Name: Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (10 oz) log chèvre goat cheese; 3 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped; 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped; 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh oregano, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans; Olive oil, as needed for drizzling

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 15 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as easy as it is delicious, this Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine creamy goat cheese mingling with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, all rolled up in a nutty pecan crust—it’s the kind of recipe that disappears off the table before you know it. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just craving something special for snack time, stick around. I’m sharing all the little tricks that make this cheese log irresistibly good.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy Yet Firm Texture: Combining goat cheese with cream cheese creates a luscious, spreadable mix that firms up beautifully after chilling.
Fresh Herb Explosion: A medley of chives, parsley, basil, and oregano brings bright layers of flavor that cut through the richness.
Crunchy Pecan Crust: The chopped pecans not only add texture but also a toasty nuttiness that perfectly balances the cheese.

Garlic Herb Cheese Log, cheese log appetizer, seafood cheese cheese ball, goat cheese cheese dip, herb cheese spread - A long roll of soft white cheese covered with chopped green herbs and brown nut pieces sits on a wooden board. Surrounding it on both sides are round, light tan crackers with small holes on top. One cracker in the front holds a thick layer of the cheese spread mixed with herbs and nuts, showing a textured white and green speckled surface. The wooden board rests on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible on the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to complement the others, creating a perfect balance of creaminess, aromatic herbs, and a little zing from lemon zest. When you’re grocery shopping, look for fresh herbs that smell vibrant—that’s going to be your flavor powerhouse.

Garlic Herb Cheese Log, cheese log appetizer, seafood cheese cheese ball, goat cheese cheese dip, herb cheese spread - Flat lay of a smooth log of chèvre goat cheese and softened cream cheese, fresh bright green chives, parsley, basil, and oregano finely chopped, a small pile of golden lemon zest, a peeled garlic clove, and a handful of chopped pecans scattered around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Chèvre Goat Cheese: Its tangy, earthy flavor sets the base and pairs beautifully with fresh herbs.
Cream Cheese: Adds smooth creaminess and helps the log hold its shape after chilling.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground is key for a subtle spicy note that wakes up the cheese.
Fresh Chives: Mild oniony flavor with a nice pop of green color.
Fresh Parsley: Bright and slightly peppery, parsley refreshes the palate.
Fresh Basil: Sweet and aromatic—it brings a summery vibe.
Fresh Oregano: Adds a savory depth without overwhelming the herbs.
Garlic: Just a clove, minced finely for that lovely pungent kick.
Lemon Zest: Brings a fresh citrus twist that lifts the whole log.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without making it salty—season gradually!
Pecans: Toasted and chopped to add a satisfying crunch and nutty sweetness.
Olive Oil: Drizzled on top before serving for richness and a pretty sheen.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe is—it’s a blank canvas for all sorts of flavor twists. Over time, I’ve played around with the herbs and nuts, and I encourage you to experiment too! Tailor it to your tastebuds or what you have on hand.

Variation: One time, I swapped pecans for toasted walnuts, which added a deeper, earthy crunch that my friends adored. You could try almonds or pistachios for a different texture.
Dietary Modification: Use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based goat cheese alternative to make this recipe dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.
Seasonal Twist: Swap fresh herbs for dried herbs in winter—just use half the amount to keep flavors balanced.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the cheese mix if you like a little heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Cheeses

Start by combining the goat cheese, softened cream cheese, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. I usually let the cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes until it’s room temperature so it blends smoothly without lumps. Stir everything together with a spatula until it’s completely smooth—this step is key for that creamy foundation. If you want, you can even give it a quick whip with a hand mixer for extra silkiness.

Step 2: Shape and Chill the Cheese Log

Now comes the fun part—using your hands, roll the cheese mixture into a log shape. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky; pressing gently and working quickly helps. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This chills it just enough to be firm and easier to roll in the herb coating, but it shouldn’t be rock solid—otherwise, it might crack when rolling.

