Name: Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (10 oz) log chèvre goat cheese; 3 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped; 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped; 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh oregano, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans; Olive oil, as needed for drizzling

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 6 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for something simple yet show-stopping for your next party or cozy night in, you’ve got to try this Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe. I’ve made it more times than I can count because it’s just that good—tangy goat cheese, rich cream cheese, and fresh herbs all rolled into one savory log that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it perfectly the first time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Flavor Balance: Creamy goat cheese meets fresh herbs and a hint of garlic to create bold but approachable flavor.
Easy Prep with Clear Steps: Mixing, chilling, and rolling keep things straightforward — ideal even if you’re not a seasoned cook.
Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: Works as an appetizer, party snack, or elegant addition to your cheese board.
Textural Contrast: The crunchy pecan coating adds a delightful bite that complements the creamy cheese inside.

Garlic Herb Cheese Log, cheese ball recipe, flavorful cheese log, easy party appetizer, goat cheese herb roll - A long roll of soft white cheese covered with chopped green herbs and brown nut pieces sits on a wooden board. Surrounding it on both sides are round, light tan crackers with small holes on top. One cracker in the front holds a thick layer of the cheese spread mixed with herbs and nuts, showing a textured white and green speckled surface. The wooden board rests on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible on the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to layer flavor and texture beautifully. Fresh herbs provide brightness, garlic adds punch, and pecans bring just the right crunch. A quick tip: look for fresh, vibrant herbs and quality goat cheese for the best results.

Garlic Herb Cheese Log, cheese ball recipe, flavorful cheese log, easy party appetizer, goat cheese herb roll - Flat lay of a smooth log of chèvre goat cheese and softened cream cheese, fresh bright green chives, parsley, basil, and oregano finely chopped, a small pile of golden lemon zest, a peeled garlic clove, and a handful of chopped pecans scattered around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Chèvre goat cheese: This tangy cheese adds a wonderful creamy base with a subtle sharpness that’s essential here.
Cream cheese: Softens the goat cheese for easy rolling and smooth texture.
Black pepper: Freshly ground gives a mild heat and aroma that lifts the flavors.
Fresh chives: Mild oniony flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese.
Fresh parsley: Adds a clean, slightly peppery note for freshness.
Fresh basil: Sweet and aromatic, it’s key to balancing the herb mix.
Fresh oregano: Earthy and slightly bitter, excellent depth from this herb.
Garlic clove: Just a little goes a long way in giving that essential savory kick.
Lemon zest: Brightens the whole log with a lively citrus aroma.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Pecans: Toasted and chopped, perfect for that satisfying crunch coating.
Olive oil: A drizzle at the end adds richness and helps the flavors meld.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often switch up the herbs or nuts depending on what’s fresh or what I have on hand — and you can too! Don’t be shy to make it your own.

Nut swap: I’ve tried walnuts and almonds instead of pecans, and both work nicely for crunch but give different flavors.
Herb variations: If you don’t have fresh oregano, substitute with thyme or tarragon for a different but just as tasty herbal note.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can give a smoky kick if you like a little heat.
Dairy-free tweak: If you prefer, use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cheeses Smoothly

Start by putting your softened cream cheese and the goat cheese into a mixing bowl. Add freshly ground black pepper, then stir everything together until you get a smooth, creamy blend. I usually use a spatula to fold everything well — no lumps here! If the cheeses are too cold, it’s harder to mix, so let them sit out for 10 minutes to soften first. This step really sets the base for the best texture.

Step 2: Shape and Chill the Cheese Log

Get your hands in there and gently roll the cheese mixture into a log shape—about 6 to 8 inches long works well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then pop it in the freezer for around 20 minutes. This firms it up just enough to handle easily without freezing it solid, which helps when you’re rolling it in the herb coating in the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Herb and Nut Coating

While the cheese firm ups, finely chop your chives, parsley, basil, and oregano. Toss these with the minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and chopped pecans in a shallow dish. It’s best if the nuts are toasted lightly in a pan beforehand to deepen their flavor — I often do this while the cheese chills. This herb and nut mix is what wraps the cheese log in a fresh, crunchy layer that everyone loves.

