Festive Holiday Cream Cheese Antipasto Log Recipe

Introduction

This festive holiday cream cheese antipasto log is a flavorful and colorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Packed with savory roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it’s both easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese (1 package, softened)
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/3 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped (such as parsley, basil, or chives)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup toasted nuts, finely chopped (such as walnuts or pecans)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gather all your ingredients to ensure everything is ready for mixing.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with roasted red peppers, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Add garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
3. Step 3: Lay a piece of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center and roll it tightly to form a log shape.
4. Step 4: Chill the log in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Once chilled, remove from plastic wrap and roll the log in the finely chopped toasted nuts. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and drain them slightly to avoid excess oil in the mixture.
• Try different fresh herbs like dill or cilantro depending on your preference.
• Swap the toasted nuts for sesame seeds or finely chopped pretzels for a different texture.
• To make it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store the antipasto log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, consume within this time frame. When ready to serve again, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before slicing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the antipasto log ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made up to a day in advance. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to slice.

What can I serve with the antipasto log?

This antipasto log pairs well with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots for a lighter option.

Festive Holiday Cream Cheese Antipasto Log Recipe

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4.8 from 74 reviews

This festive holiday cream cheese antipasto log is a flavorful and colorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. It combines creamy cream cheese with tangy roasted red peppers, briny black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all rolled into a log and coated with crunchy toasted nuts. It’s easy to prepare, make ahead, and serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for a delightful holiday treat.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Antipasto Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese (1 package, softened)
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/3 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped (such as parsley, basil, or chives)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Topping

• 1/2 cup toasted nuts, finely chopped (such as walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients needed for the antipasto log to ensure a smooth preparation process.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the chopped roasted red peppers, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Add garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Form Log: Lay a piece of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap, roll the mixture tightly into a log shape, ensuring it is compact without gaps.
4. Chill: Place the cream cheese log in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour to allow it to firm up and flavors to meld.
5. Add Nut Coating and Serve: After chilling, remove the log from the plastic wrap and roll it in the finely chopped toasted nuts until evenly coated. Serve the antipasto log with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables as a festive appetizer.

Notes

• For best results, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing.
• Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide more flavor; if using dry-packed, rehydrate slightly or add a bit of olive oil.
• Adjust red pepper flakes for spiciness according to taste preference.
• The log can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the log to maintain its shape and presentation.

Keywords: cream cheese log, antipasto, holiday appetizer, cream cheese appetizer, sun-dried tomato appetizer, party snack, festive appetizer