Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired party appetizer featuring layers of creamy cheese, bright basil pesto, and tangy chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Rich, savory, colorful, and bursting with texture, it’s the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings, celebrations, or snack boards.
Serve it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies — and watch it disappear!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings:8–10
Ingredients
Cheese Base
250g cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella (or white cheddar)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt
Fillings / Layers
¼ cup basil pesto
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
Optional: 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Optional: 2 tbsp chopped pine nuts or walnuts
Coating / Outside
½ cup finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, add:
cream cheese
mozzarella
Parmesan
lemon juice
garlic powder
salt & pepper
Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 2 — Shape the Cheese Log
Lay down a sheet of plastic wrap.
Spread the cheese mixture onto the wrap into a thin rectangle/oval shape (about 1–1.5 cm thick).
Spread basil pesto evenly over the cheese.
Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly on top.
Add optional fresh basil/pine nuts.
Step 3 — Roll the Log
Using the plastic wrap, gently roll the cheese rectangle into a log shape, tucking tightly.
Twist the ends of the wrap to seal.
Chill for at least 1 hour (or 20 min in the freezer for quick setting).
Step 4 — Coat the Outside
Mix chopped nuts and parsley in a shallow dish.
Unwrap the chilled cheese log.
Roll it into the nut mixture, pressing lightly to make it adhere.
Step 5 — Serve
Slice, or place the whole log on a platter with:
Crackers
Toasted baguette
Cucumber slices
Bell pepper strips
Enjoy your festive Mediterranean cheese appetizer!
Recipe Notes
Make sure sun-dried tomatoes are well drained so the cheese doesn’t become watery.
For a smoother roll, wet your hands lightly before shaping.
For a stronger Mediterranean flavor, add chopped olives to the filling.
Tips for Best Results
Let the cheese soften at room temp for easy mixing.
Chill long enough for clean slicing.
For a vibrant look, use pistachios for coating — gorgeous green color!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead?
Yes — you can prepare it 2–3 days ahead and keep it chilled.
2. Can I use ricotta or goat cheese?
Yes! Mix goat cheese with cream cheese for a tangier, softer log.
3. Can I freeze it?
Yes — freeze before adding the outer nut coating for up to 1 month.
4. What crackers pair best?
Butter crackers, rosemary crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 185
Carbs: 3g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 250mg