Jolly Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe for Cheer

Summer gatherings buzz with excitement when this holiday antipasto cream cheese log lands on the table.

Packed with vibrant Italian-inspired flavors, the recipe blends creamy textures with zesty ingredients.

Sharp herbs and tangy olives create a stunning appetizer that sparks conversation.

Cold cuts and peppers add delightful layers of complexity to each bite.

The log looks impressive but comes together with surprising ease.

Guests will devour this crowd-pleasing starter faster than you can slice it.

Serve this appetizer and watch your party come alive with delicious energy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s In Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy foundation for the antipasto log, choose full-fat version for richer texture.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds intense, concentrated tomato flavor with a slightly chewy texture.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Brings sweet, smoky notes and vibrant color to the mixture.
• Olives: Contributes briny, salty complexity to the overall taste profile.

• Pepperoni or Salami: Introduces spicy, meaty dimension and traditional Italian charcuterie character.
• Parsley: Delivers fresh, herbaceous brightness and visual appeal.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, rounded garlic essence without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Adds gentle, sweet onion undertone.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and elevates all other ingredient flavors.

• Pistachios or Pecans: Creates crunchy, nutty exterior with rich, toasty undertones.
• Extra Parsley: Offers final fresh garnish with vibrant green color contrast.

Tools To Make Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing cream cheese and ingredients thoroughly.
• Plastic wrap: Crucial for shaping and chilling the cheese log.
• Plate: Needed for coating the log with crushed nuts.
• Knife or spoon: Helpful for mixing ingredients and transferring mixture.
• Cutting board: Optional surface for chopping herbs or nuts.
• Serving platter: Perfect for presenting the final antipasto log.

Instructions For Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Creamy Flavor Fusion

Blend tangy cream cheese with a vibrant medley of colorful ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, and zesty olives. Mix in savory meat and aromatic herbs to create a rich, mouth-watering base that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Log Shaping Magic

Use plastic wrap as your sculpting tool, gently forming the mixture into a smooth, elegant log. Tuck it into the refrigerator and let the flavors mingle and chill for a couple of hours until perfectly set.

• Nutty Exterior

Transform your chilled log by rolling it in a crunchy coating of crushed pistachios or pecans. Press the nuts gently, creating a beautiful textured shell that adds delightful crunch and visual appeal.

• Festive Presentation

Arrange your masterpiece on a stunning platter, sprinkling extra herbs for a pop of green. Surround with crispy crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable sticks, ready to impress your guests with this show-stopping appetizer.

Tips For Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Fun

• Texture Perfection: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing without lumps. Let it sit out 30 minutes before preparing the log.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the log up to 3 days in advance, keeping it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld beautifully and saves party prep time.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Replace nuts with everything bagel seasoning or finely chopped fresh herbs for a crunchy coating that adds extra flavor and texture.
• Dietary Swap Options
• Vegetarian Version: Replace pepperoni or salami with chopped artichoke hearts, roasted mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use reduced-sodium olives and skip added salt, letting herbs and spices enhance the flavor profile.

How To Serve Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Holiday Party Centerpiece: Position this antipasto log as the star attraction on your festive charcuterie board, surrounded by an array of elegant crackers and colorful vegetable sticks.
• Cocktail Hour Companion: Pair this creamy, nutty log with crisp white wine or a light prosecco, creating a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings and sophisticated social events.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transform this recipe into bite-sized portions by rolling smaller logs or using a scoop method, making it an easy-to-share snack during sports viewing parties or casual get-togethers.
• Mediterranean Mezze Twist: Serve alongside traditional Mediterranean dips like hummus and tzatziki, creating a diverse and flavorful appetizer spread that celebrates international culinary traditions.

Storage Plan For Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Quick Chilling Strategy: Wrap the cream cheese log tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets, and place in the coldest part of your refrigerator for optimal firmness.
• Advance Preparation Magic: Create this appetizer up to 3 days before your event, storing it sealed in the refrigerator to develop richer flavor profiles and save precious party-prep time.
• Smart Portioning Technique: Slice the log into individual servings before guests arrive, arranging neatly on a platter with assorted crackers and garnishes for effortless entertaining.
• Leftover Transformation Tip: Crumble remaining antipasto log into scrambled eggs, fold into omelets, or use as a spread on morning toast for a delicious next-day breakfast remix.

Elegant Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy holiday antipasto log melds Italian flavors into a delightful appetizer. Olives, herbs, and cheeses combine for an elegant party starter that guests will savor.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz (453 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 mL) pepperoni or salami, finely diced
• ¼ cup (60 mL) sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (60 mL) roasted red peppers, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (60 mL) kalamata or green olives, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (60 mL) fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• ½ cup (120 mL) crushed pistachios (or chopped pecans)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Blend Creation: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously combine cream cheese with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olives, and pepperoni or salami, ensuring a harmonious integration of flavors and textures.
2. Seasoning Infusion: Fold in parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the cream cheese mixture.
3. Shaping and Wrapping: Lay out plastic wrap, transfer the seasoned mixture, and carefully shape into a smooth, compact log. Wrap tightly, twisting ends to secure, and compress to create a uniform cylinder.
4. Chilling Process: Refrigerate the wrapped log for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and mixture to firm up completely.
5. Nutty Coating: Unwrap the chilled log and roll it across a plate of crushed pistachios or pecans, applying gentle pressure to ensure a complete, even nut coverage.
6. Presentation: Transfer the nut-encrusted log to a serving platter, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley sprigs. Serve alongside crackers, crostini, or vegetable crudités for an elegant appetizer experience.

Notes

• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the log for at least 2 hours to allow ingredients to blend and develop a more intense, harmonious taste profile.
• Nut Coating Technique: Gently press nuts into the log’s surface to ensure a consistent, even coating that adds crunch and visual appeal.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap pepperoni or salami with vegetarian alternatives like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted artichokes for dietary preferences.
• Prep Ahead Advantage: Make the log up to 2-3 days in advance, storing wrapped in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development and simplify party planning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg