Holiday Cheese Log with Pesto (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cheese Base
01 -
Three 8 oz packages of cream cheese, softened
02 -
1 lb thinly sliced provolone cheese
→ Pesto Layer
03 -
1 cup turnip greens (or any leftover greens)
04 -
¼ cup basil, plus 6 leaves for garnish
05 -
½ - ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
06 -
⅓ cup olive oil
07 -
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional)
→ Sun-Dried Tomato Layer
08 -
3 oz sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
09 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Seasonings
10 -
8 cloves garlic
# Instructions:
01 -
Pulse garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Remove and divide into three portions.
02 -
Combine turnip greens, basil, one-third of the chopped garlic, parmesan, and walnuts in a food processor. Pulse several times, then slowly drizzle in ⅓ cup olive oil until well combined. The pesto should maintain a thick, crumbly texture; add more cheese if mixture appears too wet. Set aside.
03 -
Add another third of the garlic with sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon olive oil to food processor. Pulse until finely chopped into small pieces. Set aside.
04 -
Add the remaining garlic and all cream cheese to food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
05 -
Line a mini loaf pan with plastic wrap, ensuring excess hangs over the sides. Layer provolone cheese slices to completely cover the interior of the pan.
06 -
Begin with a layer of cream cheese mixture as the base. Top with a generous portion of pesto, followed by a layer of tomato mixture. Add a layer of provolone cheese. Repeat layering sequence, finishing with a cream cheese layer and covering the top completely with provolone.
07 -
Carefully fold the plastic wrap over the top, pressing gently to seal. Refrigerate at least 12 hours, preferably overnight, to set and allow flavors to develop.
08 -
Remove from refrigerator 20 minutes before serving to allow softening. Invert onto serving plate and carefully remove plastic wrap. Trim any excess provolone from edges to create a clean rectangular shape. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
This festive cheese log makes an elegant appetizer for holiday gatherings and can be prepared up to two days in advance.
02 -
Serve with an assortment of crackers, crostini or sliced baguette.