I love having an appetizer recipe that looks fancy but takes barely any effort, and this cheese log with pesto and sun dried tomatoes hits that sweet spot. The creamy cheese pairs with the bold pesto, while the tomatoes bring a chewy bite that makes each slice interesting. When I serve it, guests always assume I spent hours on it. Truth be told, it comes together in minutes. This dish works as more than just a quick starter. It feels like a little centerpiece on the table, especially when I slice into it and the green and red layers show through. I’ve used it for everything from summer picnics to holiday gatherings, and it never fails to disappear fast. That’s why I keep this recipe close whenever I’m looking for appetizer recipes that save me time but still impress. If you’ve ever found yourself searching for sun dried tomato recipes or wondering what to do with an extra jar of pesto, this is your answer. It even reminds me a bit of a savory log cake recipe with its rolled shape. So next time you need recipes with pesto sauce or just want to add to your collection of easy tomatoes recipes, give this one a try. It’s straightforward, it’s flavorful, and it’s one of those appetizer recipes that earns a spot on repeat rotation.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes
4) How to Make Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes
5) Tips for Making Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes
6) Making Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes
8) Try these appetizers next
9) Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This little log brings big flavor with almost no work. Creamy cheese meets bright pesto and sweet sun dried tomatoes. Guests reach for seconds. We smile.

The shape slices clean and neat. The colors pop on a board. The taste fits quick snacks and holiday spreads. It is a table star that keeps its cool.

Lila from Lila Cooks shares how we mix and roll and chill. I use pantry jars and a block of cheese. That is it. No stress. Only joy.

2) Easy Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe

I reach for appetizer recipes when friends text I am on the way. Appetizer recipes help me keep calm and keep flavor high. I set out crackers. I pull cream cheese. I grab pesto and a jar of sun dried tomatoes. The log forms fast and holds its shape. People arrive. Plates clink. Life feels easy.

The green pesto gives lift. The tomatoes bring a rich chew. The cream cheese stays cool and smooth. This mix tastes bright and cozy at once. If you save ideas for sun dried tomato recipes this one sits near the top. If you collect recipes with pesto this one joins the list with a grin.

I laugh since the rolled shape looks like a little log cake recipe gone savory. Use it when you need a quick recipe with tomatoes that does not cook. It also fits your set of tomatoes recipes and your folder of recipes with pesto sauce. Appetizer recipes do not have to feel fussy. They can feel relaxed and ready.

3) Ingredients for Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Cream cheese eight ounces per log softened to room temp for easy spread and smooth slice

Pesto one half cup jarred or homemade bright with basil garlic nuts and cheese

Sun dried tomatoes one half cup chopped packed in oil then drained for a soft bite

Plastic wrap one large sheet used as a rolling mat and for a tight chill

Crackers or sliced baguette for serving choose a crisp bite that lets the filling shine

4) How to Make Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Step one set a sheet of plastic on the counter then place the softened cheese in the center and tap it into a neat rectangle with a spoon

Step two spoon the pesto over the cheese then spread it edge to edge with light strokes so the layer stays even

Step three scatter the chopped sun dried tomatoes across the green layer press them down so they set into the pesto

Step four lift the near side of the plastic and roll the cheese away from you to form a snug log keep the wrap outside the roll

Step five twist the ends of the wrap seal the roll and chill it for one hour until firm

Step six unwrap the log place it on a board slice with a clean knife and set crackers nearby

5) Tips for Making Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Use room temp cheese. Soft cheese spreads smooth and rolls clean. Cold cheese cracks. Warm the block for ten minutes on the counter and it turns silky.

Pat the tomatoes dry. Oil tastes great but too much makes the layer slip. A quick pat with a towel keeps the roll tight for neat slices and happy plates.

Think easy appetizer ideas when you plan the board. Add olives and cucumber and roasted nuts. The colors and textures make the plate feel full and welcoming for party starters.

6) Making Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes Ahead of Time

I build the log in the morning and chill it. The flavors marry and the slice gets tidy. When guests knock I unwrap and plate. That simple plan saves time and keeps stress low.

For party appetizers I sometimes roll two small logs rather than one big one. One stays in the fridge to swap in later. Fresh slices keep the board lively as people graze.

If the board travels set the wrapped log in a cold bag with ice packs. Pack crackers in a tin so they stay crisp. At the table place the log last and smile.

7) Storing Leftover Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Wrap the leftover log tight. Air dries cheese and dulls flavor. A snug wrap keeps the texture soft and the colors bright for the next snack time.

For crowd pleasing appetizers slice what you need then put the rest back in the wrap and chill it. The log keeps well for three days without losing shape.

Use leftovers for toast at breakfast or tuck slices into a simple sandwich. A quick swipe of pesto on bread ties it all together and makes lunch feel fresh.

8) Try these appetizers next

9) Cheese Log with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes