Name: Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped; ½ cup black or green olives, finely chopped; ½ cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped; ⅓ cup salami or pepperoni, finely chopped; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil; 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted red peppers; 2 tablespoons finely chopped olives; 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional, for crunch)

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Introduction

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a colorful and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any celebration. Creamy, savory, and packed with Italian-inspired ingredients, it’s sure to impress your guests and add a vibrant touch to your holiday spread.

A rectangular block of creamy white cheese filled with mixed olives and red pimento pieces throughout, giving it a speckled look with green, red, and black colors inside and on top. The cheese block is thick and smooth, placed on a dark wooden board with scattered sprigs of green herbs and whole olives and pimentos around it. The texture of the cheese is soft but firm, with a fresh and colorful appearance from the embedded ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
½ cup black or green olives, finely chopped
½ cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped
⅓ cup salami or pepperoni, finely chopped
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted red peppers (for garnish)
2 tablespoons finely chopped olives (for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional, for crunch and garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, salami, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt. Mix everything well until fully combined.
Step 2: Place the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a log, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up.
Step 3: Before serving, prepare the garnish mixture by combining chopped fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped roasted red peppers, olives, and optional chopped nuts. Roll the chilled cream cheese log in this mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well, creating a festive and colorful appearance.
Step 4: Transfer the finished log to a serving platter. Serve with an assortment of crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables. Slice as needed and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, substitute salami or pepperoni with chopped cooked ham or turkey.
If you prefer less salt, reduce or omit the added salt since olives and salami are already salty.
Add a bit of chopped roasted garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Use walnuts or pecans in place of other nuts for a different crunch and taste.

Storage

Wrap the cream cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve after storing, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly. Leftovers can be scooped onto bread or crackers if the shape becomes less firm.

How to Serve

The dish shows a long log of creamy white cheese mixed with pieces of green olives, red peppers, and fresh green herbs inside. The top layer is decorated with shiny whole olives in black, green, and red, along with small pieces of bright yellow and red peppers and finely chopped green herbs. The cheese log is placed on a dark wooden board surrounded by sprigs of rosemary, whole green and black olives, and small red cherry tomatoes. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cream cheese log ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after resting overnight because the flavors meld together. Just be sure to keep it well wrapped in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for salami or pepperoni?

You can use cooked ham, turkey, or even chopped roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. Adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain the flavor balance.