Description
This festive Italian Cheese Loaf is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining cream cheese, cheddar, roasted peppers, and savory salami with aromatic herbs and spices, it’s served chilled and topped with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. Ideal for serving with your favorite crackers, this cheese loaf is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Log:
- 500 g cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp rosemary
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (alternative to individual herbs)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp red pepper/chilli flakes
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 280 g roasted peppers, drained and finely chopped
- 180 g salami, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup green olives, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup green onion, finely minced (3–4 stalks)
Topping and Serving:
- 220 g sun dried tomato strips with oil, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped (or chives)
- Rosemary sprigs for decoration
- Jatz or other crackers for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a loaf pan with oil and line it with cling wrap, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal later.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, herbs, spices, garlic powder, salt, red pepper flakes, grated cheese, roasted peppers, chopped salami, green olives, and green onions. Stir thoroughly until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust salt if needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of your crackers.
- Form the Loaf: Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to level the surface and press down to remove any air pockets. A smaller pan will result in a taller loaf.
- Chill: Cover the loaf with the overhanging cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 1 week to allow flavors to meld and the loaf to firm up.
- Unmold and Garnish: Remove the loaf from the refrigerator, turn it out onto a serving platter, and peel off the cling wrap. Top the loaf with roughly chopped sun dried tomato strips including their oil. Sprinkle finely chopped parsley (or chives) over the top and garnish with rosemary sprigs for a festive presentation.
- Serve: Serve the cheese loaf closer to room temperature for best flavor and texture. Pair with crackers, and no knives are needed since it is soft enough to scoop.
Notes
- If using spreadable style cream cheese (such as tubs common in Europe), omit the sour cream to maintain proper consistency.
- Alternatives to sour cream include yogurt or mayonnaise to loosen the mixture slightly.
- Choose flavorful melting cheeses like cheddar, tasty, Swiss, gruyere, pepper jack, emmenthal, or Asiago for authentic Italian taste. Avoid mozzarella as it lacks sufficient seasoning.
- Freshly grate cheese for a finer texture that blends well; if using pre-shredded, chop it roughly to reduce chunkiness.
- For a meatless version, omit salami and add 1/2 cup grated parmesan to boost flavor.
- Customize the add-ins with ingredients like artichokes, capers, different olives, pickles, cooked chorizo, bacon, or ham.
- For a freeform log shape, form the mixture on cling wrap, roll, and twist the ends tightly before refrigerating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
