A little retro, A LOT lovable, my take on the classic cheese log is the savory, BACON-COVERED star of your holiday season… or next cheese plate! Crispy Bacon! TWO cheeses! It’s unbelievably easy and turns out impossibly delicious.
Check out my parmesan crisps, cheese crackers, or flaxseed crackers for other salty snacks that make great keto appetizers.
Cheese Board in a Bite
I must admit something here. The first time I made this…I was not expecting company. The smell of sizzling bacon, shredded cheese…this turned an ordinary snack time into a special occasion…that maybe also accidentally turned into dinner.
I kept going back for another savory, bacon-y, lip smacking taste. And then another.
And another.
And I think you will too!
The simple magic is making sure every mouthful is bursting with flavor by incorporating the bacon and chive combo into the cheese mixture and using it as a festive topping that looks-and tastes delicious. Each and every creamy, cheddar-y bite is perfectly packed with fresh chives and tiny, salty, bits of bacon. So. Good.
A little chill time takes the flavors to the next level and makes this bacon-crusted beauty easy to slice and share. I can’t wait for you to make it! It’s like having all the flavors of a perfectly curated cheese board in one irresistible bite. Also, I didn’t even know that bacon was missing from my cheese plate… Now I know.
Enjoy 💋 – Linds x
Cheese Log Video Tutorial
What You’ll Need:
The ingredients for throwing this cheddar cheese log together are simple:
- Bacon
- Chives
- Cream cheese
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
- Tabasco
- Cheddar cheese
Storing + Freezing Tips
As you can imagine, this recipe makes a large portion. For smaller get-togethers, I cut the cheese (hehe) in half and freeze it. Defrosting your log is as simple as leaving it in the fridge overnight before your guests arrive.
🔥 Hot Leftover Tip
If you have leftovers, spread a dollop over toast for breakfast. You can also stir it into cooked veggies, eggs, or spread it over your burger. Really, it works on anything.
How Long is a Cheese Log Good For?
Eat within 3 days of preparing it.
Recipe Variations
The obvious swaps and variations would be to try different spice combinations: Italian seasoning, onion powder, chili powder — Everything goes well with cream cheese. You can also press your favorite ingredients into the surface or mix in whatever you’re craving.
Here are some variations worth trying:
- Cheese log with nuts: Add some crunch to the crust by pressing it in chopped keto nuts — my favorites here are pecans or pistachios.
- Cranberry cheese log: mix dried cranberries into the cream cheese base.
- Use different cheeses for the base: Such as a goat cheese log.
- Make a cheese ball: By forming a ball shape instead of a log.
More Appetizer Recipes
Cheese Log
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 12 Slices Bacon cooked + crumbled (divided)
- 1/2 Cup Chives diced (divided)
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese room temp
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Tabasco
- 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Combine. In a medium bowl, add softened cream cheese (8 ounces), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), salt (1/4 teaspoon), ground pepper (1/2 teaspoon), and tabasco (1 teaspoon). Combine using an electric mixer until creamy. Use a rubber spatula to stir in shredded cheddar (1 cup), half the chives, and half the bacon until well incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and seasoning to your liking (all bacon + cheddar will have a different level of saltiness).
- Shape. Place a long piece of plastic wrap on a clean counter. Place cheese in the center of the plastic wrap and use wet hands to shape it into a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap, and roll it back and forth on your counter to smooth out the edges.
- Coat. Toss to combine the remaining bacon and chives on a large plate. Remove plastic from the cheese, and roll the cheese on the bacon and chives plate, pressing to adhere along the edges.
- Enjoy! Cheese log can be served with crackers immediately but is best when it’s able to firm up slightly -- about 1 hour in the fridge will do. Enjoy!
