GARLIC CHIVE CHEESE LOG

This Garlic Chive Cheese Log is a creamy, flavorful, and vibrant appetizer that’s a classic party favorite. Made with a mix of cream cheese and tangy goat cheese, it’s loaded with fresh herbs like basil, chives, and parsley, then wrapped in a crunchy coating of walnuts and chopped chives. A light drizzle of honey enhances the flavor and balances the tanginess of the goat cheese, garlic, and herbs. The chive blossoms add a fresh-from-the-garden feel, perfect for showcasing your summer herbs.

This Garlic Chive Cheese Log is simple to prepare, can be made ahead, and is a show-stopping appetizer that’s just as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or bringing a dish to share, this easy, stress-free appetizer is sure to be a hit!

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You can find gourmet cheese logs in some stores, but why not make one yourself? I love making cheese logs when I’m entertaining at home because they take almost no time to prepare, and you can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste. They’re pretty similar to cheese balls, but with a fun, elegant twist! 

The idea for this garlic chive cheese log came after I made a batch of chive blossom butter. My garden produced so much chive this year that I decided to give this recipe a try—and we really liked it! I hope you will too!

INGREDIENTS FOR GARLIC CHIVE CHEESE LOG?

With so few ingredients, make sure to use the freshest and very best to get the most flavor. Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• Cheese: This recipe uses just two cheeses—cream cheese and goat cheese—as the base. For the best results, use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese.
• Fresh Chives, Parsley & Basil: These finely chopped herbs bring bright, fresh flavor to the cheese log.
• Garlic, Salt & Pepper: These three simple ingredients bring bold flavor to the cheese log.
• Chopped Walnuts: Walnuts pair beautifully with goat cheese and cream cheese, and they add a delicious crunch to the coating. If you need a nut-free option, try using chopped pretzels instead—they offer great texture and a salty twist.
• Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest adds brightness and lifts the flavors of the cheese and herbs. 
• Honey (Optional): A drizzle of honey adds a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the tangy cheese and crunchy coating.
• Chive Blossoms: Chive blossoms are optional but add a pretty, edible touch and mild onion flavor—plus, they’re a fun way to use garden-fresh ingredients for a fresh, summery feel.

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC CHIVE CHEESE LOG?

• Add walnuts to a food processor and pulse until they’re finely chopped—but be careful not to overdo it. You want small pieces, not walnut dust! Set them aside. 
• Rinse, pat dry, and finely chop fresh chives, fresh basil, and fresh parsley.
• In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the minced garlic, chopped basil, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and most of the chives (saving 2 spoonfuls for the topping). Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated. 

• Scoop the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log; the mixture will be slightly sticky. Wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer for 20–30 minutes. You want it to be firm enough to hold its shape but still be soft enough for the coating to stick.

• While the cheese log chills, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the chopped walnuts mixed with the reserved chives into a single-layer square slightly larger than the length of the cheese log. When the cheese is ready, unwrap the chilled log and place it at one edge of the walnut mixture. Roll the log over the nuts and herbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks evenly all around. At this point, you can refrigerate the log until you’re ready to serve or serve it right away. 

• When ready to serve, remove the cheese log from the refrigerator about 15 minutes beforehand to let it soften slightly. Drizzle with honey and top with a few chive blossoms for a pretty finish. Slice into rounds and serve with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, apple slices, or celery sticks. Enjoy!

USEFUL TIPS

• Make sure to soften the cream cheese and goat cheese for easy mixing and a smooth texture. After shaping the mixture into a log, chill it well—this firms it up, making it easier to roll and helping the walnut chive mixture coating stick better.
• Don’t over-process the nuts—small, crunchy pieces add great texture without turning into powder.
• If you want to prep ahead, you can make the cheese log a day or two in advance—just keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge.
• Let the cheese log sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving so it’s soft and spreadable.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS?

• Cheeses: Swap goat cheese for feta or cream cheese for mascarpone for a milder, creamier texture. You can also mix in some shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Nuts: Instead of walnuts, use pecans, almonds, or pistachios for a different crunch and flavor.
• Herbs: If you don’t have chives, try green onions or scallions. Fresh dill, tarragon, or cilantro also add wonderful flavor variations.
• Toppings: Swap chive blossoms for edible flowers like nasturtiums or fresh thyme sprigs for a pretty finish. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle with honey. Prefer something savory? Try a light drizzle of olive oil or a splash of balsamic glaze for a tangy twist.

HOW LONG DOES THIS CHEESE LOG KEEP?

The cheese log tastes best within 5 days of making it, but it can be stored in a glass container in the fridge for up to 10 days.

CAN I MAKE THE CHEESE LOG WITHOUT NUTS?

Yes, absolutely! You can substitute chopped pretzels for walnuts. Just be sure to coat the cheese log right before serving so the pretzels stay crunchy and don’t get soggy.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Cheese logs are easy to assemble and can be customized with any flavors you or your guests enjoy. Cut the cheese log into slices, or simply use a butter knife or fork to scoop out small pieces and spread them onto crackers, crostini, pretzels, or apple and pear slices. It also makes a great addition to a cheese board with grapes, pickles, bell pepper strips, or sliced meats. Leftovers are perfect as a spread for bread or bagels.

HOME ENTERTAINING APPETIZER MENU IDEAS:

Entertaining at home can be simple with a little planning—especially when you include quick and easy appetizers on your menu. One of my favorites is this Pear Goat Cheese Galette: it’s effortless to make and always looks beautiful on the table.

For a sweet twist, serve the Baked Pears with Goat Cheese warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the tender, caramelized pears and tangy goat cheese.

Spinach & Goat Cheese Phyllo Triangles or Goat Cheese Tarts with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are perfect recipe ideas for home parties.

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*Nutritional information is automatically calculated, so should only be considered as an estimate.