Step 4: Roll the Cheese Log in Herbs and Chill

Lay some parchment paper on the counter and spread the herb-nut mix into a thin square about the same length as your cheese log. Take the cheese out of the freezer and place it at one edge of the herb spread. Roll it gently but firmly, pressing the herb mixture so it sticks evenly all around. Cover and chill the log until you’re ready to serve. Before plating, I like to drizzle olive oil over the top to add a bit of shine and richness.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe

Soften Your Cheese: Let cream cheese and goat cheese sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes—it makes mixing and shaping so much easier.
Toast the Pecans: Dry-toast nuts in a pan until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, to amplify their flavor and crunch.
Firm but Not Frozen: The 20-minute chill in the freezer allows you to roll the cheese without cracking or melting the coating.
Press, Don’t Rub: When rolling the log in herbs, press gently so the coating sticks evenly without smushing the cheese.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe

Garlic Herb Cheese Log, cheese ball recipe, flavorful cheese log, easy party appetizer, goat cheese herb roll - A close-up of a long cheese log on a wooden board with the front end showing soft white cheese with a fluffy texture. The log is covered with chopped nuts and green herbs, giving it a rough and crunchy outside. On each side of the cheese log, there are two round, light brown crackers with a smooth surface and small holes. The wooden board is resting on a white marbled surface that softly blurs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to add a little extra flair by drizzling high-quality olive oil and sprinkling some freshly cracked black pepper on top just before serving. Sometimes, I’ll also scatter a few whole pecans or a sprig of fresh herbs on the plate to make it look extra inviting—a small touch that guests always notice.

Side Dishes

This cheese log pairs beautifully with a crisp baguette sliced thinly or crunchy crackers. For a veggie option, try serving alongside crunchy cucumber slices or colorful bell pepper strips. I often lay out marinated olives and dried fruits too—it rounds out the flavors perfectly for a lovely appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I’ve rolled smaller “bite-size” logs to serve as party nibbles—you can make individual portions rolled into balls and coated the same way. Another fun idea: arrange the log on a rustic wooden board with piles of herbs, nuts, and lemon slices scattered around for a gorgeous artisan look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap the cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated—good for about 3 to 4 days. Keeping it wrapped well is key to prevent the cheese from drying out or absorbing fridge odors. When I’m ready to serve leftovers, I let it sit out briefly to take the chill off for better texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but I recommend wrapping the cheese log very tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to a month. When you thaw it in the fridge overnight, the texture might be a little softer, but the flavors will still be delightful—perfect for making ahead of big events.

Reheating

Since this garlic herb cheese log is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary—in fact, heat can alter the texture and cause the coating to become soggy. Instead, plan to pull it out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before serving so it softens just enough.

FAQs

Can I make the Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheese log actually benefits from sitting in the fridge a few hours to let flavors meld, and you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly to maintain freshness.
What can I serve with the cheese log?

Crackers, sliced baguette, fresh veggies like cucumber or bell peppers, and olives are my go-to companions. You can create a full cheese board with fruits, nuts, and charcuterie for a more elaborate setup.
How do I store leftovers?

Wrap the cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, but for best texture, serve it at room temperature.
Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Definitely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios make excellent alternatives. Toast them lightly to boost the flavor before coating the cheese log.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs really shine here, but if you only have dried, use sparingly and crush them well. You might want to reduce amounts by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Cheese Log Recipe has become my secret weapon whenever I want an appetizer that’s both effortless and unforgettable. It’s just so satisfying to slice into that creamy, savory center with the herby, nutty crust. Whether it’s a last-minute get-together or a planned celebration, I guarantee it’ll be the star on your table. Give it a go—you’ll be hooked just like I am!