Farmhouse Cheese Log | Festive, Easy & Packed with Flavour
There’s something incredibly charming about a homemade cheese log at Christmas. It feels nostalgic, festive, and beautifully rustic. It is the kind of starter that looks impressive. However, it takes almost no time to prepare. My Farmhouse Cheese Log is made with simple, affordable ingredients. These include cream cheese, sundried tomatoes, spring onion, and thin slices of salami. Yet, it delivers big flavour in every bite.
This is the perfect make-ahead starter for busy Christmas hosting and large family gatherings. It’s great for BBQs and potluck-style meals. You can have something delicious on the table without fuss or expense. It’s one of those recipes that disappears quickly, so consider making a double batch if you’re feeding a crowd!
Watch the Recipe on YouTube
This recipe was featured in my Farmers Wife Homestead Christmas Special. I created a full Christmas feast for around $100 NZD.
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Farmhouse Cheese Log Recipe
Serves: 6–10 as a starter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2-4 hours, over-night is best
Ingredients
- 2 x 225g blocks of cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup grated cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4 spring spring onions/green onions, finely sliced
- 100g slices of salami, chopped thinly (choose the flavour you like)
- fresh basil leaves
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp onion powder (optional)
- Crackers, to serve
Method
- In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat until smooth.
- Stir through 3/4 of the chopped sundried tomatoes, spring onion, basil and salami.
- Add the cheese and sour cream and stir until combined.
- Add garlic/onion powder if you want a slightly savoury boost.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap or baking paper into a loaf pan dish.
- Spoon the mixture into the pan and shape with a spatula. Pressing down and smoothing it all out.
- Cover the top with the remaining wrap.
- Chill in the fridge for a few hours to firm up. Best over night.
- Unwrap and place on a board.
- Add the remaining chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top. Add some fresh basil leaves and spoon some of the sun-dried tomato oil over the farmhouse cheese log.
- Serve with your favourite crackers.
Stacey’s Kitchen Tips
- Use soft cream cheese — it mixes and shapes easier, giving you a smoother log.
- Chill before serving so the flavours develop and it slices more cleanly. Over night is best. Take it out of the fridge an hour before serving.
- Make ahead — this can be made 24 hours in advance, just wrap tightly.
- Add extra salami if you want a stronger salty bite through the cheese.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil give the nicest texture and flavour.
Variations
- Herb Cheese Log: Add fresh parsley or chives for extra colour.
- Spicy Version: Mix through a pinch of chilli flakes.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Serve with GF crackers or veggie sticks.
- Ham or bacon: Can replace the salami if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Farmhouse Cheese Log is one of my favourites from this menu. It’s budget-friendly, loaded with festive colours, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re building a grazing board or setting out a nibble platter before Christmas lunch, this little recipe is perfect. It adds so much flavour with very little effort. Best of all is it can be made ahead of time, leaving you out of the kitchen.
I hope it becomes one of your go-to holiday favourites too.
— Stacey, Farmers Wife Homestead
