Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe: Joy on a Plate!

A creamy holiday antipasto log that sparkles with festive charm and delivers unexpected flavor combinations.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in a delightful cream cheese blend that feels like a celebration.

Guests will absolutely adore how easily this appetizer comes together with minimal effort.

Salty olives, tangy herbs, and rich cheese create a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Small gatherings or large parties become instantly more delicious with this elegant starter.

Spreading this colorful log on crisp crackers and watching everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

You’ll want to make extra because this appetizer disappears faster than holiday decorations after New Year’s.

What Tastes Great With Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Crackling Cracker Companions: Reach for crisp artisan crackers like rosemary sea salt or multi-grain varieties that provide delightful texture and complement the cream cheese log's rich, savory flavors.
• Wine Wonderland Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir, whose fruity undertones and slight acidity beautifully balance the log's salty, tangy profile and cut through its creamy richness.
• Refreshing Beverage Boost: Opt for a crisp, chilled prosecco or sparkling white wine that adds effervescence and lightness, enhancing the antipasto log's complex layers of sun-dried tomatoes, peppers, and nuts.
• Herb-Infused Cocktail Companion: Mix a rosemary gin martini or thyme-garnished aperol spritz to echo the log's herbal notes while providing a sophisticated, zesty counterpoint to its creamy texture.

Toppings To Try On Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with fresh basil and oregano, adding crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that transports your taste buds to coastal Mediterranean landscapes.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Swap pepperoni with chorizo, incorporate diced jalapeños, and mix in chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern-style cream cheese log that brings bold, fiery notes to your appetizer spread.
• Smoky Bacon Lovers' Version: Incorporate crispy bacon bits, use smoked paprika instead of regular spices, and roll the log in toasted sunflower seeds for a rich, smoky experience that elevates the classic recipe.
• Truffle Elegance Approach: Blend in finely chopped black truffles, substitute regular garlic powder with roasted garlic, and coat the exterior with finely ground pine nuts for a luxurious, gourmet interpretation of the original antipasto log.

FAQs For Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• What makes this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log special?

This appetizer combines the richness of cream cheese with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and olives, creating a stunning and delicious party starter that looks impressive but is super easy to make.

• Can I customize the ingredients if I don't like some of them?

Absolutely! You can swap out pepperoni for salami, change nuts from pistachios to pecans, or adjust herbs and spices to match your taste preferences. The base recipe is very flexible and forgiving.

• How far in advance can I prepare this log before a party?

You can make this cream cheese log up to 2-3 days ahead of time. Keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator and add the nut coating just before serving to maintain the crunch and freshness of the nuts.

• Is this recipe good for people who are looking for a make-ahead appetizer?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for busy hosts because it requires minimal prep time, can be made in advance, and looks elegant without complicated techniques. It’s a stress-free way to impress your guests during holiday gatherings.

Why Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Is A Showstopper

• Burst with Flavor Explosion: Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olives, and pepperoni, this appetizer delivers a tantalizing mix of savory tastes that dance on your taste buds.
• Effortlessly Elegant Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills with simple mixing and shaping techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Quick Party-Ready Perfection: Prepare ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld and the log to firm up, creating a stress-free entertaining option that can be made hours or even a day before serving.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences by swapping nuts or meat options, and serving with multiple accompaniments like crackers, vegetables, or bread, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy.

What You’ll Need For Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Cream Cheese: Creamy foundation that holds the antipasto log together, best when softened at room temperature.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds tangy, concentrated tomato flavor with a chewy texture.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Brings sweet and smoky notes to the mixture.

• Pepperoni or Salami: Provides rich, spicy meat flavor with traditional Italian character.
• Olives: Introduces briny, salty complexity to the log.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright green color and light herbal taste.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, even garlic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Contributes mild, balanced onion undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste profile.

• Pistachios, Pecans: Crunchy exterior that adds nutty texture and visual appeal, can be interchanged based on preference.

