A creamy and flavorful cheese log combined with basil pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, coated with walnuts and parsley for a delightful appetizer.
Author:Alex Lee
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 20 minutes
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:No-cook
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Crackers
Fresh vegetables
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Separate the cream cheese mixture equally into two bowls. In one bowl, fold in the basil pesto until fully combined. In the other bowl, blend in the sun-dried tomatoes along with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a flat work surface. Spread the sun-dried tomato mixture into a uniform rectangle, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Carefully layer the pesto mixture evenly on top of the sun-dried tomato base.
With the assistance of the plastic wrap, gently roll the layers into a tight log, twisting the ends of the plastic to fully seal.
Set the wrapped log in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the cheese is firm enough to hold its shape.
Remove the cheese log from the plastic wrap. Roll the surface in the combined walnuts and parsley, pressing lightly to adhere the mixture evenly around the log.
Arrange the finished cheese log on a serving platter. Accompany with crackers and sliced fresh vegetables. Serve chilled or lightly tempered to room temperature.
Notes
Ensure the cream cheese is well-softened for easy mixing.
Toast the walnuts for enhanced flavor.
You can customize the coatings by using different nuts or herbs.