Bacon Date and Almond Cheese Log

Cheeseballs and cheese logs are great entertaining appetizers that can be made ahead and easily served at any sized gathering. This cheese log is a nod to the flavors of the classic almond-stuffed date appetizer that you have probably had at a dinner party. It can be made a few days a head of time and frozen. On the day of the party, let it thaw in the fridge. Serve while still chilled with an assortment of crackers.

Bacon Date & Almond Cheese Log
Makes 10 servings

Ingredients:

6 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon red pepper hot sauce
3/4 cup chopped whole pitted dates
3/4 cup chopped salted roasted whole almonds
6 slices cooked thick cut bacon, drained, crumbled
1 cup sliced almonds

Add cream cheese, butter and cheese to the work bowl of a food processor. Pulse until well-blended. Add salt, Worcestershire and hot sauce. Process to blend.

Add dates, whole almonds and bacon. Pulse on/off until incorporated into cheese mixture. Date, almond and bacon pieces should still be visible. Remove cheese mixture from processor and empty onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Form cheese into log shape and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes in refrigerator.

Unwrap cheese log and roll/cover with sliced almonds. Re-wrap cheese log. Chill until firm. Serve. Cheese log may be made ahead and stored in refrigerator or frozen. Serve when slightly chilled, but still spreadable.

Sally and I were hired to create this recipe and image for REAL Butter’s Go Bold With Butter blog. For more great recipes using REAL Butter check out Go Bold With Butter!