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

Scale

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)

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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.