Herb-Coated Cheese Log

Featured in: Garden-Inspired Meals

This creamy cheese log combines cream cheese, goat cheese, and sharp cheddar, blended with fresh chives, Dijon mustard, and seasoning. Once formed, it’s chilled to firm up before being coated evenly in a fragrant mixture of parsley, dill, chives, and lemon zest. The cheese log is presented surrounded by a crisp ring of assorted crackers, making it a perfect centerpiece for appetizers or casual gatherings.

The no-cook preparation offers a blend of creamy tang and herbal freshness, while textural contrast comes from the crisp cracker accompaniment. Variations can include rolling the log in chopped nuts or swapping goat cheese for other varieties like feta or blue cheese for deeper flavor complexity. This crowd-pleasing dish pairs beautifully with sparkling or white wines and includes gluten-free options.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:50:00 GMT
Close-up of a vibrant herb-coated cheese log surrounded by a cracker ring, appetizing for serving. Pin
Close-up of a vibrant herb-coated cheese log surrounded by a cracker ring, appetizing for serving. | toastybasil.com

A creamy, tangy cheese log coated in fresh herbs, served with a crisp ring of assorted crackers—perfect for entertaining or as an elegant appetizer.

I love serving this cheese log at parties because it always impresses guests with its fresh herb coating and creamy texture.

Ingredients

  • Cheese Mixture: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, 115 g (4 oz) goat cheese, softened, 60 g (½ cup) shredded sharp cheddar, 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Herb Coating: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped, 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped, 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Serving: 30–40 assorted crackers (gluten-free crackers if desired)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, cheddar, chives, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Beat until smooth and well-mixed.
Step 2:
Spoon the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Shape into a log about 20 cm (8 inches) long. Wrap and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Step 3:
In a shallow dish, mix together parsley, dill, chives, and lemon zest.
Step 4:
Unwrap the chilled cheese log and roll it in the herb mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides evenly.
Step 5:
Place the cheese log in the center of a serving platter. Arrange crackers in a ring around the log.
Step 6:
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Tangy herb-coated cheese log, a beautiful appetizer on a platter with crackers for dipping. Pin
Tangy herb-coated cheese log, a beautiful appetizer on a platter with crackers for dipping. | toastybasil.com

This recipe has become a favorite for family gatherings and holiday celebrations, always bringing everyone together around the table.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl, electric mixer or sturdy spoon, plastic wrap, shallow dish, serving platter

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cream cheese, goat cheese, cheddar). Contains gluten if using regular crackers. Always check cracker labels for allergens if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 6 g per serving

A visually appealing, creamy herb-coated cheese log ready to be served with savory crackers. Pin
A visually appealing, creamy herb-coated cheese log ready to be served with savory crackers. | toastybasil.com

This herb-coated cheese log makes for a stunning centerpiece and delicious appetizer that guests will love.

Recipe Q&A

What cheeses are used for the cheese log?

A combination of cream cheese, goat cheese, and shredded sharp cheddar creates a creamy and tangy base.

How do I achieve a firm texture for the log?

Chill the shaped cheese log in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow it to set firmly before coating.

What herbs are used for the coating?

Fresh parsley, dill, chives, and lemon zest are combined for a bright and flavorful herb coating.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, by selecting gluten-free crackers for the serving ring, it accommodates gluten-free diets.

Are there suggestions to vary the flavor profile?

Try rolling the log in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or swapping goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for different tastes.

What beverages pair well with this dish?

Crisp white wines or sparkling wines complement the creamy and herbaceous flavors nicely.

Herb-Coated Cheese Log

Creamy cheese blend rolled in fresh herbs, paired with a crispy ring of crackers for easy serving.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min


Skill level Easy

Origin American

Yield 8 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian

Components

Cheese Mixture

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 4 oz goat cheese, softened
03 ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
05 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
06 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
07 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
08 ¼ teaspoon salt

Herb Coating

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
02 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
03 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
04 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Serving

01 30 to 40 assorted crackers (gluten-free options available)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare cheese mixture: Combine cream cheese, goat cheese, cheddar, chives, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl. Beat until smooth and fully blended.

Step 02

Shape and chill cheese log: Transfer mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into an 8-inch log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm.

Step 03

Mix herb coating: In a shallow dish, combine parsley, dill, chives, and lemon zest thoroughly.

Step 04

Coat cheese log with herbs: Unwrap the chilled log and roll it in the herb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 05

Arrange and serve: Place the coated cheese log at the center of a serving platter and arrange crackers in a ring around it. Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.

Step 06

Serve at optimal temperature: Allow the cheese log to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance texture and flavor.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or sturdy spoon
  • Plastic wrap
  • Shallow dish
  • Serving platter

Allergy information

Review each component for possible allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Contains dairy from cream cheese, goat cheese, and cheddar.
  • Contains gluten if regular crackers are used; verify labels for allergen information.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbs: 8 g
  • Protein: 6 g