If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer that brings festive cheer and irresistible flavor to any holiday gathering, look no further than this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe. It’s a colorful, creamy, and savory treat that combines the tang of cream cheese with the vibrant punch of roasted red peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts. Coated in fresh parsley and adorned with rosemary sprigs and cranberries, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this recipe a winner. Each component plays a special role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and festive color that elevate the entire dish.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base that brings everything together with smooth richness.
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped and drained: Adds sweet, smoky flavor plus vibrant color.
- 1/3 cup green and black olives, chopped: Brings a salty, briny bite essential for depth.
- 1/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped: Offers a tender, slightly tangy texture that complements the cheese.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Enhances the savory notes and gives a subtle nutty finish.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses the log with classic Mediterranean herb flavors.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the aroma and overall savory appeal.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped (for coating): Creates a fresh, bright, and festive outer layer.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries (for garnish): Provides seasonal color and an inviting finish.
How to Make Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Flavorful Ingredients
Start by combining the softened cream cheese with finely chopped roasted red peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until you get an even distribution of colors and flavors. This is where creamy meets zesty and savory in one bowl.
Step 2: Shape the Cheese Log
Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on your countertop and scoop the cheese mixture right onto it. Using the wrap helps you shape the log neatly without getting too messy. Firmly shape the mixture into a smooth, compact log. The tighter the shape, the easier it will be to slice and serve later.
Step 3: Chill to Firm Up
Wrap the formed log tightly in the plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours—this step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld and the log to become firm enough to hold its shape when sliced.
Step 4: Coat with Fresh Parsley
Once chilled, unwrap the log and roll it gently in a bed of finely chopped parsley spread on a plate. The parsley adds a fresh burst of green, making the cheese log look ultra festive and inviting.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your beautifully coated cheese log to a serving platter. Garnish it thoughtfully with fresh rosemary sprigs and a handful of bright red cranberries. These garnishes bring a festive holiday vibe and make the dish irresistible as part of any celebration.
How to Serve Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Garnishes
The rosemary and cranberries aren’t just for looks—they add subtle piney fragrance and bursts of tartness that perfectly balance the creamy antipasto flavors. Feel free to get creative with additional edible flowers or nuts if you want extra texture.
Side Dishes
This cheese log pairs wonderfully with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh vegetable sticks like celery, cucumbers, or colorful bell peppers. These add crunch and make every bite a delightful mix of creamy, crunchy, and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly festive touch, place your cheese log on a rustic wood board surrounded by small bowls of olives, nuts, and cured meats. You can also slice it into rounds for individual appetizers or shape smaller logs for a party platter that’s easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and keeps all those wonderful flavors intact, ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for the fresh herbs coating the log, you can freeze the cream cheese mixture itself before shaping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before shaping and garnishing.
Reheating
This dish is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Allow it to sit out for about 15 minutes before serving if it’s too firm straight from the fridge, so the flavors shine and the texture softens slightly.
FAQs
Can I make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a vegan Parmesan substitute, but the flavors and texture may differ slightly. Experiment with your favorite brands for best results.
How far in advance can I prepare this cheese log?
It can be made up to 24 hours in advance, giving the flavors time to meld beautifully while you focus on other holiday preparations.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or finely diced pepperoncini to the cheese mixture will give it a pleasant kick without overpowering the other flavors.
What’s the best way to serve the log at a party?
Serve with an assortment of crackers, toasted breads, and fresh vegetables arranged around the log on a large platter. Provide small spreader knives so guests can easily help themselves.
Can I customize the recipe with other antipasto ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, or different olives to suit your taste preferences. This recipe is wonderfully versatile.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe. It’s simple, beautiful, and packed with flavors that celebrate the season. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night with friends, this easy yet elegant appetizer will quickly become a holiday favorite you look forward to making again and again.
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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a flavorful and colorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Cream cheese is blended with roasted red peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan, then seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. After chilling, the log is coated in fresh parsley and garnished with rosemary sprigs and cranberries, creating an appealing centerpiece that pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted baguette, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 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
Coating and Garnish
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped (for coating)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Cranberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, roasted red peppers, chopped olives, marinated artichoke hearts, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Prepare to Shape: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap flat on a clean surface. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap.
- Shape the Log: Using the plastic wrap, shape the cheese mixture into a compact and smooth log shape, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Chill the Log: Wrap the log tightly with the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it firms up completely.
- Prepare Coating: Spread the chopped parsley evenly on a large plate or flat surface for rolling the chilled log.
- Coat the Log: Remove the chilled cheese log from the plastic wrap and gently roll it in the chopped parsley, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Arrange for Serving: Transfer the parsley-coated cheese log to a serving platter.
- Garnish: Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries around and on top of the log to enhance the festive appearance.
- Serve: Present the cream cheese log with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing.
- Make sure to drain the roasted red peppers well to avoid excess moisture in the cheese log.
- The log can be made up to a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator.
- Use marinated artichoke hearts packed in oil or vinegar for extra zestiness.
- Substitute fresh parsley coating with chopped fresh basil or chives for a different flavor profile.
- Serve chilled but allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for easier spreading on crackers.
