Are you looking to elevate your festive gatherings or holiday parties this season? Look no further than this delightful Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log! This crowd-pleasing appetizer combines creamy, smooth textures with vibrant flavors, making it the perfect choice for holiday entertaining. The combination of soft cream cheese mixed with flavorful roasted red peppers, olives, and artichokes creates a savory explosion that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare – you can whip it up in just over two hours and let it chill while you attend to other party preparations.

Not only does this antipasto cream cheese log taste divine, but it also looks stunning on any platter. Adorned with fresh parsley, rosemary sprigs, and cranberries, it brings a festive flair to your dining table. Pair it with an assortment of crackers or veggie sticks, and you’ve got a versatile appetizer that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on creating this mouthwatering treat that brings the spirit of the holidays to life!

Why You’ll Love This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Delicious Flavor: The mixture of cream cheese, roasted red peppers, and olives creates a flavor-packed appetizer everyone will enjoy.
Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh herbs and cranberries, it makes a gorgeous centerpiece on any snack table.
Quick to Prepare: With just a little prep, this dish can be ready in under 2.5 hours.
Versatility: Pairs perfectly with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables, providing options for various dietary needs.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, it’s essential to set up your kitchen workspace effectively. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients: cream cheese, roasted red peppers, olives, artichokes, Parmesan, and seasonings. Make sure to have a sharp knife for chopping and a medium mixing bowl for blending the ingredients smoothly.

Additionally, you will need a large sheet of plastic wrap for shaping the log, as well as a plate for coating the log in parsley. A serving platter will also come in handy for presenting your beautifully crafted cream cheese log at the end. Preparing these tools in advance will streamline the process and help create a seamless cooking experience.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup roasted red peppers (finely chopped and drained)
1/3 cup green and black olives (chopped)
1/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts (chopped)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup parsley (finely chopped, for coating)
Fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by taking a medium-sized mixing bowl and adding your softened cream cheese. It’s crucial that the cream cheese is at room temperature; this will make the mixing process easier and ensure that the ingredients blend seamlessly together. Next, finely chop the roasted red peppers. Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade roasted peppers, draining them well is key to preventing excess moisture in your cheese log.

Add the chopped olives, marinated artichoke hearts, grated Parmesan cheese, and seasonings including Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper into the bowl. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly using a spatula or fork. Aim for a smooth, even mixture that highlights the vibrant colors and flavors of each individual ingredient – the base of your cream cheese log!

Step 2: Shape the Log

Once your mixture is well-combined, lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap on a clean, flat surface. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap. With clean hands, or using the wrap itself, begin to shape the cheese mixture into a log form. This requires a gentle touch to maintain the shape while ensuring no ingredients are spilling out.

Once shaped, wrap the log tightly with the plastic wrap, ensuring it retains its form. Refrigerate for at least two hours, or until it is nice and firm. The chilling process will solidify the log’s shape, making it much easier to handle and serve.

Step 3: Coat the Log

After your chilling period, it’s time to give your cheese log a beautiful finish. Spread the finely chopped parsley evenly over a large plate. Unwrap your chilled cheese log carefully and place it on the parsley. Gently roll the log back and forth, pressing lightly to coat it in the parsley. This adds not only flavor but a vibrant green hue that perfectly contrasts with the creamy white and red tones of the log.

Step 4: Garnish the Log

To elevate your presentation, transfer the coated cheese log to a clean serving platter. Decoratively arrange fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries around the log. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide additional flavors that complement the cream cheese log.

Step 5: Serve

Now your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with an assortment of crunchy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp vegetable sticks. This pairing allows guests to enjoy the creamy, savory log while adding their favorite bits for a decadent bite.

Variations

Protein: Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced pepperoni for a meaty twist.
Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
Spices: Experiment with different herbs like dill or fresh basil to vary the flavor.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is adequately softened to avoid lumps in the mixture.
Feel free to adjust the type and amount of olives based on personal preference.

Serving Suggestions

Accompany with a variety of crackers, such as whole grain, pita chips, and water biscuits.
Serve with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber for a healthier option.

Tips

To save time, you can prep your ingredients ahead of time, storing them in the fridge until you are ready to combine.
Feel free to make the cheese log a day in advance; the flavors meld beautifully as it chills.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 380mg

FAQs

Can I make this cheese log in advance?

Absolutely! This antipasto cream cheese log can be made up to a day in advance. Just remember to keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with the cream cheese log?

This dish pairs well with an array of options such as crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp veggie sticks. Feel free to get creative!

Can I use different toppings for the log?

Yes! You can utilize a variety of toppings like nuts, seeds, or even different herbs to coat the log based on your personal taste!

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover cheese log tightly wrapped in plastic in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold or let it come to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is not just an appetizer; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that can bring joy to your holiday festivities. This easy-to-make dish combines the richness of cream cheese with vibrant veggies and seasonings, offering a delightful tasting experience that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a holiday party, this cheese log will undoubtedly wow your guests and enhance their enjoyment of the celebration. Don’t forget to get creative with your pairings and variations. We’d love to hear how your creation turned out, so feel free to leave your comments and share your experiences with us!