Christmas Italian Cheese Log 🎄🧀

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Introduction

Wow your guests this holiday season with this festive and creamy Christmas Italian Cheese Log ! With Parmesan, cream cheese, dried cranberries, and walnuts, this savory-sweet appetizer is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for your Christmas table! 🌟

There’s something about the holidays that makes us all want to create dishes that are not only tasty but also visually stunning. When I think of Christmas, I imagine cozy gatherings, twinkling lights, and a table filled with shareable treats that bring everyone together. That’s exactly what inspired me to create this Christmas Italian Cheese Log .

Picture this: a creamy, cheesy log adorned with vibrant parsley, ruby-red cranberries, and crunchy walnuts—sitting proudly in the center of your appetizer spread. The Christmas Italian Cheese Log is like edible holiday decor! Plus, it’s so easy to make that even if you’re hosting last-minute, you’ll still pull it off like a pro. If you love festive flavors, these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are another must-try, combining tangy cranberries and creamy feta in a perfectly rolled bite. And for a delightful balance of sweet and savory, this Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball will be the star of your next gathering!

So grab your mixing bowl, put on some Christmas tunes, and let’s get started!

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Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this festive masterpiece:

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened 🧈
• ½ pound grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 🌿
• ¼ cup dried cranberries 🍒
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts 🌰
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂

Ingredient Swaps & Tips

• Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap walnuts for sunflower seeds or omit them entirely—it’ll still be delicious!
• Sweet Twist: Add a drizzle of honey over the top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pro Tip: Toasting the walnuts before chopping them enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Simply toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant—this extra step elevates the Christmas Italian Cheese Log to the next level!

The Christmas Italian Cheese Log is a festive and flavorful appetizer that brings together creamy cheeses, Italian herbs, and a touch of holiday cheer. Perfect for entertaining, this cheese log pairs beautifully with crispy crackers or toasted baguette slices. To elevate your holiday spread, consider serving it alongside homemade rosemary focaccia (learn how to make focaccia) or complementing it with a festive holiday mocktail (try these non-alcoholic holiday drinks) to keep the celebrations merry and bright.

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Timing

Let’s break down the timing so you know exactly how long this stunner will take:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2+ hours
• Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes

This Christmas Italian Cheese Log recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, which is always a win during the busy holiday season. Prep it the night before, chill overnight, and decorate just before serving.

Real-Life Scenario: Imagine waking up on Christmas morning knowing your appetizer is already done—and all you have to do is unwrap it, garnish, and plate. Sounds dreamy, right?

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or electric mixer to blend until smooth and well combined.

Kitchen Hack: If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to speed things up.

Add the Festive Flavors

Fold in the chopped parsley, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in those red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Why These Add-Ins Work: The parsley brings freshness, the cranberries add sweetness and color, and the walnuts provide texture and richness. Together, they create a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

Shape the Log

Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into a log—or get creative and form it into a Christmas Italian Cheese Log in the shape of a Christmas tree or wreath! Wrap tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Fun Idea: For a themed presentation, mold the cheese mixture into a star or snowflake shape using cookie cutters.

Decorate and Serve

Before serving, roll the log in additional parsley, cranberries, and walnuts for extra color and texture. Place it on a festive platter surrounded by crackers, breadsticks, or sliced veggies for dipping.

Plating Tip: Arrange slices of baguette, pita chips, and cucumber rounds around the log for variety. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds adds a pop of holiday cheer!

Enjoy the Holidays

Serve your stunning Christmas Italian Cheese Log as a centerpiece for your appetizer spread and watch it disappear in minutes!

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Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Approx.)	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
2 Tablespoons	150	6g	4g	12g

This dish is packed with protein thanks to the Parmesan and cream cheese, making it a satisfying starter. Walnuts contribute healthy fats, while cranberries offer antioxidants and natural sweetness.

Fun Fact About Cranberries

Cranberries are one of only three fruits native to North America, alongside blueberries and Concord grapes. Their tart flavor pairs beautifully with rich cheeses like Parmesan, making them a perfect addition to the Christmas Italian Cheese Log for a festive and flavorful twist.

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’d like to lighten this recipe without sacrificing flavor, here are some ideas:

• Replace full-fat cream cheese with low-fat or Neufchâtel cheese.
• Use half the amount of Parmesan or opt for a reduced-sodium variety.
• Substitute dried cherries or apricots for cranberries if you prefer less sugar.

I Tried This Swap: Once, I used goat cheese instead of cream cheese, and it added a tangy depth that paired wonderfully with the other ingredients.

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Serving Suggestions

This cheese log is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

• Crackers (try multigrain or seeded varieties for added crunch)
• Sliced baguette or crostini
• Fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper slices
• Dried fruit like figs or dates for a sweet contrast

Presentation Pro Tip: Garnish the platter with sprigs of rosemary or thyme to mimic a winter wonderland effect, enhancing the festive charm of your Christmas Italian Cheese Log.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Chilling Time: Don’t rush the process—the chilling step ensures the log holds its shape when unwrapped.
2. Overloading Toppings: Too many toppings can overwhelm the delicate balance of flavors. Stick to a light coating.
3. Using Hard Nuts: Always toast nuts beforehand to release their oils and enhance their flavor.

A Cautionary Tale: One year, I skipped the chilling step because I was short on time. Big mistake—the log fell apart while unwrapping, leaving me scrambling to salvage it. Lesson learned: patience pays off!

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Storing Tips for the Recipe

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining cheese log in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Storage Hack: To keep the log fresh, press a piece of parchment paper against the exposed surface before sealing the container. This prevents it from drying out.

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Pro Chef’s Tips

Ever wondered how chefs achieve perfectly shaped logs? Chill the mixture briefly before shaping—it’s easier to handle when slightly firm. Another trick: dampen your hands before handling the cheese mixture to prevent sticking.

Bonus Tool Recommendation

Use a small offset spatula to smooth the surface of the log after shaping—it gives it a polished, professional look.

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Conclusion

This Christmas Italian Cheese Log is more than just an appetizer—it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and holiday spirit. Whether you’re hosting friends, family, or coworkers, this dish is sure to steal the show.

Now it’s your turn! Share your creations in the comments below or post photos on social media using #erinrecipes. And don’t forget to subscribe for more festive recipes straight to your inbox. Merry cooking—and happy holidays! 🎅✨

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the log up to 2 days in advance. Just store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge until ready to serve.

Q: What can I substitute for walnuts?
A: Pecans, almonds, or pistachios work beautifully. For nut-free options, try roasted chickpeas or toasted pumpkin seeds.

Q: How do I prevent the log from cracking when unwrapping?
A: Make sure the log is thoroughly chilled but not frozen. Gently massage the plastic wrap before unwrapping to loosen it.

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