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
Scale
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.
