Italian Cheese and Salami Log (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cheese Base

01 - 16 ounces cream cheese (500g), softened to room temperature
02 - 1/3 cup sour cream (helps make it more spreadable)
03 - 2 cups freshly grated cheddar or other flavorful cheese

→ Herbs & Seasonings

04 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning instead of individual herbs)
05 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon red pepper or chili flakes

→ Mix-ins

12 - 9 ounces roasted peppers (280g), drained and finely chopped
13 - 6 ounces salami (180g), finely chopped
14 - 3/4 cup green olives, finely chopped
15 - 1/3 cup finely minced green onions (3-4 stalks)

→ Garnish

16 - 7 ounces sun-dried tomato strips in oil (220g), roughly chopped
17 - 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
18 - Fresh rosemary sprigs for decoration
19 - Crackers for serving (like Ritz or Triscuits)

# Instructions:

01 - Give your loaf pan a quick spray with oil, then line it with plastic wrap, leaving some hanging over the sides.
02 - In a large bowl, combine everything except the garnishes - that's your cream cheese, sour cream, herbs, spices, grated cheese, chopped peppers, salami, olives, and green onions. Mix until well blended.
03 - Give it a taste and add more salt if needed. Remember your crackers will add saltiness too!
04 - Pack the mixture into your lined pan, pressing down to get rid of air pockets. Fold the plastic wrap over top and chill for at least 4 hours.
05 - Turn your cheese log onto a serving plate and peel off the wrap. Top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and their oil, then sprinkle with parsley and add rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
06 - Let it warm up a bit before serving - it spreads better closer to room temperature. Set it out with plenty of crackers for scooping!

# Notes:

01 - Can be made up to a week ahead - perfect for party planning!
02 - If using spreadable cream cheese, skip the sour cream
03 - Fresh grated cheese works best - pre-shredded doesn't blend as smoothly

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