Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. This festive antipasto cream cheese log is the kind of snack that makes people think you planned an elaborate party when really you just opened a few jars and chopped stuff while humming holiday jingles. It looks fancy. It tastes fancy. It takes zero culinary ego to pull off.

Want a dessert to follow this decadence Try this Cheesecake Salad if you are feeling adventurous and sweet after your savory victory.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This recipe hits all the right boxes. It is snackable, colorful, and festive without asking you to work like a short order chef. It pairs well with crackers, crudites, and everyone who claims they are on a diet but really are not.

It is basically idiot proof Seriously even I did not mess it up the first time. You can make it a day ahead which equals more holiday calm and less frantic chopping right before guests arrive. It feeds a crowd without requiring you to cook anything hot quickly. Plus the coating looks like you tried hard and the inside lets you taste all the little salty and sweet bites in each forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 2 cup sun dried tomatoes finely chopped
• 1 2 cup black or green olives finely chopped
• 1 2 cup roasted red peppers finely chopped for mixture
• 1 3 cup beef salami or pepperoni finely chopped
• 1 4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for mixture
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• 1 4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil for coating
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted red peppers for garnish or coating

Yes that is a lot of small things but most of them are about chopping and tossing Not a stove in sight. FYI drain anything packed in oil before adding so your log does not become a sad, oily swamp.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare Cheese Base
   Ensure 16 oz cream cheese is softened to room temperature. In a large bowl beat the softened cream cheese until light and smooth. Use a hand mixer if you want it extra fluffy or your arm is tired.

2. Combine Flavors
   Add 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 2 teaspoon onion powder 1 2 teaspoon black pepper and 1 4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined. Adjust salt to taste remembering antipasto ingredients can be salty.

3. Fold in Mix ins
   Gently fold in 1 2 cup finely chopped sun dried tomatoes 1 2 cup finely chopped black or green olives 1 2 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers for mixture 1 3 cup finely chopped beef salami or pepperoni and 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley for mixture until evenly distributed. Ensure all oil packed ingredients are well drained and patted dry before adding.

4. Shape and Chill
   Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Shape into a firm log approximately 7 to 8 inches long and 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter. Tightly wrap the log and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight until thoroughly firm.

5. Apply Festive Coating
   On a shallow plate combine 1 4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil and 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted red peppers for coating. Unwrap the chilled log and gently roll it in the coating mixture pressing to adhere evenly on all sides. Try to look professional while doing this but know a messy coat still tastes great.

6. Serve
   Transfer the coated log to a serving platter. Allow to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving with an assortment of crackers and fresh vegetable sticks. Watching people dive in is the fun part.

7. Storage
   Store any leftover log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze it wrap twice and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not softening the cream cheese and expecting it to mix like butter That is a one way ticket to lumpy city.
• Forgetting to drain oil from sun dried tomatoes or olives Your log will get greasy and sad.
• Trying to shape the log with cold cream cheese It will crack and make you grimace.
• Coating the log while it is too warm The coating will not stick and you will lose precious parsley.
• Serving it straight from the fridge without letting it breathe Wait the 15 to 20 minutes Your flavors need a tiny spa break too.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No salami or pepperoni Try chopped prosciutto or smoked ham instead. If you are vegetarian use roasted mushrooms for a savory bite.
• No sun dried tomatoes Use sun dried tomato paste in small amounts or swap with sun dried tomatoes rehydrated and drained.
• Hate olives Use capers for briny pops or leave them out entirely. I do not judge.
• Parmesan not your thing Try Pecorino Romano or a sharp cheddar for a different vibe.
• Want more heat Add sliced pickled hot peppers or increase red pepper flakes. Start small and taste as you go.

IMO this recipe thrives on flexibility so swap boldly but taste often.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Q Will this keep well overnight
A Yes it actually gets tastier after chilling overnight The flavors mingle and become more confident.

Q Can I make this dairy free or vegan
A You can try a vegan cream cheese and vegan Parmesan substitute but texture and salt level will change. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Q How far in advance can I make it
A Make it a day ahead for best results You can stretch to two days if wrapped well but freshness fades after that.

Q Can I freeze the log
A Yes wrap it tightly in plastic then foil Freeze up to one month Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q What is the best way to serve it
A Let it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes then slice or let guests spread it on crackers Offer a variety of crackers and fresh veg for color and crunch.

Q Can I add nuts for crunch
A Sure chopped toasted pine nuts or walnuts can be folded in for texture Add them sparingly so the log holds together.

Q Can I make mini logs for portion control
A Absolutely make several smaller logs That also looks extra festive and people love mini versions of anything.

Final Thoughts

You have just unlocked one of those party cheats that look like effort but are basically assembly and attitude. This antipasto cream cheese log gives you crunch salt tang and color all in one swipe on a cracker. Don’t stress about perfection if the log is a little lopsided or the parsley falls off Those are charming imperfections. Go ahead and make it for a crowd or hoard it for yourself I will not tell.

Key tip Keep the oil drained from packed items and chill the log long enough for firm slices. That single move makes everything better.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary flex You deserve the applause.

Conclusion

If you want more holiday cheese log inspiration check out this Christmas Appetiser Italian Cheese Log which has a slightly different spin and plenty of ideas to steal. For a similar festive take browse this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log for more serving and styling inspo.

Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 240 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This colorful and snackable antipasto cream cheese log is perfect for holiday gatherings, requiring no cooking and can be prepared ahead of time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup black or green olives, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup beef salami or pepperoni, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for coating)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted red peppers (for garnish or coating)

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Instructions

1. Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature. Beat until light and smooth.
2. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Beat until well combined.
3. Fold in sun dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, salami or pepperoni, and fresh parsley until evenly distributed.
4. Spoon the mixture onto plastic wrap, shape into a log, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
5. Combine chopped parsley or basil and chopped roasted red peppers for coating. Roll the log in the mixture until evenly coated.
6. Transfer the coated log to a serving platter and let sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap twice for freezing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: antipasto, cheese log, holiday appetizer, party snack, vegetarian dip