Name: Cheddar Cheese Log with Chives
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Ingredients: 6 ounces extra-sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups); 6 ounces cream cheese; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish , drained; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 small garlic clove , minced; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup minced fresh chives

Why This Recipe Works

We wanted a cheese log firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to easily drag a cracker through at room temperature. To get there, we settled on a simple mixture of half cheddar cheese and half cream cheese with an addition of creamy mayonnaise. To flavor our cheddar-based log, we stirred in a bit of horseradish, some Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. This mixture was pliable enough to be easily shaped in plastic wrap, and after a trip to the freezer it had firmed up enough for us to roll it in minced fresh chives.

Before You Begin

We chill the cheese log in the freezer because it’s much easier to roll in the chives when firm. Once the cheese log has been garnished, it can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to two days. Buy refrigerated prepared horseradish, not the shelf-stable kind, which contains preservatives and additives.

Instructions

Process cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, horseradish, Worcestershire, garlic, and pepper in food processor until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, about 1 minute.

Lay 18 by 11-inch sheet of plastic wrap on counter with long side parallel to counter edge. Transfer cheese mixture to center of plastic and shape into approximate 9-inch log with long side parallel to counter edge. Fold plastic over log and roll up. Pinch plastic at ends of log and roll log on counter to form tight cylinder. Tuck ends of plastic underneath. Freeze until completely firm, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Spread chives on large plate. Unwrap cheese log and roll in chives to evenly coat. Transfer to serving dish and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Serve.