Festive Holiday Cream Cheese Antipasto Log Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients needed for the antipasto log to ensure a smooth preparation process.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
