Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a flavorful and vibrant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, salami, and Parmesan cheese, it’s blended into a creamy, tangy spread and shaped into a festive log. The outside is garnished with fresh herbs, chopped vegetables, and nuts for an inviting look and delightful texture, making it an impressive yet easy-to-make party starter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Base Mixture
- 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)
Garnish
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, salami, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a flavorful and smooth blend.
- Shape the log: Transfer the cream cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to shape it into a firm log by rolling and compressing gently to ensure it holds together. Wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the log to firm up for easier slicing.
- Garnish: In a small bowl, mix the chopped fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped roasted red peppers, olives, and chopped nuts if using. Remove the cream cheese log from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the log gently in the garnish mixture, pressing lightly so the ingredients adhere evenly to the surface, creating a festive and colorful exterior.
- Serve: Place the garnished cream cheese log on a serving platter accompanied by crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables. Slice the log into desired pieces and enjoy as a rich, creamy antipasto appetizer that is perfect for holiday entertaining.
Notes
- The log can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the salt according to the saltiness of the salami and olives used.
- Optional nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for nut-free preferences.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the salami and substitute with extra roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Keywords: holiday appetizer, antipasto log, cream cheese appetizer, party dip, Italian appetizer, festive appetizer, no-cook appetizer
