Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

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Bright, bold, and bursting with flavor, the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. This stunning dish is not only beautiful on your holiday table, but also incredibly delicious with a creamy base of herbed cream cheese packed with chopped olives, roasted red peppers, fresh herbs, and tangy marinated vegetables. It’s like a party platter rolled into one rich, sliceable masterpiece.

Perfect for entertaining, this log is both effortless and elegant. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or crisp veggies, and watch your guests keep coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family Christmas, a lively New Year’s Eve gathering, or an elegant wine night, this make-ahead dish brings festive flair and big flavor with minimal stress.

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Why You’ll Love This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Visually Striking: It looks like a holiday wreath in appetizer form.
• No-Cook and Make-Ahead Friendly: Simply mix, shape, and chill.
• Flavor Explosion: Briny olives, sweet peppers, and creamy cheese in every bite.
• Versatile: Works with gluten-free crackers, veggies, or even as a spread in sandwiches.
• Easy Entertaining: Perfect for feeding a crowd with little effort.
• Customizable: Use your favorite antipasto elements—artichokes, salami, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Holiday Charm: Red and green elements bring out festive cheer.
• Low-Carb Option: Pairs well with cucumber slices or low-carb bread.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

To create the perfect Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother and ensures a beautiful presentation:

• Mixing Bowls (Medium to Large): You’ll need ample space to fold in all your antipasto ingredients with the cream cheese. A large mixing bowl helps you evenly distribute the ingredients without mashing them.
• Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding the mixture gently and scraping down the sides without overmixing or damaging softer ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Precision is key when dicing olives, peppers, and herbs. A good chef’s knife ensures clean, even cuts and saves time.
• Plastic Wrap or Parchment Paper: Used to shape and chill the log neatly, while keeping everything tight and compact during the chilling phase.
• Serving Platter or Wooden Board: Presentation matters. A nice platter or rustic wooden board gives this appetizer a show-stopping look.
• Offset Spatula (optional): Helps smooth out the cream cheese log for a clean, professional finish.
• Refrigerator Space: Since this is a chill-and-serve dish, clearing a flat space in your fridge beforehand ensures it sets evenly.

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Preparation Tips

• Soften Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing. This ensures a smoother blend and reduces lumps.
• Drain Well: Any brined or marinated vegetables (olives, peppers, artichokes) should be drained thoroughly and even patted dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
• Chop Small and Evenly: Smaller pieces make the log easier to slice and spread onto crackers without falling apart.
• Mix Gently: Fold the antipasto into the cream cheese slowly to maintain texture and prevent the cheese from becoming overly soft or whipped.
• Shape with Wrap: Once mixed, place the mixture onto plastic wrap and roll it into a log. Twist the ends and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
• Garnish Just Before Serving: Top with extra olives, herbs, or peppers right before placing on the table to keep them fresh and vibrant.

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Ingredients for This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This vibrant appetizer brings together creamy, savory, and briny elements that celebrate the flavors of a traditional antipasto platter—wrapped up in one festive log. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup kalamata or black olives, chopped
• 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, finely diced
• 1/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup sharp cheddar or provolone cheese, diced small
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chives or green onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Extra chopped olives, peppers, cheese, and fresh rosemary, for garnish

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/4 cup diced salami or pepperoni, for a meatier option
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes or capers, for added tang

This combination strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and savory bites, giving each slice a satisfying texture and burst of Mediterranean flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by finely chopping all the antipasto components: olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, herbs, and cheese. Pat everything dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps the log hold its shape better.

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Step 2: Soften and Mix the Cream Cheese

Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using a rubber spatula or hand mixer, beat it until smooth and fluffy. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, then stir in all the chopped antipasto ingredients and herbs. Fold gently to combine, maintaining texture.

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Step 3: Shape the Log

Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on a flat surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center and use the wrap to form it into a log shape. Twist the ends tightly and roll slightly to smooth and compact the log. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

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Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the log is set, unwrap it and transfer it to a serving board or platter. Top with additional chopped olives, peppers, cheese cubes, and sprigs of fresh rosemary for a festive presentation. Serve chilled with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.

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Notes

• Flavor Development: While the cream cheese log can be served immediately after chilling, letting it rest overnight allows the flavors to meld together more deeply, making each bite more flavorful.
• Texture Variations: For a creamier texture, you can mix in a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you prefer a firmer consistency, use full-fat cream cheese and be sure to drain any watery ingredients thoroughly.
• Customization: This recipe is versatile—feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. For example, use sun-dried tomatoes in place of roasted red peppers or add a handful of finely chopped olives for extra brine.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened at room temperature. Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly and will result in lumps that are difficult to incorporate.
• Over-Mixing: When folding in the olives, herbs, and peppers, mix gently. Over-mixing can turn the cream cheese into a runny texture and may result in a less cohesive log.
• Not Draining Vegetables Properly: If your olives, peppers, or artichokes have extra liquid, be sure to drain and blot them dry with paper towels before adding them to the mix. Excess moisture can make the log soggy and affect its firmness.
• Skipping the Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process! Letting the log firm up in the fridge is crucial for its structure. Serving it too early could lead to it falling apart during slicing.

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What to Serve With Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?

The beauty of this appetizer is how well it pairs with a variety of sides, whether you want to keep it classic or creative. Here are some fantastic serving ideas that complement its creamy, tangy, and savory flavor profile:

8 Recommendations

1. Assorted Crackers – Buttery, seedy, or multigrain crackers provide the perfect crunch and contrast to the creamy texture.
2. Crostini or Toasted Baguette Slices – Slightly chewy with a crispy edge, these elevate the presentation and soak up flavor well.
3. Fresh Vegetable Sticks – Think cucumber rounds, celery sticks, sweet bell pepper strips, or even endive leaves for a lighter, low-carb option.
4. Grissini (Italian Breadsticks) – Adds a rustic, elegant flair while offering a satisfying crunch.
5. Charcuterie Board Add-Ons – Surround the log with cured meats like salami or prosciutto, pickles, nuts, and dried fruits for a full antipasto platter experience.
6. Flatbread or Pita Chips – A hearty base for scooping, especially for more casual gatherings.
7. Mini Bell Peppers (halved) – These naturally scoopable little peppers are festive and add a sweet, fresh crunch.
8. Olive and Pickle Skewers – Enhance the antipasto theme by serving small skewers of olives, cornichons, or cocktail onions alongside.

These accompaniments not only highlight the flavor of the cream cheese log but also offer textural variety, turning it into a centerpiece-worthy dish.

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Storage Instructions

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log stores beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead option:

• Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. In fact, it may taste even better after the first day as the flavors continue to develop.
• Freezer: If needed, you can freeze the log (without garnishes) for up to 1 month. Wrap it well in plastic and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the log a day in advance, but add the garnishes right before serving to keep them vibrant and fresh-looking.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — based on approx. 12 servings)

These values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients used:

• Calories: 160
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons

This dish is low in carbs, gluten-free (depending on sides), and packed with flavor—ideal for a wide range of guests and dietary needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cream cheese log ahead of time?

Absolutely! It actually improves in flavor when made 24 hours in advance. Just store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge and garnish right before serving.

2. What type of olives work best?

A mix of green pimento-stuffed olives and kalamata or black olives offers a great balance of salty and briny flavors. Feel free to use whatever you prefer or have on hand.

3. Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes! Finely diced salami or pepperoni adds a meaty punch and turns it into a heartier antipasto-inspired dish.

4. Is this appetizer gluten-free?

The log itself is gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or fresh veggies if needed.

5. How long can this sit out at room temperature?

Keep it out no more than 2 hours. After that, return it to the fridge to maintain food safety and texture.

6. Can I use low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese?

Yes, though texture and flavor may vary. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best consistency, but alternatives work in a pinch.

7. How do I shape it into a log without a mess?

Place the mixture on a sheet of plastic wrap, then roll and mold it into shape. Twist the ends tightly and chill—it’s clean and simple.

8. What’s the best way to slice and serve it?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts. Serve with a small cheese spreader or butter knife so guests can scoop easily onto crackers.

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Conclusion

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is more than just an appetizer—it’s a holiday showpiece. With its colorful layers, rich flavors, and easy prep, it brings both elegance and comfort to any celebration. Whether you’re crafting a grand charcuterie board or simply want a fuss-free dish that impresses, this recipe delivers every time. So grab your crackers and let the holiday cheer begin—one delicious slice at a time.

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