Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
An irresistible, easy-to-make antipasto cream cheese log, bursting with savory flavors like olives, roasted red peppers, and cheese. It's a quick-to-assemble, no-bake appetizer perfect for holiday entertaining, designed for make-ahead convenience and guaranteed to impress guests.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer (optional) or sturdy spatula
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Serving board or platter
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Log
- 16 oz cream cheese softened, at room temperature
- ½ cup pimento-stuffed green olives chopped, patted dry
- ½ cup kalamata or black olives chopped, patted dry
- ⅓ cup roasted red peppers finely diced, patted dry
- ¼ cup marinated artichoke hearts finely chopped, patted dry (optional)
- ¼ cup sharp cheddar or provolone cheese diced small
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chives or green onion chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- ¼ cup diced salami or pepperoni
- chopped sun-dried tomatoes or capers
For Garnish
- extra chopped olives
- extra chopped peppers
- extra cheese
- fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Ingredients. Finely chop all your antipasto goodies: green olives, kalamata or black olives, roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts (if using), sharp cheddar or provolone cheese, fresh parsley, and chives. Pat all chopped ingredients dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for a firm log.
- Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Base. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is super smooth and creamy. A hand mixer or sturdy spatula works well. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper until well combined and fragrant.
- Step 3: Combine Mixture. Gently fold all the beautifully chopped olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, cheese, parsley, and chives into the seasoned cream cheese. If adding any optional diced salami or pepperoni, toss them in now. Mix until all vibrant ingredients are evenly distributed, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Step 4: Form Log. Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper on a clean, flat surface. Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto the center of the wrap. Using your hands, shape it into a log.
- Step 5: Chill. Tightly twist the ends of the plastic wrap to seal the log, then gently roll it back and forth on your counter to create a smooth, even shape. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For best results, leave it overnight to allow flavors to meld and the log to firm up beautifully.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve. When ready to impress, unwrap the chilled log and carefully place it on your favorite serving board or platter. Garnish generously with additional chopped olives, peppers, cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a festive touch. Serve chilled with a variety of crackers, toasted crostini, pita chips, pretzel thins, or crisp vegetable sticks like celery, carrot, or cucumber slices.
Notes
This recipe is highly versatile! Experiment with different cheeses like crumbled feta or finely grated Parmesan. Add other fresh herbs such as oregano, basil, or dill, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth. For meat lovers, finely diced cooked ham or crumbled cooked bacon can be added. If you prefer, form it into a festive cheese ball and roll it in extra parsley or finely chopped nuts.
Always use softened, full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and to prevent lumps. It's crucial to pat all chopped ingredients dry to prevent a watery log. Don't rush the chilling step, as it's essential for the log to hold its shape and for flavors to deepen. While it needs to be chilled, letting it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving can enhance its creaminess.
This log is a fantastic make-ahead appetizer. Store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the cream cheese texture.
The log itself is naturally gluten-free; ensure serving accompaniments are also gluten-free for sensitive guests.