If you're looking to impress your guests without breaking a sweat, this Goat Cheese Log is your hosting BFF. It’s creamy, crunchy, savory, sweet and delivers big on flavor and style with minimal effort!
I made this goat cheese log for Thanksgiving this year and it was ¾ of the way gone within the first hour!
I love goat cheese but usually mix it with something sweet like I do in my Goat Cheese & Fig Crostini to really enhance the flavors. The caramelized onions are the star of the show and the rosemary adds a holiday touch that is so fresh and vibrant.
Pair with some delicious crackers and a glass of crisp white wine for a delicious pairing your guests will love!
Ingredients
Creating the ultimate goat cheese log requires just a handful of simple yet luxurious ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- Goat Cheese: Creamy and slightly tangy, this forms the base of the log. Use a high-quality variety for the best flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory with a hint of richness. These onions add depth to the cheese log and balance the tanginess of the goat cheese.
- Pistachios: Finely chopped pistachios provide a nutty crunch and a pop of color. Salted pistachios work well, but feel free to use unsalted if preferred.
- Fresh Rosemary: Aromatic and earthy, rosemary adds a festive flair and complements the pistachios beautifully.
Caramelizing Your Onions
The secret to perfect caramelized onions is patience. Here are some tips to achieve golden, sweet perfection:
- Low and Slow: Keep the heat low to medium and stir often to prevent burning.
- Butter or Oil: Use a mix of butter and/or olive oil for flavor and to keep the onions from sticking.
- Deglaze: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar, white wine, or just water towards the end to lift those flavorful bits off the pan.
- Time It Right: It can take up to 25-30 minutes for onions to fully caramelize, so plan accordingly.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to suit different tastes or ingredient availability:
- Cheese: Replace goat cheese with cream cheese or a mix of goat and feta for a different flavor profile.
- Nuts: Swap pistachios with pecans, almonds, or walnuts for a new texture and taste.
- Herbs: Substitute rosemary with thyme or parsley for a milder herbaceous note. (Or mix all three together!)
- Additions: Incorporate dried cranberries, apricots, or even a drizzle of truffle oil for extra flair. You can add this to the goat cheese or the crust.
Rolling Your Log
Once the onions are a nice golden brown, add the mixture to your goat cheese in a medium bowl. Use a rubber spatula to cream it all together.
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Place a sheet of saran wrap down on the counter and scoop the goat cheese in the center. Carefully roll it into a log and wrap it tightly. Then pop it in the refridgerator for a few hours or overnight until it hardens up.
Unroll and coat in your chopped rosemary and pistachios until it's completely covered. (Now you can shape it into a log again if it has flattened out.)
How to Serve
Presentation is key with a goat cheese log, and versatility is your friend. Here are some serving ideas:
- Classic Cheese Board: Place the log on a wooden board alongside crackers, fruits, and additional cheeses.
- Garnish: Add a light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a final touch of sweetness.
- Individual Portions: Slice the log into discs for easier serving at larger gatherings.
Cracker and Bread Options
Pairing your goat cheese log with the right base makes all the difference:
- Crispy Crackers: Opt for seed-based crackers or plain water crackers that won't overpower the flavors.
- Artisan Bread: Sliced baguettes, lightly toasted, are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Gluten-Free Alternatives: Rice crackers or gluten-free crostini ensure everyone can enjoy the log.
How to Make in Advance
Prepping ahead is a game-changer, especially for entertaining:
- Assemble Early: You can make the goat cheese log a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Add the Coating: If possible, wait to add the pistachio and rosemary coating until just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
With its stunning appearance and delicious flavors, this goat cheese log is bound to be the centerpiece of your next gathering. It's the perfect combination of simple ingredients elevated into something extraordinary. If you try it, please leave a comment below! 🙂
More Goat Cheese Appetizers To Try!
📖 Recipe
Goat Cheese Log With Caramelized Onions & Pistachios
Ingredients
- 3-4 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (or 2 small ones)
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 4-6 fresh rosemary sprigs, minced
- ½ cup chopped pistachios (unshelled) (*see note)
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Instructions
- Cut the onion in half then place the onions cutside down. Thinly slice the halves and add to a saute pan with olive oil. Set over high heat until it starts to sizzle, then turn down to medium-low.
- Keep an eye on it for the next 25-30 minutes. If it starts to burn, turn down the heat and add a splash of water to the pan. Add more oil if needed.
- Once the onions are a beautiful caramel brown color, remove from heat and add to a medium bowl (oil too).
- Add in your goat cheese and use a rubber spatula to mix together. Once fully mixed, place a sheet of saran wrap on the counter and add the mixture to the center shaping it into a log as much as you can.
- Fold one end of the saran wrap over the goat cheese followed by the other, then roll the ends tightly until it forms into a tighter log. It does not have to be perfect at this point. Place in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight for it to harden.
- While the log is chilling, chop up your rosemary and pistachios into small pieces if you haven't yet. Place on a cutting board or flat plate.
- When the log is chilled, remove the saran wrap and roll in the rosemary and pistachios until fully coated.
- Place on a cutting board or plate and serve with an assortment of crackers!
Recipe Notes
- Cheese: Replace goat cheese with cream cheese or a mix of goat and feta for a different flavor profile.
- Nuts: Swap pistachios with pecans, almonds, or walnuts for a new texture and taste.
- Herbs: Substitute rosemary with thyme or parsley for a milder herbaceous note. (Or mix all three together!)
- Additions: Incorporate dried cranberries, apricots, or even a drizzle of truffle oil for extra flair. You can add this to the goat cheese or the crust
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