Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe: A Jolly Twist

Cheese lovers delight in this creamy holiday antipasto log that brings stunning flavor to any gathering.

Blending rich cream cheese with zesty Italian antipasto ingredients creates a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Each bite delivers a smooth, tangy experience that sparks conversation and excitement.

Herbs and spices dance through the soft cheese mixture, promising a delectable starter.

Colorful chopped ingredients peek through the creamy base, making this log a visual treat.

Packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this appetizer transforms your table into a festive celebration.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible seasonal sensation.

FAQs

• How do I know the cream cheese is softened enough?

The cream cheese should be at room temperature and easily spreadable, with no cold or hard lumps when you press it with a spoon.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese log up to 2-3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve, which makes it perfect for holiday entertaining.

• What if I don't like parsley for coating?

You can substitute parsley with finely chopped herbs like chives, dill, or even crushed toasted pine nuts for a different flavor and texture profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this antipasto cream cheese log is vegetarian-friendly and packed with delicious roasted vegetables and cheeses that provide rich, complex flavors.

Why Antipasto Cheese Log Is a Holiday Hit

• Craft a Festive Masterpiece: Transform a simple drink into a visually stunning Santa-themed beverage that captures holiday cheer and delights both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the grenadine and soda to match your preferred sweetness level, making this recipe wonderfully flexible for different taste preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Holiday Treat: Create a non-alcoholic drink that brings joy and excitement to family gatherings, parties, and seasonal celebrations without complex preparation.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this show-stopping drink in just a few minutes, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the festive moment and less time in the kitchen.

What’s Inside Festive Antipasto Cheese Log

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy foundation that provides a rich texture for the holiday appetizer.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Adds a sweet and smoky flavor to the cheese log.
• Olives: Introduces a briny and tangy element to the mixture.
• Artichoke Hearts: Contributes a tender and slightly nutty taste.

• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a classic herb blend for Mediterranean-inspired depth.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle and aromatic garlic flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and subtle spiciness.

• Parsley, Fresh Rosemary Sprigs, Cranberries: Create a festive and colorful presentation with contrasting textures and holiday-inspired visual appeal.

• Crackers, Toasted Baguette Slices, Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Serve as ideal accompaniments for dipping and enjoying the cream cheese log.

Steps for Making Holiday Antipasto Cheese Log

Step 1: Blend Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Roasted red peppers
• Chopped olives
• Artichoke hearts
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly until all ingredients combine smoothly and create a uniform mixture.

Step 2: Form Elegant Cheese Log

Place a large plastic wrap sheet on a clean surface.

Transfer the cheese mixture onto the wrap and carefully shape into a long, smooth log. Wrap tightly, ensuring no air pockets remain.

Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until the log becomes firm and holds its shape.

Step 3: Add Herbal Coating

Spread finely chopped fresh parsley across a large plate.

Remove the chilled cheese log from the refrigerator and unwrap. Gently roll the log in the parsley, pressing lightly to create an even, green herb coating.

Step 4: Present And Decorate

Move the parsley-covered cheese log to a beautiful serving platter. Enhance the presentation by adding fresh rosemary sprigs and scattered cranberries around the log.

Arrange an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, and crisp vegetable sticks nearby for guests to enjoy.

Tips for Building a Holiday Cheese Log

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Pat roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the log too soft.
• Crush dried Italian seasoning between your fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and intensify the herb taste.
• Prepare the cheese log up to 3 days in advance and store wrapped in the refrigerator for convenient holiday entertaining.
• Swap parsley with chopped toasted nuts, everything bagel seasoning, or finely grated lemon zest for unique flavor variations.

Swaps and Styles for Antipasto Cheese Logs

• Vegan Veggie Log: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and add roasted bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap Italian seasoning with za'atar spice mix, add chopped sundried tomatoes, and coat with chopped fresh mint and dill instead of parsley.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Incorporate diced jalapeños, replace artichoke hearts with green chiles, mix in cilantro, and roll in crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Serve with gluten-free crackers or cucumber rounds, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and maintain the original recipe's core ingredients.

What Goes Well With Holiday Cheese Log Slices

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the creamy cheese and cuts through the rich flavors of the antipasto log.
• Combine with Rustic Bread Selection: Offer an assortment of artisan breads like ciabatta, rosemary focaccia, and whole grain crostini to provide varied textures and enhance the log's Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
• Match with Sparkling Prosecco: Bring effervescence to the appetizer with a chilled glass of Italian Prosecco, whose bubbles and subtle sweetness balance the savory elements of the cheese log.
• Accompany with Charcuterie Board: Create a complementary spread of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and capocollo to add depth and protein variety to the appetizer experience.

Storing Cheese Log for Party Leftovers

• Store the cheese log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap the log in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let the log sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften. Gently reshape if needed, as the texture might change slightly after refrigeration.
• Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and spreadability. Pair with fresh crackers or vegetables for the best taste experience.

Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy holiday antipasto log brings Italian-inspired elegance to seasonal gatherings. Packed with zesty olives, roasted peppers, and herbs, this festive appetizer delivers bold flavors that delight guests and spark conversation at any celebration.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) roasted red peppers, finely chopped and drained
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) green and black olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish and Coating:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Cranberries

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Instructions

1. Blend cream cheese and selected ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, stirring thoroughly until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency with roasted red peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly distributed.
2. Position a large plastic wrap sheet on a flat surface, then carefully transfer the blended mixture onto the wrap, shaping it into a smooth, elongated log formation.
3. Tightly encase the cheese log with the plastic wrap, ensuring a secure seal, and refrigerate for 2 hours or until the mixture becomes completely firm and set.
4. Prepare a plate with finely chopped parsley spread across its surface, then gently unwrap the chilled cheese log and roll it methodically through the herb coating, applying light pressure to create an even, verdant exterior.
5. Transfer the herb-encrusted cheese log to an elegant serving platter, enhancing its visual appeal by delicately arranging fresh rosemary sprigs and vibrant cranberries around the perimeter for a festive, eye-catching presentation.
6. Accompany the antipasto log with an assortment of crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks to provide complementary textures and serving options for guests.

Notes

• Chill the cream cheese beforehand to ensure easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Drain roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the log.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
• Make this appetizer ahead of time, as it develops richer flavors when refrigerated overnight.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Refrigerating
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 134 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg