Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Introduction
This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a delightful and colorful appetizer perfect for any celebration. Creamy, savory, and packed with flavorful Italian-inspired ingredients, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped pepperoni or salami
- ¼ cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 2 Tbsp chopped green olives
- 2 Tbsp chopped marinated artichoke hearts
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Step 2: Gently fold in the chopped pepperoni or salami, roasted red peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts until evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into an 8-inch long cylinder and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Step 4: When ready to serve, unwrap the log and place it on a serving platter.
- Step 5: Garnish around the base with fresh basil or parsley and sprinkle additional chopped antipasto toppings on top if desired.
- Step 6: Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Swap pepperoni for salami or prosciutto to change the flavor profile.
- Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra sweetness and texture.
- Use flavored cream cheese, such as garlic and herb, for added depth.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and add extra marinated vegetables or olives.
Storage
Store the cream cheese log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve again, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for easier spreading. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the cream cheese log in advance?
Yes, chilling the log for at least an hour helps it firm up, and it can be made up to a day ahead for convenience.
What can I serve with this antipasto cream cheese log?
It pairs beautifully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery.
PrintFestive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining creamy cheeses with savory Italian-inspired antipasto ingredients, this no-cook recipe is easy to prepare ahead, chilled to firm up, and beautifully garnished for a festive presentation that pairs perfectly with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Dairy & Cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Antipasto Mix-ins
- ¼ cup chopped pepperoni or salami
- ¼ cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 2 Tbsp chopped green olives
- 2 Tbsp chopped marinated artichoke hearts
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the cheeses and seasonings. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy base for the log.
- Fold in antipasto ingredients. Gently fold in the chopped pepperoni or salami, roasted red peppers, green olives, and marinated artichoke hearts until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Shape and chill the log. Using your hands or a spatula, shape the mixture into an 8-inch long cylinder. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up for easier slicing and serving.
- Unwrap and present. Before serving, carefully unwrap the chilled log and transfer it to a serving platter. This allows the beautiful texture and mix of ingredients to be showcased.
- Garnish the log. Decorate the base of the log with fresh basil or parsley leaves and sprinkle additional chopped antipasto toppings on top for a festive and colorful presentation.
- Serve with accompaniments. Present the antipasto cream cheese log alongside crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for guests to enjoy as a tasty and visually appealing appetizer.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Feel free to substitute pepperoni with salami or other cured meats of your choice.
- The log can be made a day ahead and stored wrapped in the refrigerator for convenience.
- For a vegetarian variation, omit pepperoni and increase the amount of roasted vegetables or olives.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, chill the log for longer than 1 hour.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the saltiness of the antipasto ingredients.
Keywords: holiday appetizer, antipasto, cream cheese log, party appetizer, no-cook appetizer
