The Savory Christmas Log is a clever and festive twist on the classic holiday dessert — transformed into a delicious no-bake appetizer. Creamy, fresh, and easy to assemble, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas table, aperitivo, or buffet.
Made with soft sandwich bread, mayonnaise, smoked salmon, tuna, and crisp lettuce, this savory log looks impressive but takes very little time to prepare. Best of all, it can be made ahead, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining during the holidays.
What Is a Savory Christmas Log?
A savory Christmas log is an appetizer inspired by the traditional Bûche de Noël, but prepared with bread and savory fillings instead of cake and cream. The rolled bread is filled, shaped like a log with a branch, and coated with mayonnaise to recreate the look of tree bark.
It’s a classic holiday finger food in many European households — simple, playful, and always a hit.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- No baking required: Perfect for busy holiday prep
- Festive and eye-catching: A guaranteed conversation starter
- Creamy and fresh: Balanced flavors everyone enjoys
- Make-ahead friendly: Even better after chilling
- Easy to customize: Endless filling variations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the savory Christmas log ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best made a few hours in advance. This allows it to firm up and makes slicing easier.
Can I change the filling?
Absolutely. You can use ham and cheese, chicken salad, egg salad, or cream cheese with herbs.
How do I keep it from becoming soggy?
Avoid overly wet ingredients and always chill the log well before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! You can use milder fillings like ham and cheese to make it kid-friendly.
Can I make individual portions instead of one big log?
Yes, you can make smaller rolls for single-serve appetizers.
How to Store
Store the savory Christmas log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
How to Freeze
Freezing is not recommended, as the bread and mayonnaise may lose texture once thawed.
Ingredients
How to Make a Savory Christmas Log
Arrange the slices of sandwich bread on a work surface, slightly overlapping the long sides. Use a rolling pin to flatten them and press them together so they stick, forming one large rectangle.
Arrange the slices of sandwich bread on a work surface, slightly overlapping the long sides. Use a rolling pin to flatten them and press them together so they stick, forming one large rectangle.
Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise evenly over the bread.
Top with smoked salmon, lettuce, and tuna, distributing everything evenly to ensure each slice has balanced flavor.
Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise evenly over the bread.
Top with smoked salmon, lettuce, and tuna, distributing everything evenly to ensure each slice has balanced flavor.
Carefully roll the bread tightly into a log. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to help it hold its shape.
Remove the roll from the fridge and unwrap it. Cut off a small piece diagonally and place it against the side of the main roll to form a “branch,” just like a traditional Christmas log.
Carefully roll the bread tightly into a log. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to help it hold its shape.
Cover the entire roll with mayonnaise. Using a fork, gently create lines in the surface to mimic tree bark.
Chill again until ready to serve.
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