This Holiday Garlic Herb Cheese Log blends creamy goat cheese, herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and pecans — an easy, elegant appetizer you’ll actually want to make.
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Every December, I tell myself I’ll plan ahead. I’ll prep appetizers early, I’ll make my kitchen smell like rosemary and Christmas magic, I’ll be that host who looks effortless and breezy. And every December… I lie.
The truth? The first time I made this Holiday Garlic Herb Cheese Log, it wasn’t some serene, candlelit evening with carols in the background. Nope. It was chaos — like, full-on “how is the cheese gone?” panic. I had people coming over, the dog barking at wrapping paper, and my husband hovering with that helpful question: “Do we have snacks?”
I opened the fridge and there it was — a log of goat cheese staring back at me, next to some cream cheese and wilted herbs that probably should’ve been thrown out two days ago. I threw them together, added garlic (because that’s my answer to most of life’s problems), and rolled it all in chopped pecans I found hiding behind the butter. The result? Magic. The kind of magic that makes you stop mid-sentence and go, “Wait… did I just make that?”
Now it’s my go-to every holiday season. Not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s forgiving. You can mess it up a little — it still looks like something you bought from a fancy cheese shop.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe?
If I had to describe this cheese log in three words? Creamy, herby, and addictive. It’s that perfect mix of tangy goat cheese and smooth cream cheese, all wrapped up in bright, fresh herbs and crunchy pecans. The lemon zest gives it this lift that keeps it from feeling heavy, and the garlic — oh, the garlic — ties it all together.
What I love most, though, is that it feels fancy without trying too hard. You know what I mean? Like when you wear a nice sweater with leggings and call it “holiday chic.” It’s effortless, elegant, and honestly kind of a lifesaver. Whether you’re hosting friends or showing up to someone else’s party, this Holiday Garlic Herb Cheese Log always gets attention — and not just the polite kind. The “oh-my-gosh-who-made-this” kind.
Ingredient Notes:
Before you grab your mixing bowl, let’s talk about what makes this little cheese log so good. You probably already have half the stuff anyway.
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Goat Cheese: The star of the show. Tangy, creamy, and just a little fancy.
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Cream Cheese: Smooths everything out and makes it spreadable. Don’t skip this part — it’s what gives that luscious texture.
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Fresh Herbs: I used chives, parsley, basil, and oregano. Honestly, use what you have. Thyme, rosemary — it’s all fair game.
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Garlic: Just one clove. Adds warmth without overpowering everything. (But if you love garlic, you do you.)
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Lemon Zest: Trust me, it makes the whole thing come alive. Like that one friend who shows up and suddenly the party’s better.
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Pecans: For that nutty crunch. You could toast them first if you’re feeling extra fancy.
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Olive Oil: A light drizzle before serving makes it glossy and adds a little richness.
Simple ingredients, but together? Total holiday hero.
How To Make Holiday Garlic Herb Cheese Log?
Alright, friend — this part’s easy, I promise.
- Start by mixing your goat cheese, cream cheese, and a pinch of black pepper in a bowl. I always start strong with a spatula and end up switching to a fork. Perfection’s overrated — just mash until smooth. Once it’s mixed, use your hands to shape it into a log. Wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it for about 20 minutes — not solid, just firm enough to handle.
- Now, in a shallow dish, mix your chopped herbs, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pecans. Spread that out on a piece of parchment paper like you’re making a little bed of holiday confetti. When your cheese log is ready, roll it over that mixture, pressing gently so all those pretty bits stick. Don’t stress if it’s uneven — that’s part of the charm.
- Pop it in the fridge until it’s time to serve. Right before it hits the table, drizzle a touch of olive oil on top. Then stand back and watch people hover around it like it’s the main event (because honestly, it kind of is).
Storage Options:
You can make this Holiday Garlic Herb Cheese Log a day or two ahead — and honestly, it’s even better that way. The herbs mingle with the cheese, the flavors get cozy… it’s like letting it marinate in its own holiday spirit.
Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, give it ten minutes to soften slightly. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them up again — they’ll stay good for about three days. (Though in my house, it never makes it that long.)
Variations and Substitutions:
The best part about this recipe? You can make it your own. There’s no wrong way to cheese, really.
Want To Save This Recipe?
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Swap pecans for pistachios or walnuts — both look gorgeous and taste amazing.
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Add dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a little color and sweetness.
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Use different herbs — thyme or rosemary add a cozy, woodsy note.
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Hate goat cheese? Mix cream cheese with feta for a similar tang.
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Feeling bold? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey for a spicy-sweet twist.
Basically, it’s one of those recipes that works no matter what mood you’re in — chill or festive chaos.
What to Serve with Holiday Garlic Herb Cheese Log?
Oh, the possibilities. This Holiday Garlic Herb Cheese Log fits in anywhere — from a fancy dinner spread to a midnight snack situation.
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Crackers and Crostini: Always a classic. The cheese melts perfectly onto warm toast.
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Fresh Veggies: Carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers if you want something lighter.
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Charcuterie Boards: Add it next to your salami, olives, and grapes — instant showstopper.
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Wine: I’m partial to a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or something bubbly. But honestly, even a cheap bottle of red while wrapping gifts works just fine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I don’t like goat cheese?
Totally fine — swap it out for cream cheese or a mix of cream cheese and feta.
Can I freeze it?
Technically, yes, but I wouldn’t. The herbs lose their brightness. Just make it fresh — it’s worth it.
How do I make the coating stick better?
Chill the cheese before rolling. The colder it is, the easier everything clings.
So there you have it — the Holiday Garlic Herb Cheese Log that saves the day every single time. It’s festive, flavorful, and just a little fancy, but in that “I didn’t stress about this” kind of way. Make it once, and you’ll start finding excuses to make it again — holidays or not.
And hey, if you do try it, pour yourself a glass of wine and send me a mental cheers. I’ll be over here pretending not to eat mine straight from the fridge.
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Holiday Garlic Herb Cheese Log
Ingredients
- 1 10 oz log chèvre goat cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh oregano finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- Olive oil as needed
Instructions
Prepare the cheese base:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, goat cheese, and black pepper. Using a spatula, mix until the texture is smooth and creamy, ensuring both cheeses are evenly incorporated.
Shape the cheese mixture:
- Once blended, transfer the mixture to a clean surface and use your hands to form it into a compact log shape. Wrap the cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for approximately 20 minutes, or until it is firm enough to handle without losing shape.
Prepare the herb coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the chives, parsley, basil, oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and finely chopped pecans. Stir gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Coat the cheese log:
- Lay a sheet of parchment paper on the counter and spread the herb mixture into a thin, even layer roughly the same length as the cheese log. Unwrap the chilled cheese log and carefully roll it across the herb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres evenly on all sides.
Chill and serve:
- Transfer the coated cheese log to a serving platter or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before presenting, drizzle lightly with olive oil for a glossy finish and added richness.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
