Description
This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is the ultimate no-cook appetizer for your holiday table. Creamy, savory, and packed with vibrant antipasto flavors, it’s perfect for entertaining during Christmas, New Year’s, or any winter gathering. Made with cream cheese, olives, peppers, herbs, and more, this colorful dish slices beautifully and pairs well with crackers or veggies. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, holiday food ideas, or quick appetizer recipes, this one is as effortless as it is impressive. Ideal for last-minute prep and festive cheer!
Ingredients
16 oz cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped
0.5 cup kalamata or black olives, chopped
0.33 cup roasted red peppers, finely diced
0.25 cup marinated artichoke hearts, finely chopped (optional)
0.25 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
0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Extra chopped olives, peppers, cheese, and fresh rosemary, for garnish
Optional: 0.25 cup diced salami or pepperoni
Optional: chopped sun-dried tomatoes or capers
Instructions
1. Finely chop all antipasto ingredients: olives, peppers, artichokes, herbs, and cheese. Pat dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Beat until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
3. Gently fold in the chopped olives, roasted red peppers, artichokes, cheese, parsley, and chives. Mix until evenly combined without overworking.
4. Place a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper on a flat surface. Transfer the mixture onto the center and shape into a log using the wrap.
5. Twist the ends of the wrap tightly and roll gently to create a smooth shape. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. When ready to serve, unwrap the log and transfer to a serving board or platter. Garnish with additional olives, peppers, cheese, and rosemary.
7. Serve chilled with crackers, crostini, vegetable sticks, or breadsticks for dipping and spreading.
Notes
Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother blend.
Drain and pat all antipasto ingredients dry to avoid a watery or loose log.
Make it a day ahead for deeper flavor and easier slicing when entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Holiday / Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: holiday appetizer, cream cheese log, antipasto dip, easy recipe, festive food ideas