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Savory Yule Log

Discover the joy of Italian holiday cooking with our Savory Yule Log recipe. Made with sandwich bread, spreadable cheese and smoked salmon, it's a delightful way to bring a taste of Italy to your holiday celebrations, offering a unique and savory twist on a beloved seasonal classic.
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Savory Yule Log
  • Difficulty Easy
  • Prep 30 minutes
  • Servings 6 people

Celebrate the festive season with a twist on a classic holiday favorite – the Savory Yule Log. This Italian recipe transforms the traditional sweet Yule Log into a savory delight, offering a unique and delicious addition to your holiday table. Perfect for those who love Italian cuisine and enjoy experimenting with traditional recipes, this savory version is a true culinary adventure.

The Savory Yule Log, or “Tronchetto di Natale Salato” in Italian, combines the rich flavors and textures characteristic of Italian cooking. It’s a masterpiece of culinary creativity, blending savory ingredients in a form traditionally reserved for sweet treats. Needless to say, this dish is not just a feast for the palate but also a delightful visual centerpiece, capturing the essence of the holiday season with its log-like appearance.

In this recipe, the Yule Log is reimagined with a savory twist, incorporating ingredients like aromatic herbs, cheese, and perhaps cured meats, salmon or vegetables, depending on your preference. Each slice reveals a beautiful spiral of these flavorful fillings, encased in a soft, bread-like outer layer. The result is a harmonious balance of flavors that pays homage to Italian culinary traditions.

The Savory Yule Log is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of Italian heritage and holiday customs. It’s an invitation to explore the diverse and rich flavors of Italy while maintaining the festive spirit of the Yule Log tradition. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add an Italian touch to their holiday celebrations or seeking an alternative to the typical sweet Yule Log.

Ideal for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or as a show-stopping appetizer at festive parties, this Savory Yule Log is sure to impress your guests. Its unique combination of traditional Italian flavors and the iconic Yule Log form makes it a memorable addition to any holiday feast.

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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. To make the base for your Savory Yule Log, place the slices of crustless bread on a work surface that has been lined with clingfilm, slightly overlapping them (about 2 cm) to create a rectangle shape. Use a rolling pin to gently press and seal the points where the slices meet. In a bowl, combine the cheese, pepper, and herbs.

    Ricetta Tronchetto Di Natale Salato Step 1
    Ricetta Tronchetto Di Natale Salato Step 2
  2. Spread a generous amount of the mixture onto the rectangle, making sure to cover almost all of the surface. Layer the smoked salmon on top, aiming to cover the entire area beneath.

    Ricetta Tronchetto Di Natale Salato Step 3
    Ricetta Tronchetto Di Natale Salato Step 4
  3. Roll the mixture tightly using the foil and ensure the seam is facing down. Wrap the roll with additional foil to create a uniform shape, then allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.

    Ricetta Tronchetto Di Natale Salato Step 5
  4. Take the roll out of the refrigerator, smooth out the edges, and then cut about 6 cm diagonally on one end. Place it next to the main log on one side. Use a small spatula to garnish everything with the remaining cheese.

    Ricetta Tronchetto Di Natale Salato Step 6
    Ricetta Tronchetto Di Natale Salato Step 7
  5. Garnish your Savory Christmas Yule Log with myrtle and pink pepper, then allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to serving.

    Ricetta Tronchetto Di Natale Salato

Storage

The Savory Yule Log will keep in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for about 2 days.