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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Seasoning Infusion: Fold in parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the cream cheese mixture.
- 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.
- Chilling Process: Refrigerate the wrapped log for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and mixture to firm up completely.
- 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.
- 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