Holiday Olive and Pepper Cheese Log

🧀 Ingredients

• 450g cream cheese (softened)

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

• ½ cup crumbled feta

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp black pepper

Mix-ins (inside the log):

• ½ cup chopped Kalamata olives

• ¼ cup chopped green olives

• ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper

• ¼ cup diced yellow or orange bell pepper

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Coating (outside crunch & color):

• ½ cup chopped black olives

• ⅓ cup chopped red bell pepper

• ⅓ cup chopped toasted walnuts (or pistachios/almonds)

• 3 tbsp chopped parsley + 1 tbsp lemon zest

• Optional: ½ tsp red chili flakes or smoked paprika

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make Cheese Mixture
   In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, pepper. Mix until smooth and fluffy.

2. Add Olive & Pepper Filling
   Fold in chopped Kalamata olives, green olives, bell peppers, and parsley. Combine gently.

3. Shape the Log
   Place mixture onto plastic wrap or parchment. Roll and shape into a log (about 25–28cm). Twist ends tightly and chill 2–3 hours (or overnight).

4. Prepare Coating
   Mix black olives, toasted nuts, bell pepper, parsley, lemon zest, and spice if using. Spread evenly on a flat tray.

5. Coat the Cheese Log
   Remove wrap, roll log in coating, pressing lightly to cover all sides.

6. Serve
   Chill 20 minutes to set the coating. Slice or serve whole with crackers.

✨ Serving Ideas

• Pair with Rosemary crackers, crusty toast, or cucumber sticks.

• Add drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze before serving.

• Decorate platter with cranberries or rosemary sprigs.

❓ Q&A

Can I make it ahead?
Yes! It tastes better when chilled overnight.

Can I skip nuts for allergies?
Absolutely — coat with extra olives + parsley.

How long does it last?
Stored in fridge, 4–5 days in an airtight box.

Can I make it spicy?
Yes — add chili flakes or smoked paprika to coating.