Description
Discover the perfect centerpiece for your holiday festivities with this “Cheesy Festive Delight.” This rich and creamy cheese loaf combines the bold flavors of cream cheese, cheddar, roasted peppers, and savory salami. Embellished with herbs and spices, and topped with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic parsley, it serves as an excellent appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp each of thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, black pepper or 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp each of garlic powder, salt, red pepper/chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups cheddar or other cheese, freshly grated
- 280g (9 oz) roasted peppers, drained and finely chopped
- 180g (6 oz) salami, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup green olives, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup green onion, finely minced (3-4 stalks)
- 220g (7 oz) sun-dried tomato strips with oil, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped (or chives)
- Rosemary sprigs for decoration
- Jatz or other crispy spliters for serving
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Loaf Pan
Spray a loaf pan with oil and line it with cling wrap, ensuring there is an overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, herbs, spices, cheddar cheese, roasted peppers, salami, green olives, and green onions until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
3. Fill and Chill
Transfer the cheese mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the surface and press firmly to eliminate any air pockets. Cover with the cling wrap overhang and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to a week for enhanced flavors.
4. Unmold and Garnish
When ready to serve, turn the loaf onto a platter and carefully remove the cling wrap. Top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drizzling the oil over the top, and garnish with chopped parsley and rosemary sprigs.
5. Serve
Allow the loaf to sit at room temperature for a short period before serving for optimal flavor. Provide spliters and optional knives for guests to enjoy the creamy delight.
Servings & Preparation Time
This cheese loaf serves approximately 10-12 people. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, with a minimum chilling time of 4 hours.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store any leftover cheese loaf in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
- To refresh the flavors, allow the loaf to reach room temperature before serving again. It is not recommended to freeze the cheese loaf as it may affect the texture and taste.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Festive Delight is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat, making it a standout dish at any gathering. Its combination of savory flavors with a creamy texture wrapped in a picturesque presentation guarantees that it will be a beloved addition to your festive repertoire.
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Cheesy Festive Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
Description
Discover the perfect centerpiece for your holiday festivities with this “Cheesy Festive Delight.” This rich and creamy cheese loaf combines the bold flavors of cream cheese, cheddar, roasted peppers, and savory salami. Embellished with herbs and spices, and topped with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic parsley, it serves as an excellent appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp each of thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, black pepper or 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp each of garlic powder, salt, red pepper/chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups cheddar or other cheese, freshly grated
- 280g (9 oz) roasted peppers, drained and finely chopped
- 180g (6 oz) salami, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup green olives, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup green onion, finely minced (3–4 stalks)
- 220g (7 oz) sun-dried tomato strips with oil, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped (or chives)
- Rosemary sprigs for decoration
- Jatz or other crispy spliters for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Loaf Pan Spray a loaf pan with oil and line it with cling wrap, ensuring there is an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Ingredients In a large bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, herbs, spices, cheddar cheese, roasted peppers, salami, green olives, and green onions until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Fill and Chill Transfer the cheese mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the surface and press firmly to eliminate any air pockets. Cover with the cling wrap overhang and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to a week for enhanced flavors.
- Unmold and Garnish When ready to serve, turn the loaf onto a platter and carefully remove the cling wrap. Top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drizzling the oil over the top, and garnish with chopped parsley and rosemary sprigs.
- Serve Allow the loaf to sit at room temperature for a short period before serving for optimal flavor. Provide spliters and optional knives for guests to enjoy the creamy delight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes