If you’re looking to wow your guests with something colorful, flavorful, and undeniably charming, the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine creamy, sharp cheeses blended with a medley of vibrant, tangy antipasto ingredients, all rolled into a festive log that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of savory and bright flavors, making it an irresistible appetizer that instantly lifts the holiday spirit at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in building the perfect combination of creaminess, texture, and bursts of Mediterranean-inspired flavor. From the creamy base of cream cheese to the tangy olives, every ingredient brings something special to the table.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Acts as the creamy foundation, ensuring every bite is smooth and luscious.
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar or provolone: Adds a punch of sharpness and depth in flavor to complement the cream cheese.
- 1/3 cup green olives, chopped: Brings a fresh, salty bite that balances the richness.
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives, chopped: Offers a slightly fruity and briny contrast that brightens the mix.
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped: Adds a sweet smokiness and beautiful color to the log.
- 1/4 cup marinated artichokes, chopped: Gives a tender, tangy texture that complements the other antipasto elements.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Infuses a fresh herbaceous note that lightens each mouthful.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a gentle kick of aromatic depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a hint of heat for those who love a little zest.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish): Creates a fragrant, festive look and inviting aroma.
- Cranberries (for garnish): Contributes a pop of tart sweetness and jewel-like color perfect for holiday tables.
How to Make Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
Start by letting your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Softening it is crucial because it makes mixing easier and ensures the final texture is silky smooth, preventing any lumps in your log.
Step 2: Prepare the Antipasto Ingredients
While the cream cheese softens, roughly chop the green olives, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and marinated artichokes. Make sure to drain these well to avoid any excess moisture that might make your log watery and difficult to shape.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Base
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded sharp cheddar or provolone, chopped parsley, minced garlic or garlic powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until you have a creamy and well-distributed base that’s bursting with flavor already.
Step 4: Fold in the Chopped Antipasto
Gently fold your chopped olives, peppers, and artichokes into the cream cheese mixture. Folding rather than stirring vigorously keeps the chunky ingredients intact, maintaining beautiful bits of antipasto throughout the log for a delightful texture in every bite.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Log
Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap and transfer the mixture onto it. Shape into a tight log using the plastic wrap to help you mold it smoothly. Once formed, wrap the log tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors marry and the log firm up for easy slicing.
Step 6: Garnish and Present
When ready to serve, unwrap your chilled log and place it on a beautiful serving board. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, extra olives, roasted peppers, and a scattering of fresh cranberries. These garnishes not only amplify the festive look but also tease the flavors inside.
Step 7: Serve with Your Favorite Accompaniments
This log is wonderfully versatile; pair it with crackers, crunchy crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell pepper for a deliciously crisp contrast.
How to Serve Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with rosemary sprigs and cranberries adds an elegant, holiday-inspired touch that visually pops. This simple step transforms a delicious appetizer into a centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in with excitement.
Side Dishes
Consider serving your antipasto cream cheese log alongside a charcuterie board featuring meats, pickles, and nuts. Fresh vegetable sticks or a crisp green salad can balance the richness and add refreshing textures to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique presentation, slice the log into rounds and skewer each piece with a small rosemary twig or toothpick. You can also spread it onto crostini or hollow out small bell peppers and fill them with this vibrant mixture for bite-sized delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. This preserves the freshness and flavor for easy snacking the next day.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture. If you must freeze, wrap it very tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
This dip-style appetizer is best served cold or at room temperature; reheating is not recommended as it can alter the texture and flavors of the cheeses and antipasto ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar or provolone?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a milder flavor or a sharp gouda if you want a smoky twist. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well into the cream cheese base.
How far in advance can I prepare the antipasto cream cheese log?
You can prepare the log the night before your event, allowing it to chill and flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it well wrapped and refrigerated until serving.
Is the recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written, since it contains no meat. Just double-check that your marinated artichokes and roasted peppers do not contain any anchovy-based marinades if you are strictly vegetarian.
How spicy is the log with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that complements the savory and tangy flavors; you can omit them if you prefer a milder appetizer.
What are some good alternatives to olives if guests don’t like them?
You can substitute chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted chickpeas, or even small diced pickles to maintain that salty, tangy crunch without using olives.
Final Thoughts
If you want a festive appetizer that’s as delicious as it is charming, the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to prepare, colorful, and full of festive flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Bring this to your next holiday gathering and watch your guests delight in every bite!
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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cheese log, serves 8-10 as an appetizer
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a colorful and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Cream cheese blended with sharp cheddar and a variety of chopped olives, roasted red peppers, and marinated artichokes creates a creamy, savory spread. Garnished with fresh rosemary and cranberries, it adds an elegant touch to any festive table. Serve it chilled alongside crackers or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar or provolone
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Antipasto Mix-ins
- 1/3 cup green olives, chopped
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup marinated artichokes, chopped
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Cranberries
Instructions
- Soften cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until it becomes soft and easily mixable.
- Prepare antipasto ingredients: Roughly chop the green olives, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and marinated artichokes. Drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cheese log.
- Mix base ingredients: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp white cheddar (or provolone), chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic (or garlic powder), and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Fold in antipasto mix: Gently fold the chopped olives, peppers, and artichokes into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed, taking care not to overmix.
- Shape and chill: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a log, and wrap it tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the log to firm up.
- Unwrap and serve: Before serving, unwrap the cheese log and place it on a serving board.
- Garnish: Decorate the log with fresh rosemary sprigs, additional chopped olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh cranberries to enhance its festive appearance.
- Serve: Accompany with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Drain antipasto ingredients thoroughly to prevent the cheese log from becoming watery.
- Allowing the log to chill overnight enhances the melding of flavors.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with provolone or another firm cheese based on preference.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, adjust or omit as desired.
- Serve with a variety of crackers and fresh veggies to please all guests.
- Keep the log wrapped and refrigerated until just before serving to maintain freshness.