• Crackers, Crostini, Vegetables: Ideal vehicles for scooping and enjoying the antipasto log.

How To Build Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Step 1: Blend Flavor-Packed Ingredients

• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Diced roasted red peppers
• Sliced green or kalamata olives
• Finely chopped pepperoni or salami
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Thoroughly mix all ingredients until they create a harmonious, colorful blend that promises delicious bites.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Log

Lay out a generous piece of plastic wrap on your countertop. Carefully transfer the mixed ingredients onto the wrap, using your hands to shape a smooth, cylindrical log about 8 inches long. Wrap the log tightly, ensuring it’s completely sealed. Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the log to firm up.

Step 3: Create a Crunchy Exterior

Spread a layer of crushed pistachios or finely chopped pecans on a flat plate. Unwrap the chilled cream cheese log and gently roll it through the nutty coating, pressing softly to help the nuts adhere completely. Rotate the log to ensure an even, appetizing nut crust.

Step 4: Present and Enjoy

Transfer the beautifully crafted log to a festive serving platter. Sprinkle additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Accompany with an array of crisp crackers, toasted crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks. Watch as your guests eagerly dive into this crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Tips To Keep Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Pretty

• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the cream cheese log for at least 2 hours to allow ingredients to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Customize Your Nuts: Swap pistachios or pecans with almonds, walnuts, or a mix of your favorite nuts for a personalized crunch and flavor twist.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the log up to 3 days in advance, storing wrapped in the refrigerator to save time during holiday entertaining.
• Vegetarian-Friendly Swap: Replace pepperoni or salami with chopped artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted vegetables for a meat-free version.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the cream cheese mixture for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat.

How To Store It Without Smudging The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Refrigerate: Store the cream cheese log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the log sealed to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Wrap the log securely in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Since this is a cold appetizer, serve directly from the refrigerator. Allow the log to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.
• Serving Tip: Cut thin slices when cold for best presentation. Discard any leftovers that have been sitting out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log blends Italian flavors into a delightful appetizer perfect for celebrations. Creamy cheese mingles with zesty olives, herbs, and roasted peppers, creating a crowd-pleasing starter you’ll want to share at gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Primary Protein and Dairy:

• 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese, softened

Chopped Vegetables and Herbs:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) roasted red peppers, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) kalamata or green olives, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Meat and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pepperoni or salami, finely diced
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Coating:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) crushed pistachios (or chopped pecans)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust flavor base by thoroughly blending cream cheese with a medley of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, briny olives, and diced pepperoni or salami in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Incorporate finely minced parsley, a whisper of garlic powder, delicate onion powder, and a balanced sprinkle of salt and pepper into the mixture, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed.
3. Position a generous sheet of plastic wrap across your preparation surface, then carefully transfer the seasoned cream cheese blend onto the wrap, gently molding it into an elegant, elongated cylinder approximately 8 inches in length.
4. Compress the log tightly within the plastic wrap, sealing in the intricate flavors and creating a compact shape.
5. Refrigerate the wrapped log for a minimum of two hours, allowing the ingredients to meld and the texture to solidify.
6. Once chilled, unwrap the log and prepare a plate scattered with crushed pistachios or finely chopped pecans.
7. Delicately roll the cream cheese log across the nutty surface, applying gentle pressure to ensure a complete and even coating.
8. Transfer the beautifully adorned antipasto log to an elegant serving platter, optionally garnishing with additional fresh parsley sprigs.
9. Accompany the log with an array of crisp crackers, toasted crostini, or an assortment of fresh vegetable crudités for a stunning appetizer presentation.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping pepperoni or salami with prosciutto, bacon bits, or vegetarian alternatives like sun-dried tomato tempeh for diverse dietary preferences.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother mixing and easier log formation, preventing lumpy texture and promoting even ingredient distribution.
• Toast nuts lightly before coating to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex, aromatic crust that elevates the overall appetizer experience.
• Make ahead and store wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop more intense taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg