The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is the ultimate appetizer for your holiday gatherings! Creamy, savory, and bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors, this beautiful dish is as impressive as it is easy to make. It’s topped with a colorful medley of olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect centerpiece for any table.

A Savory and Elegant Holiday Appetizer

This recipe takes creamy, tangy cream cheese and elevates it with vibrant antipasto flavors. The combination of olives, peppers, and fresh herbs creates a balanced bite that’s rich, briny, and slightly tangy—everything you want in a festive starter.

It’s incredibly versatile, making it an excellent addition to any holiday spread, whether you’re serving a full charcuterie board, a grazing table, or simply pairing it with crackers and toasted bread. And the best part? It’s effortless to make but looks like you spent hours preparing it!

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, visually stunning appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more, this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is your answer. Perfect for entertaining, this dish is sure to become a new holiday tradition!

Ingredients for the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

To create this stunning, flavorful appetizer, you’ll need a combination of creamy cheese and vibrant antipasto toppings. These simple ingredients come together to make a dish that’s both delicious and visually festive.

Cream Cheese – Use two 8-ounce blocks of softened cream cheese. Its smooth, creamy texture is the perfect base for the toppings.
Mixed Olives – A combination of green and black olives adds color, texture, and a briny, savory flavor. Chop them finely for even distribution.
Roasted Red Peppers – These add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Make sure to drain and dice them into small pieces.
Dried Cranberries – A hint of tartness and a pop of deep red color balances the savory ingredients perfectly.
Fresh Herbs – Chopped parsley and fresh rosemary give the log a burst of earthy freshness and make it look extra festive.
Garlic Powder – Just a touch to add depth of flavor to the cream cheese base.
Olive Oil (optional) – A light drizzle of olive oil adds richness and ties all the flavors together.
Crackers, Crostini, or Bread – For serving alongside your cream cheese log. Choose sturdy options to hold the toppings without breaking.

How to Make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Creating this appetizer is as easy as it is beautiful. Follow these simple steps to impress your guests:

Step 1:
Start by preparing the cream cheese base. Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl and mix with garlic powder until smooth. This ensures the base has flavor while still allowing the toppings to shine.

Step 2:
Shape the cream cheese into a log. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on your counter, spoon the cream cheese mixture onto it, and use your hands to mold it into a smooth log shape. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.

Step 3:
Prepare the toppings. Finely chop the mixed olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs. Combine them in a small bowl, and mix with a teaspoon of olive oil to help them stick together and enhance their flavor.

Step 4:
Unwrap the chilled cream cheese log and place it on a serving platter. Gently press the olive, pepper, and herb mixture over the entire surface of the cream cheese log, covering it completely for a vibrant, festive look.

Step 5:
Add finishing touches. Sprinkle dried cranberries over the log for a pop of tart flavor and color. Add a final garnish of fresh rosemary or parsley for an elegant presentation.

Step 6:
Serve and enjoy! Pair the antipasto cream cheese log with an assortment of crackers, crostini, or fresh bread. It’s ready to impress your guests!

How Long to Chill and Serve the Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

To achieve the perfect texture and presentation, chilling the cream cheese log is key. Here’s how long you’ll need:

Initial Chill Time – After shaping the cream cheese into a log, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. This makes it easier to handle and ensures the toppings stay in place when pressed on.
Before Serving – For the best texture and flavor, remove the log from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cream cheese to soften slightly for easier spreading.

If you’re preparing it ahead of time, the cream cheese log can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving. Just wait to add the toppings until right before your event to keep them fresh and vibrant.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers (although it’s so delicious, that’s rare!), here’s how to store the antipasto cream cheese log:

Refrigerator – Wrap the leftover cream cheese log tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezer – While it’s not ideal to freeze this dish due to the cream cheese texture, you can freeze it if necessary. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tip: If the toppings lose their vibrancy after storing, you can freshen them up by sprinkling on a little extra chopped herbs, olives, or roasted peppers.

Tips for a Perfect Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Make this appetizer flawless every time with these helpful tips:

Soften the Cream Cheese – Ensure your cream cheese is softened before shaping; this makes it easier to mold and spread evenly.
Finely Chop the Toppings – Chop the olives, roasted peppers, and herbs into small pieces so they stick to the cream cheese smoothly and are easy to eat.
Use Plastic Wrap for Shaping – Plastic wrap helps you shape the cream cheese log without sticking to your hands.
Add Toppings Just Before Serving – For the freshest and most colorful presentation, wait to add the toppings until you’re ready to serve.
Customize the Flavors – Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat, or mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.

This antipasto cream cheese log is a simple, stunning, and customizable appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress!

Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Author: Sally Thompson
Total Time: 8-10 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a stunning and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. Creamy, smooth cream cheese is topped with a vibrant mix of olives, roasted red peppers, fresh herbs, and dried cranberries, creating a savory and elegant dish that’s sure to impress. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or fresh bread for a crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz cream cheese, softened (2 blocks)
1/2 cup mixed olives (green and black), finely chopped
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, drained and diced
2 tbsp dried cranberries
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp olive oil (optional, for mixing the toppings)
Crackers, crostini, or bread for serving

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with garlic powder until smooth.
Lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Place the cream cheese mixture onto it and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Meanwhile, finely chop the olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs. Mix them in a small bowl with a drizzle of olive oil (optional) to combine.
Unwrap the chilled cream cheese log and place it on a serving platter. Gently press the olive, pepper, and herb mixture evenly over the surface of the log, covering it completely.
Sprinkle dried cranberries over the top for a pop of color and tartness. Garnish with extra parsley or rosemary if desired.
Serve with crackers, crostini, or bread, and enjoy!

Notes

To prepare ahead of time, shape and chill the cream cheese log up to 24 hours in advance, adding the toppings just before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For extra Mediterranean flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Customize the toppings with ingredients like chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pistachios) for added texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes