If you’re looking to impress your guests this season with something colorful, flavorful, and downright irresistible, the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant appetizer combines creamy, tangy cream cheese with a medley of savory and bright antipasto ingredients, creating a gorgeous log bursting with texture and holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a lively party, this recipe promises to be the mouthwatering centerpiece that everyone will be talking about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this antipasto cream cheese log simple yet loaded with bold flavors is the secret to its success. Each ingredient plays a special role, from adding richness and creaminess to bringing bursts of acidity and saltiness that make every bite unforgettable.
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese (softened): The creamy base that holds all the flavors together with a smooth texture.
- ½ cup chopped salami or pepperoni: Adds a smoky, savory depth and a little bite for meat lovers.
- ½ cup chopped roasted red peppers (drained): Sweet and vibrant, they brighten both the flavor and look of the log.
- ½ cup chopped green olives or pimento-stuffed olives: A briny punch that perfectly balances the creaminess.
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil): Their concentrated sweetness adds a tangy richness that pops.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbiness that adds a burst of color and freshness.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle hint of savory warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just a touch of spice to keep things interesting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added richness): Adds silky smoothness and a slight fruity note.
- Extra parsley or chopped nuts for coating (optional): For an eye-catching and flavorful outer layer before serving.
How to Make Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
First, take your softened cream cheese and toss it into a medium mixing bowl. Add chopped salami, roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and the optional olive oil. Now, the fun part: stir everything together until the mixture is creamy yet studded with all those delightful bits of antipasto. This is where the magic of flavors blending begins!
Step 2: Shape the Log
Once your mixture is well combined, transfer it onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using your hands or a spatula, shape the mixture into a neat log form. Wrapping it tightly will help it firm up beautifully and keep all those festive colors locked inside. It’s almost too pretty to cover up!
Step 3: Chill to Firm Up
Pop your wrapped log into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial because it allows the flavors to marry and the texture to set so slicing and serving become a breeze. Planning ahead is key to making your entertaining stress-free and fun.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
When you’re ready to wow your guests, unwrap the log and roll it in chopped fresh parsley or finely chopped nuts for a vibrant, festive coating. This not only adds color and crunch but makes the log visually stunning — perfect for holiday party tables!
How to Serve Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra parsley or chopped nuts just before serving takes this cream cheese log from delicious to dazzling. You can also sprinkle a few whole olives or small roasted red pepper strips around the platter for added flair. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano complement the antipasto flavors wonderfully if you want to experiment.
Side Dishes
This antipasto cream cheese log is best enjoyed with a robust assortment of crackers, crunchy crostini, or fresh veggies like crisp cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or grape tomatoes. Think of it as the centerpiece on a festive grazing board alongside cured meats, cheeses, and olives — perfect for mingling and nibbling!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your guests, try shaping the cream cheese mixture into small individual balls for easy finger food, rolling each in nuts or herbs. Or serve alongside a festive charcuterie board for an irresistible combination. The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe also makes a fantastic edible centerpiece that adds a pop of color and flair to any holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe keep well when tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days as the fresh herbs and antipasto ingredients stay vibrant and flavorful in that time frame.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for this recipe because the cream cheese texture can become crumbly upon thawing. If you do freeze, wrap tightly and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, though fresh is always best!
Reheating
This recipe is meant to be served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. The log is all about fresh, cool creaminess with flavorful bites from the antipasto; warming it up would change the texture and flavor balance dramatically.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the salami or pepperoni and increase the quantity of antipasto veggies like roasted peppers, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. The cream cheese base keeps it rich and satisfying.
How far in advance can I prepare this appetizer?
You can prepare the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe 1–2 days ahead. Just keep it tightly wrapped and chilled, so it stays fresh and firm for your party.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you want a dairy-free or lighter option, try using a plant-based cream cheese or a thick ricotta mixed with a bit of yogurt. However, the texture may be softer and less firm.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile. Swap the salami for chopped ham, use different olives, or add chopped artichoke hearts for your unique touch. Just be mindful of the moisture content so the log holds together nicely.
What’s the best way to slice the log for serving?
Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife and slice gently to keep the log intact and presentable. Chilling the log thoroughly before slicing will make this much easier and cleaner.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely must give the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe a try this holiday season. It’s a show-stopping appetizer that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. Your guests will love the colorful burst of flavors and the creamy, savory goodness in every bite. Once you bring it to the table, it’s sure to become a treasured holiday tradition that everyone looks forward to year after year.
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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log is a flavorful and colorful appetizer perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. Cream cheese is combined with chopped salami, roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, and seasoning, then chilled and coated in extra parsley or nuts for a delightful presentation. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chopped salami or pepperoni
- ½ cup chopped roasted red peppers, drained
- ½ cup chopped green olives or pimento-stuffed olives
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added richness)
- Extra parsley or chopped nuts for coating (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with chopped salami, roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil if using. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Shape the Log: Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape the mixture into a tight log form.
- Chill the Log: Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Prepare for Serving: Remove the log from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and roll it in extra chopped parsley or finely chopped nuts for a decorative and festive finish.
- Serve: Place the antipasto cream cheese log on a serving platter and offer with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables as desired.
Notes
- This appetizer can be prepared 1 to 2 days ahead of time and refrigerated to save preparation time on the day of your event.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and increase the amount of chopped roasted peppers, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- This recipe is ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or as part of a charcuterie board spread.
