Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a flavorful and visually appealing appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines creamy cream cheese with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, salami, and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. Rolled into a log and chilled, then garnished with fresh herbs and crunchy nuts, this no-cook dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Mixture
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- ½ cup black or green olives, finely chopped
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup salami or pepperoni, finely chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted red peppers
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, chopped salami, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes if using, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully integrated into a consistent mixture.
- Shape the log: Transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using your hands, shape it into a firm log. Wrap tightly with the plastic wrap to maintain shape, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish: Unwrap the chilled cream cheese log and roll it gently in a mixture of chopped fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped roasted red peppers, olives, and optional chopped nuts. Press gently to ensure the garnish adheres well, creating a festive and colorful appearance.
- Serve: Place the decorated log on a serving platter accompanied by crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable slices. Slice into rounds and enjoy as a delicious appetizer or snack at your holiday celebration.
Notes
- This recipe is best prepared ahead of time to allow flavors to meld and the log to firm properly.
- Chopped nuts add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Adjust seasoning such as salt and red pepper flakes based on your taste preference.
- Serve with a variety of crackers or crunchy vegetables to pair perfectly with the creamy texture.
- Store leftovers refrigerated, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 days.
Keywords: antipasto, cream cheese log, holiday appetizer, party food, no-cook recipe, Italian flavors, festive appetizer, easy appetizer
