almonds with additional fresh parsley and a splash of olive oil in a bowl. Mix it well.
- Once your cheese log has chilled and firmed up, carefully unwrap it from the plastic wrap. Roll the log into the almond mixture, ensuring that the log is fully coated in nuts. Press down gently to help the nuts stick.
- Place your completed cheese log on a serving platter. Garnish with whole green olives and sprigs of fresh rosemary. Slice it into medallions and serve with your favorite crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
Make sure to use high-quality olives for the best flavor. Store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Protein: 6 g