Festive Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe

A Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes transforms any gathering from ordinary to extraordinary with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation. Picture this: you’re hosting your first holiday party, guests are arriving in thirty minutes, and you need something impressive yet effortless.

This show-stopping cheese log recipe becomes your secret weapon – a creamy, herb-infused centerpiece that looks like you spent hours crafting it, when in reality, it takes just minutes to prepare.

The magic lies in the perfect balance of tangy cream cheese, aromatic basil pesto, and intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes, all wrapped in a crunchy coating of toasted walnuts and fresh parsley. This make ahead appetizer delivers restaurant-quality results while keeping your stress levels at zero.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pesto cheese log quickly became my go-to solution after countless party planning disasters. I remember one particularly chaotic evening when unexpected guests arrived, and all I had were basic ingredients in my refrigerator. Within fifteen minutes, I had created this stunning sun dried tomato appetizer that had everyone asking for the recipe.

What makes this cheese log recipe truly special is its versatility and foolproof nature. Whether you’re planning an elegant holiday cheese platter or need easy party appetizers for a casual gathering, this recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion. The best part? You can prepare it days ahead, making it the ultimate stress-free entertaining solution that actually improves in flavor as it rests.

Explore more quick & easy dinner recipes here to complete your entertaining menu with equally impressive main courses.

Ingredients List

Component	Ingredient	Amount
Cheese Log Base	Cream cheese, softened	16 oz
	Basil pesto	½ cup
	Sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped	½ cup
	Parmesan cheese, grated	¼ cup
Coating	Toasted walnuts, finely chopped	¼ cup
	Fresh parsley, finely chopped	2 tbsp
For Serving	Crackers	As needed
	Fresh vegetables	As needed

Find more delicious lunch ideas here to discover additional appetizer options perfect for midday entertaining.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by ensuring your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for easy mixing. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, basil pesto, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly using an electric mixer or wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Shape the Log
Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using your hands, gently shape the mixture into a log approximately 8-10 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth at this stage – the coating will hide any imperfections.

Step 3: Chill the Log
Wrap the shaped cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling step is crucial as it firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle and coat.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating
While the log chills, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool completely, then finely chop them. Mix the chopped walnuts with fresh parsley on a large plate or shallow dish.

Step 5: Apply the Coating
Remove the chilled log from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the entire log in the walnut-parsley mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres evenly to all surfaces.

Step 6: Final Chill and Serve
Wrap the coated log loosely in fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to set. When ready to serve, place on a serving platter with an assortment of crackers and fresh vegetables.

Exact Timing to make Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Initial Chilling: 2 hours (or overnight)
• Coating Preparation: 5 minutes
• Final Chilling: 30 minutes
• Total Active Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time (including chilling): 2 hours 50 minutes

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (2 tbsp)	% Daily Value
Calories	145	7%
Total Fat	13.2g	17%
Saturated Fat	7.8g	39%
Cholesterol	35mg	12%
Sodium	285mg	12%
Total Carbohydrates	3.2g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.8g	3%
Sugars	1.9g	–
Protein	4.1g	8%
Vitamin A	485 IU	10%
Calcium	125mg	13%

Nutritional data based on standard USDA values for a recipe yielding approximately 16 servings. Values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods used.

Healthier Alternatives

Dietary Need	Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Benefits
Lower Fat	Regular cream cheese (16 oz)	Light cream cheese + Greek yogurt (8 oz each)	Reduces calories by 40%, adds protein
Dairy-Free	Cream cheese & Parmesan	Cashew cream cheese + nutritional yeast	Plant-based, rich in healthy fats
Keto-Friendly	Traditional pesto	Spinach-basil pesto with extra olive oil	Higher fat content, lower carbs
Nut-Free	Toasted walnuts	Toasted sunflower seeds	Similar crunch, allergen-free
Higher Protein	Cream cheese base	50% cream cheese + 50% ricotta	Increases protein by 25%
Lower Sodium	Store-bought pesto	Homemade low-sodium pesto	Controls salt content

The beauty of this Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes lies in its adaptability to various dietary preferences while maintaining its signature flavors. Each modification allows you to customize the recipe according to your health goals without sacrificing the delicious taste that makes this appetizer so popular.

Explore more delicious desserts here to complete your entertaining spread with sweet treats that complement this savory appetizer perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Create an Impressive Cheese Board: Position your Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes as the centerpiece of a larger charcuterie spread. Surround it with assorted crackers, sliced baguette rounds, and fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. Add complementary items such as olives, grapes, and cured meats to create a well-rounded appetizer table that caters to various tastes.

Perfect Wine Pairings: This rich, herby appetizer pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cut through the creamy richness. For red wine enthusiasts, a light Chianti or Pinot Noir complements the sun-dried tomatoes without overwhelming the delicate pesto flavors. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon or a light herbal tea.

Elegant Presentation Ideas: Serve the cheese log on a rustic wooden board or elegant marble slab for visual appeal. Garnish the platter with fresh basil leaves, extra sun-dried tomatoes, and a small bowl of high-quality olive oil for drizzling. Provide both spreading knives and small spoons, allowing guests to choose their preferred serving method while maintaining the log’s beautiful presentation throughout your event.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Cold Cream Cheese: The most frequent error when making this appetizer is attempting to mix cold cream cheese straight from the refrigerator. This results in lumpy, poorly incorporated ingredients that never achieve the smooth, creamy texture that makes this cheese log so appealing. Always allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing, or soften it quickly in the microwave using 15-second intervals.

Over-Mixing the Coating: Many home cooks make the mistake of pressing the walnut-parsley coating too aggressively onto the cheese log, which can break the surface and create an uneven appearance. Instead, gently roll the log in the coating mixture, allowing the nuts and herbs to adhere naturally. The coating should provide texture and visual appeal without overwhelming the delicate cheese base.

Insufficient Chilling Time: Rushing the chilling process is a critical mistake that leads to a cheese log that’s difficult to slice and serve properly. Inadequate chilling time results in a soft, messy appetizer that loses its shape when cut. Always allow the full recommended chilling time – this patience ensures clean slices and professional presentation that will impress your guests.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Your prepared Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes will maintain optimal quality for up to 5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors and to maintain its moisture content. For best results, apply the coating just before serving if storing for more than 2 days, as the nuts may lose their crunch over time.

Make-Ahead Strategy: This appetizer actually improves in flavor when made 1-2 days in advance, allowing the pesto and sun-dried tomatoes to meld beautifully with the cream cheese base. Prepare the log without the coating and store it wrapped in plastic wrap. Add the walnut-parsley coating up to 4 hours before serving for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Freezing Guidelines: While not ideal for the coated version, the plain cheese log base can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and apply the fresh coating after the log has completely defrosted. Note that the texture may be slightly different after freezing, but the flavors will remain delicious.

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