Description
This Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Cheese Log is a flavorful and elegant appetizer combining creamy goat cheese with a zesty olive tapenade coating. Quick to make and perfect for entertaining, this cheese log bursts with Mediterranean flavors of Kalamata and green olives, capers, fresh parsley, and tangy lemon juice. Serve it chilled or at room temperature with toasted baguette slices or crackers for a delightful and easy party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Log
- 11 oz. soft fresh goat cheese log (may substitute all or part with cream cheese)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare olive mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the Kalamata and green olives and whisk gently to mix evenly. Remove 3 tablespoons of this olive mixture to reserve for coating the cheese log later.
- Mix cheese filling: To the remaining olive mixture, stir in fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the goat cheese (or cream cheese) and mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Shape the cheese log: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on the countertop. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm up slightly but remain soft enough for coating to stick.
- Prepare tapenade coating: Line a counter or work surface with parchment paper. Add the reserved olive mixture, capers, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese, stirring to combine into a uniform tapenade spread. Spread this mixture evenly into a single-layer square slightly larger than the cheese log.
- Coat the cheese log: Remove the cheese log from the freezer and place it at the edge of the tapenade coating on the parchment paper. Gently roll the log in the coating, pressing the tapenade to adhere evenly all around the log.
- Chill or serve: Refrigerate the coated cheese log until ready to serve or serve immediately. For best flavor and texture, allow the log to soften at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving.
- Final touch and serving: Just before serving, drizzle the cheese log with olive oil. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
Notes
- Substitute cream cheese for goat cheese if a milder flavor or creamier texture is desired.
- Freezing the cheese log briefly firms it for easier rolling but be careful not to freeze it completely solid.
- The tapenade coating can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Allowing the cheese log to sit at room temperature before serving improves spreadability and flavor.
- Pair this cheese log with dry white wines or light reds for an ideal Mediterranean pairing.
