If you are craving an appetizer that bursts with bold flavors and Mediterranean charm, look no further than this Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log Recipe. It brings together the creaminess of goat and cream cheese with a vibrant olive tapenade coating that shines with hints of garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated gathering or simply want to elevate your snack game, this easy-to-make cheese log offers a perfect harmony of tangy, briny, and savory notes wrapped around a luscious center. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as stunning on the platter as it is delightful on the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart and soul of this Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log Recipe. Each element is thoughtfully selected to contribute texture, flavor depth, or a pop of color, making the preparation effortless yet impactful.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Provides a smooth, creamy base that holds the cheese log together effortlessly.
- 4 oz goat cheese (softened): Adds a tangy richness with a slightly earthy finish for complexity.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the cheese mixture with a fresh, citrusy zing.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory notes without overwhelming the flavors.
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives: Contributes a deep, briny, slightly fruity flavor signature to Mediterranean dishes.
- ¼ cup green olives: Balances with a lighter, slightly tart olive taste and adds color contrast.
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Offers a chewy sweetness and rich umami dimension.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Packs a fresh, pungent punch that wakes up the tapenade.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): Provides a bright herbal lift and vibrant green flecks.
- 1 tablespoon capers (drained): Gives a sharp, salty hit enhancing the overall savory profile.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brings everything together, adding silky richness and helping the toppings stick.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right amount of heat for those who love a little kick.
How to Make Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Begin by combining the softened cream cheese, goat cheese, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Use a spatula or mixer to blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth and homogenous. This creamy blend is the canvas for your Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log Recipe, ensuring a rich and tangy center.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Cheese Log
Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Carefully shape it into a log, pressing and smoothing the surface so it’s even. Wrap the log tightly, ensuring no air gaps, then refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is essential to firm up the cheese, making it easier to roll in the tapenade and slice later.
Step 3: Make the Olive Tapenade
While the cheese log chills, finely chop the Kalamata olives, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and capers. Combine all these chopped elements in a bowl. Stir in the olive oil and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a touch of spice. The result is a flavorful tapenade that perfectly balances salty, tangy, and herbal notes.
Step 4: Coat the Cheese Log with Tapenade
Once the cheese log is firm, unwrap it carefully. Gently roll it in the olive tapenade mixture, pressing lightly with your hands to ensure the tapenade adheres evenly to all sides. This step transforms the log from simple cheese to a textured, colorful Mediterranean masterpiece. Place the coated log on a serving platter and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of visual appeal and fresh flavor, sprinkle additional chopped parsley or a few whole olives on top before serving. Toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds complement the texture and add a satisfying crunch. Thin wedges of lemon placed around the platter invite guests to add a zesty squeeze.
Side Dishes
The Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log Recipe shines when paired with an assortment of crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. These accompaniments provide balance, offering crunch and freshness alongside creamy, savory bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cheese log on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers to create an interactive Mediterranean grazing experience. Alternatively, slice the log into rounds and stack them on skewers with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for elegant finger foods.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its vibrant flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
Though freezing is possible, it may slightly alter the texture of the cheese component. To freeze, wrap the cheese log tightly and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling it in tapenade and serving.
Reheating
This no-bake recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is required. Simply remove from the fridge around 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors and texture to shine.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log Recipe?
Absolutely! While the combination of cream cheese and goat cheese provides the perfect tangy creaminess, you can experiment by mixing in mascarpone, ricotta, or even feta for a different flavor twist.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, this Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies if required.
Can I prepare the tapenade the day before?
Definitely! Making the tapenade ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use.
How spicy is the cheese log if I add red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle, background heat that complements the briny tapenade without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount or omit it altogether based on your heat preference.
What is the best way to serve the cheese log to guests?
Slicing into small rounds and offering a variety of accompaniments such as crackers, toasted bread, and fresh veggies invites easy sharing and accommodates different tastes, making it perfect for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log Recipe is truly a flavor-packed gem that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with minimal effort. Its creamy center combined with the vibrant tapenade is an irresistible duo that will impress guests and delight family alike. Don’t hesitate to make this ahead and savor the wonderful blend of textures and tastes anytime you’re craving something special.
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Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian,Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log is a flavorful and elegant appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese and goat cheese coated with a zesty and briny olive tapenade. Perfect for entertaining, it combines the bold flavors of Kalamata and green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and capers. Easy to prepare ahead of time and serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 oz goat cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Tapenade Coating
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup green olives
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon capers (drained)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, goat cheese, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well incorporated.
- Shape and Chill the Cheese Log: Spoon the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape the mixture into a compact log form. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let it firm up and develop flavors.
- Make the Olive Tapenade: While the cheese log chills, finely chop the Kalamata olives, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and capers. Transfer all to a bowl and stir in the olive oil and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Mix well to combine.
- Coat the Cheese Log: Once the cheese log is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and unwrap. Roll the log gently in the prepared tapenade mixture, pressing lightly to ensure all sides are evenly coated with the olive tapenade.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the coated cheese log to a serving platter and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best texture and flavor, bring it to room temperature before serving. Serve with your choice of crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Both the cheese log and tapenade can be prepared a day ahead and assembled just before serving to save time.
- For added texture and flavor, roll the log in chopped toasted walnuts or almonds either before or after coating it with the tapenade.
- Bringing the log to room temperature before serving enhances the creamy texture and flavor profile.
