Lemon Thyme Cheese Log Recipe
This Lemon Thyme Cheese Log is a delightful, creamy appetizer perfect for entertaining. Combining tangy cream cheese and feta with fresh lemon zest and thyme, this easy no-cook recipe offers bright, herbaceous flavors. Rolled optionally in chopped nuts, the cheese log is chilled to firm up and served sliced alongside crackers or vegetables for a crowd-pleasing starter.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Coating
- Chopped nuts (for rolling, optional)
- Combine Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta until smooth and creamy using a spatula or electric mixer.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon zest and chopped fresh thyme leaves. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, ensuring the flavors are well balanced.
- Shape the Log: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap, shape it into a compact log form, smoothing the surface for an even shape.
- Roll in Nuts (Optional): If desired, spread chopped nuts on a clean surface and roll the cheese log over them to coat evenly, adding texture and flavor.
- Chill: Wrap the cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the mixture to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Once chilled, unwrap and slice the log into rounds. Serve these cheese rounds chilled with an assortment of crackers or raw vegetables as an elegant appetizer.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to make mixing easier.
- Fresh thyme provides a brighter flavor than dried thyme, but dried can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- You can substitute feta with goat cheese for a different tangy profile.
- Chilling the cheese log for longer enhances firmness and flavor melding.
- Try serving with a variety of crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies like cucumber and bell pepper slices.
Keywords: lemon thyme cheese log, cheese appetizer, no bake cheese log, feta cheese appetizer, cream cheese log, easy party appetizer