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Christmas Appetiser
Isabella

Christmas Appetiser Cheese Log

This vibrant and festive Christmas Cheese Log is creamy, colourful, and bursting with Mediterranean flavours. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for holiday gatherings, and guaranteed to disappear fast. With roasted peppers, olives, herbs, and a rich cheese base, every slice is packed with irresistible flavour.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Log Base
  • 500 g Cream cheese softened
  • ⅓ cup Sour cream
  • 0.5 tsp Thyme, dried
  • 0.5 tsp Oregano, dried
  • 0.5 tsp Basil, dried
  • 0.5 tsp Rosemary, dried
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Red pepper flakes adjust heat to preference
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 280 g Roasted peppers well drained & finely chopped
  • 180 g Beef salami finely chopped; pork-free substitute
  • 0.75 cup Green olives finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup Green onions finely minced
Topping & Serving
  • 220 g Sun-dried tomato strips roughly chopped, plus a drizzle of their oil
  • 0.25 cup Fresh parsley finely chopped
  • Rosemary sprigs for decoration
  • Crackers of choice

Method
 

  1. Lightly spray a loaf pan with oil and line it with cling film, leaving overhang on all sides.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, dried herbs, garlic powder, salt, and chilli flakes until smooth.
  3. Fold in the grated cheddar, roasted peppers, beef salami, olives, and green onions until evenly distributed.
  4. Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to remove air pockets. Smooth the top and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  5. Unmould onto a serving platter. Top with sun-dried tomatoes, drizzle with their oil, scatter parsley, and decorate with rosemary sprigs. Serve with crackers.

Notes

To make it vegetarian, leave out the salami and add more olives or roasted peppers. For a firmer log, increase grated cheese; for a softer spread, add more sour cream. Shape it into a ball or wreath for festive variation.