Cheese Logs

By lorik

We chill the cheese log in the freezer because it’s much easier to roll in the chives when firm. Once the cheese log has been garnished, it can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to two days. Buy refrigerated prepared horseradish, not the shelf-stable kind, which contains preservatives and additives.

Ingredients

• Cheddar with Chive:
• 6 ounces extra-sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, drained
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup minced fresh chives

Details

Adapted from cookscountry.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Process cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, horseradish, Worcestershire, garlic, and pepper in food processor until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, about 1 minute.

2. Lay 18 by 11-inch sheet of plastic wrap on counter with long side parallel to counter edge. Transfer cheese mixture to center of plastic and shape into approximate 9-inch log with long side parallel to counter edge. Fold plastic over log and roll up. Pinch plastic at ends of log and roll log on counter to form tight cylinder. Tuck ends of plastic underneath. Freeze until completely firm, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

3. Spread chives on large plate. Unwrap cheese log and roll in chives to evenly coat. Transfer to serving dish and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Serve.

Pimento Cheese Log with Bacon:
Omit horseradish. Add 1 minced small shallot and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to food processor with cheese. After processing, add 1/2 cup jarred chopped pimentos, patted dry, and pulse to combine, about 3 pulses. Substitute finely chopped cooked bacon for chives.

Goat Cheese Log with Herbes de Provence:
Omit mayonnaise and horseradish. Substitute 1 1/2 cups crumbled goat cheese for cheddar and 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil for Worcestershire. Substitute 3 Tbsp herbes de Provence for chives. Drizzle log with 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil before serving.

Chile Cheese Log with Tortilla Chips:
Substitute Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar, 2 Tbsp minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce for horseradish, and lime juice for Worcestershire. After processeing, add 1/3 cup drained chopped green chiles and pulse to combine. Substitute crushed blue corn tortilla chips for chives.

Blue Cheese Log with Walnuts and Honey:
Omit mayonnaise, horseradish, Worcestershire, and garlic. Substitute 1 1/2 cups soft, mild blue cheese for cheddar. Increase pepper to 1 tsp. Substitute 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped fine, and 1/4 cup chopped pitted dates for chives. Drizzle cheese log with 2 Tbsps honey before serving.