Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Looking for a festive, easy appetizer that everyone will love? That’s why I make a Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log! It’s colorful, creamy, and packed with flavor.

I mix cream cheese with herbs, then roll it in chopped olives, peppers, and salami. It looks fancy on the table but is so simple to make. My family and friends always gather around for a bite!

No baking, no fuss. Just mix, roll, and chill. Perfect for parties, holiday dinners, or anytime you want something special.

Let’s make this appetizer together! I’ll show you every step. Ready to impress your guests with a tasty holiday treat?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Holiday Appetizer: This recipe has stood the test of time for holiday celebrations, combining familiar flavors everyone loves in an elegant and approachable way.
• Simple and Quick to Prepare: No baking or complicated steps—just mix, shape, chill, and serve. It’s ideal when you want something impressive but low-effort.
• Flavorful and Balanced: The cream cheese provides a smooth, rich canvas while the roasted peppers and olives add brightness and a savory bite. Artichokes add a tender texture, and Parmesan brings a subtle sharpness.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the log a day in advance to allow flavors to meld, which improves taste and reduces day-of stress.
• Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh herbs and cranberries, the log looks festive and inviting, perfect for holiday tables and parties.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Cook Time: None required (optional chilling time 1–2 hours)
Total Time: Around 20–30 minutes depending on chilling

Servings: Yields about 12 appetizer portions — ideal for medium-sized gatherings.
Difficulty Level: Very easy — suitable for cooks of all skill levels, even beginners.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl: To blend all ingredients evenly.
• Spoon or spatula: For mixing and folding the ingredients together without overworking.
• Plastic wrap or parchment paper: To shape the log and chill it properly.
• Serving platter or plate: To present the finished log.
• Sharp knife: For slicing the log into bite-sized pieces or rounds.

Ingredients for the Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll gather to create this savory appetizer. Measurements and full details are provided in the recipe card below:

• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The creamy base that binds everything together. Softening it beforehand makes mixing easier and smoother.
• Roasted red peppers (1/2 cup, drained and finely chopped): Adds a sweet, smoky flavor and vibrant color. Use jarred roasted red peppers for convenience.
• Mixed olives (1/3 cup, pitted and chopped): Provide a salty, briny contrast that brightens the richness of the cream cheese. Kalamata or black olives work well.
• Marinated artichokes (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds tender texture and a subtle tanginess, complementing the other antipasto flavors.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Sharp and nutty, Parmesan enhances the overall savory profile.
• Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A mix of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds depth and aroma.
• Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle garlic flavor without overpowering.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground): Adds mild heat and balances the flavors.
• Fresh parsley (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Adds a fresh herbal note and brightens the mix.
• Fresh rosemary (small sprigs for garnish): Adds an aromatic and festive touch when decorating the log.
• Fresh cranberries (a handful for garnish): Provide a pop of color and a slight tartness that complements the richness.

Variations for Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped toasted walnuts or pine nuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
• Use Different Cheeses: Mix in shredded mozzarella or a bit of crumbled feta for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring mild heat.
• Swap the Herbs: Try fresh basil or thyme instead of parsley and rosemary for a fresh twist.
• Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based cream cheese and skip the Parmesan to suit vegan diets.

How to Make Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

Start by softening the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make mixing easier. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl and use a spoon or spatula to smooth it out until creamy and lump-free.

2. Chop and Combine the Antipasto Ingredients

Drain and finely chop the roasted red peppers, olives, and marinated artichokes. Chop the fresh parsley finely as well. Add all these ingredients to the cream cheese bowl along with the grated Parmesan.

3. Season the Mixture

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper over the cream cheese and antipasto mix. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a cohesive but slightly textured filling.

4. Shape the Log

Place a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your work surface. Transfer the mixture onto the center and shape it into a log approximately 8 to 10 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal.

5. Chill the Log

Place the wrapped log in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes the log easier to slice.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once chilled, unwrap the log carefully and place it on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and scatter fresh cranberries around the log for a festive presentation. Slice into 1/2-inch rounds or serve with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Serving and Decoration

The Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is best served chilled, making it a refreshing and savory appetizer. Arrange it on a festive platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary and bright cranberries for a holiday vibe. Serve alongside a selection of crunchy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp vegetable sticks such as celery, carrots, and bell peppers. This mix of textures pairs wonderfully with the creamy log.

For a more elegant presentation, you can also add some marinated artichoke hearts or olives around the platter, inviting guests to customize each bite.

Storing Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Refrigeration: Keep the log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the log a day in advance to allow the flavors to blend more deeply. Just keep it chilled until serving.
• Freezing: This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the cream cheese texture, so avoid freezing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
• Drain the roasted peppers and artichokes thoroughly to prevent the log from becoming watery.
• Use fresh herbs for garnish to add aroma and vibrant color.
• Slice the log with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, neat slices.
• Customize the log by adding your favorite antipasto ingredients, but keep the balance of flavors in mind.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)
Calories	120 kcal
Total Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Cholesterol	25 mg
Sodium	220 mg
Carbohydrates	3 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugars	1 g
Protein	4 g

Print

Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, preparing the log a day in advance allows flavors to develop beautifully. Keep it well wrapped and chilled.

Q: What can I serve with this log?
A: Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables like celery and bell peppers are perfect accompaniments.

Q: Can I add other ingredients?
A: Absolutely. Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or even some chopped nuts for crunch.

Q: How should leftovers be stored?
A: Wrap the log tightly and refrigerate. Use within 3 days for best taste and texture.

Conclusion

The Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a simple yet elegant appetizer that combines creamy texture and bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or anytime you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dish. By preparing it ahead of time, you can reduce stress and spend more time enjoying your guests and festivities.