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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Compress the log tightly within the plastic wrap, sealing in the intricate flavors and creating a compact shape.
- Refrigerate the wrapped log for a minimum of two hours, allowing the ingredients to meld and the texture to solidify.
- Once chilled, unwrap the log and prepare a plate scattered with crushed pistachios or finely chopped pecans.
- Delicately roll the cream cheese log across the nutty surface, applying gentle pressure to ensure a complete and even coating.
- Transfer the beautifully adorned antipasto log to an elegant serving platter, optionally garnishing with additional fresh parsley sprigs.
- 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