If you want to wow everyone at your next gathering, look no further than this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed appetizer that marries creamy, tangy, and savory Mediterranean ingredients in every bite. The jeweled colors from olives, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes practically sparkle on your holiday table. Dramatic in presentation yet so simple to prepare, this dish is always the first to disappear, making it my must-have for any festive occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let me tell you, the secret behind the irresistible Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is all in the ingredients. Each one is handpicked to add a burst of flavor, gorgeous color, and the perfect blend of textures. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
- Cream Cheese: The smooth, luxurious base that carries all the Mediterranean mix-ins and gives the log its shape.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Bring a touch of sweetness, vibrant red color, and just the right amount of tang.
- Green Olives: Add a briny, almost citrusy pop that keeps every bite interesting.
- Black Olives: Lend a meaty texture and deep savory flavor to balance the brightness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely sweet and tart, these are the ultimate flavor boosters in this log.
- Fresh Parsley: The final fresh, herby lift that makes every slice taste lively and bright.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty backbone that enhances the creaminess and gives a little extra punch.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of Mediterranean herbs that ties together every element in the antipasto theme.
- Garlic: Just the right hint of sharpness—minced fresh, it’s the magic touch.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing and amplifying all the other flavors—taste and adjust as you go!
- Crackers or Crostini: Serve as the delightful, crunchy vehicles that deliver this creamy, colorful log straight to your tastebuds.
How to Make Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Chop the roasted red peppers, green and black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley into small, even pieces. This ensures you get a bit of everything in every bite and keeps the texture perfectly spreadable. If you haven’t already, let the cream cheese sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes so it’s nice and soft.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Grab a large mixing bowl and add in the softened cream cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, both types of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a sturdy spatula or even hand mixer to thoroughly blend everything together—it should look like a colorful mosaic suspended in creamy white.
Step 3: Shape the Log
Lay out a generous sheet of plastic wrap on your counter and spoon the mixture right into the center. With clean hands or a spatula, gently form the mixture into a log shape about 8 inches long. Wrap the plastic tightly around the log, twisting the ends for a smooth finish. If you want a perfectly round shape, you can roll it gently on the counter.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Pop your wrapped log into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you like to plan ahead. This chill time is key—it allows the flavors to blend and the shape to firm up beautifully, making it easy to slice and serve.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Unwrap your chilled Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log and transfer it to a serving platter. Now comes the fun part: garnish with extra chopped parsley or little sprinkles of diced roasted red and green peppers for a cheerful holiday look. Serve it alongside a generous pile of crackers or crostini, and watch everyone gather around.
How to Serve Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Garnishes
The right garnish can take your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log from great to show-stopping. Scatter some extra fresh parsley over the top, or sprinkle diced red and green peppers for a bold festive touch. You could even add a light dusting of Parmesan for a snowy finish.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs beautifully with crisp veggie sticks, seeded crackers, marinated artichoke hearts, or even a simple arugula salad. For heartier spreads, consider offering it alongside a charcuterie platter or a basket of toasted baguette slices—everyone will want something to layer beneath those creamy slices!
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing the log on a rustic wooden board surrounded by a rainbow of dippable veggies, or arrange it alongside bowls of nuts and olives for a true antipasto vibe. For holiday parties, you can even shape the mixture into a wreath for a playful twist on the classic Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log can be wrapped snugly in plastic wrap and tucked back into the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for snacking the following day or slipping into a lunchbox.
Freezing
If you want to prep well in advance, feel free to freeze your cream cheese log (without garnishes) for up to a month. Once formed and wrapped tightly in plastic, slip it into a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before garnishing and serving—the flavor and texture hold up beautifully.
Reheating
No reheating necessary—the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. Just set it out 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out the best creamy texture and allow the flavors to really shine.
FAQs
Can I make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log ahead of time?
Absolutely! This appetizer is a superstar for any host because it actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. You can prep the log 1-2 days in advance and just garnish right before you set it out to serve.
What crackers pair best with this cheese log?
Anything crunchy works wonders—multigrain crackers, crostini, or even seeded flatbreads. For gluten-free guests, go with your favorite GF cracker; the flavors in the log are bold enough to shine on any base.
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of olives, swap in chopped artichoke hearts or capers. You can also use jarred pimientos instead of roasted red peppers, or try pecorino instead of Parmesan for a slight twist on the classic Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log.
Is there a way to make it spicier?
Yes! For some festive heat, feel free to add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a couple spoonfuls of diced pepperoncini. This little kick makes the spread even more addictive for spicy food lovers.
How long can the cream cheese log stay out at a party?
It’s best if the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is served chilled, but it can safely sit out for up to 2 hours at room temperature. If you’re at a warm indoor gathering, try to keep it chilled as long as possible before serving to maintain its shape and freshness.
Final Thoughts
Once you set out this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, don’t be surprised if you get asked for the recipe right away! The blend of colors, flavors, and the creamy Mediterranean base make it impossible to resist. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, so don’t hesitate—give it a try at your next gathering, and watch it become your new favorite holiday tradition.
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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Impress your holiday guests with this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log. A colorful and flavorful appetizer featuring cream cheese, roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs, all rolled into a log and served with crackers.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Log:
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup chopped roasted red peppers (drained)
- ½ cup chopped green olives
- ½ cup chopped black olives
- â…“ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Crackers or crostini
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape Log: Place mixture on plastic wrap, shape into a log, and wrap tightly. Chill for 2 hours.
- Final Touches: Unwrap, garnish, and serve on a platter with crackers or crostini.
Notes
- This appetizer can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for 1-2 days.
- For a spicier option, add red pepper flakes or pepperoncini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