Step 3: Prepare the Herb and Pecan Coating

While the cheese is chilling, mix together the finely chopped fresh herbs—chives, parsley, basil, oregano—with minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and the chopped pecans in a shallow dish. This mix will be your flavorful, crunchy coating. Be sure to chop the pecans finely so they stick well and distribute evenly around the cheese log.

Step 4: Roll It in the Herb Coating

Line your counter with parchment paper and spread the herb and pecan mixture into a square the length of your cheese log. Take the chilled cheese log from the freezer and place it at one edge of the herb coating. Gently roll the log so the coating sticks, pressing with your hands to ensure it adheres evenly all around. This step is all about gentle but firm pressure—too hard and the log might lose shape, too light and the coating might fall off.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Pop the coated cheese log into the fridge while you get other things ready—chilling for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors marry and the cheese firm up just right. When you’re ready to serve, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top adds a lovely gloss and rich finish. Grab some crisp crackers or slices of crusty baguette and watch your guests go wild!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Softened Cream Cheese: Always let it sit out until room temp—it blends so much easier and no lumps!
Herbs Freshness: Chop herbs finely and mix thoroughly to get flavor in every bite.
Chilling Time: Don’t shorten the chill time — the log needs to firm up to roll well without breaking.
Pecans Texture: Toast pecans lightly beforehand for extra nutty flavor and crunch.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe

Garlic Herb Cheese Log, cheese log appetizer, seafood cheese cheese ball, goat cheese cheese dip, herb cheese spread - A close-up of a long cheese log on a wooden board with the front end showing soft white cheese with a fluffy texture. The log is covered with chopped nuts and green herbs, giving it a rough and crunchy outside. On each side of the cheese log, there are two round, light brown crackers with a smooth surface and small holes. The wooden board is resting on a white marbled surface that softly blurs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this cheese log with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness. Sometimes I sprinkle just a tiny pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky hint. Fresh sprigs of parsley or chives not only brighten the plate but add a burst of fresh herb aroma when guests dig in.

Side Dishes

This cheese log pairs beautifully with an assortment of crunchy crackers, thin slices of toasted baguette, or even crudité like crisp cucumber and celery sticks. For a more substantial snack or light lunch, serve alongside olives, marinated artichokes, and a handful of roasted nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve rolled the herb and pecan crust on a rectangular flat tray and shaped the cheese into mini logs or even little rounds to make individual bites – perfect for a fancy party spread. You can also place the log on a bed of fresh leafy greens or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover garlic herb cheese log tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 4 to 5 days—though, honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

Freezing works fine if you want to make this ahead. Wrap the log super tightly in plastic and pop it in a freezer bag. It freezes best for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight—don’t rush this step to keep texture intact.

Reheating

Since it’s a cheese log meant to be served cold, I usually eat it straight from the fridge. That said, letting it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving really lets the flavors bloom and makes it easier to spread.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in the Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Mix them well into the coating and consider adding a little extra lemon zest or garlic to brighten the flavors.
How do I prevent the cheese log from cracking when rolling it in the herbs?

The key is to chill the cheese log until firm but not frozen solid. If it’s too cold, it becomes brittle and can crack; if too soft, it won’t hold shape. Also, handle gently while rolling and press the herb coating carefully.
What can I serve with the garlic herb cheese log?

Try serving it with an assortment of crackers, toasted bread slices, fresh vegetable sticks, olives, or roasted nuts for a crowd-pleasing appetizer board.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based goat cheese or cashew cheese alternative. Fresh herbs and nuts remain the same, just watch for added salt or seasoning differences in your substitutes.
Is there a way to add some heat to this cheese log?

Yes! Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika into the cheese mixture for subtle warmth without overpowering the fresh herbs.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe is one of those delightful recipes I’ve come back to time and again, especially when I want something quick but sophisticated for guests or just a special treat. It’s creamy, fresh, a little zesty, and—best of all—easy to make ahead so you’re not stuck in the kitchen on party day. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do. Give it a whirl—you’ll feel like a pro, and your friends and family will be coming back for seconds!