If you are searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing appetizer that instantly screams celebration, this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, savory, and crunchy elements all wrapped up in a beautiful log that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy gatherings, this recipe brings together roasted red peppers, mixed olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pecans folded into rich cream cheese to create a flavor-packed centerpiece that everyone will rave about. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare ahead of time and how each bite bursts with layers of festive flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the ingredients because, honestly, they’re simple yet incredibly essential. Each one plays a starring role in making the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe as flavorful and colorful as it is — the creamy base, the briny olives, the sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and the crunchy nuts all come together in perfect harmony.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, full-fat, softened): The luscious base that makes the log irresistibly creamy and smooth.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Black Pepper (1 teaspoon, to taste): Brings a subtle kick and balances the richness beautifully.
- Roasted Red Peppers (1 cup, finely chopped, patted dry): Offers a smoky sweetness and vibrant red color.
- Kalamata Olives (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Infuses the log with a rich, briny tang.
- Green Olives with Pimentos (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Adds a mild, slightly tart bite and bright pops of red from the pimentos.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained, chopped): Provides chewy texture and a concentrated tomato sweetness.
- Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, minced): Brightens the mix with a fresh herbal note and a touch of green.
- Chopped Pepperoncini (1/4 cup, optional): For those who love a little tangy heat.
- Toasted Pecans (1 cup, or walnuts if preferred): Adds crunch and nutty flavor, creating a beautiful outer coating.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, optional): Enhances richness and helps bring the antipasto mixture together smoothly if needed.
How to Make Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
Begin by letting your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is key because softened cream cheese blends more easily with the flavorful antipasto mix, ensuring your log has that perfect, creamy texture everyone adores.
Step 2: Prepare the Antipasto Mixture
While your cheese is softening, finely chop the roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, green olives with pimentos, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, and if you choose, the pepperoncini. Make sure the roasted peppers and sun-dried tomatoes are patted dry to avoid excess moisture. This antipasto medley is where all those festive colors and flavors start to come alive.
Step 3: Season and Combine
In a bowl, mix the chopped antipasto ingredients with garlic powder and black pepper. The seasoning is simple, but it’s crucial for lifting all the flavors. Taste the mixture to ensure it has a nice balance — a touch more pepper or garlic can be added if you’re feeling adventurous.
Step 4: Fold Half the Antipasto into Cream Cheese
Fold about half of the antipasto mixture gently into the softened cream cheese. This guarantees every bite inside the log bursts with those beautiful flavors while maintaining the rich creaminess. You want a harmonious blend that’s not too chunky but still has those delightful bits of texture.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
Using plastic wrap, shape the cream cheese mixture into a log. Wrap it tightly, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling step helps the log firm up so it holds its shape and makes slicing easier when serving.
Step 6: Roll the Log in Nuts
Mix the remaining antipasto mixture with the toasted pecans (or walnuts if that’s what you prefer). Once the log is set, unwrap it and roll it in this crunchy, flavorful coating. The nuts provide an irresistible texture contrast and a stunning rustic look that is perfect for festive tables.
Step 7: Slice and Serve Chilled
Slice the finished log into rounds just before serving. Keeping it chilled ensures that the flavors stay fresh and the texture firm, making each bite a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory goodness.
How to Serve Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes aren’t just decoration—they can elevate your presentation and taste. Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts on top works beautifully, adding a pop of color and additional texture. You can also scatter a few whole olives or some thinly sliced roasted red peppers around the platter for an inviting look.
Side Dishes
This antipasto cream cheese log pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crunchy vegetable sticks such as celery, carrots, or bell peppers. These provide a perfect base and keep each bite balanced between creamy and crunchy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly festive touch, serve your log on a wooden charcuterie board surrounded by clusters of grapes, cherry tomatoes, and a selection of cured meats. You can even cut the log into small bite-sized portions and skewer them on cocktail picks for easy, elegant party snacks that guests can grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cream cheese log can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the flavors and prevents the nuts from going soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cream cheese log wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
This festive appetizer is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If the log feels too firm from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts are a fantastic alternative, and even almonds or pistachios can add a delightful crunch and unique flavor twist to your antipasto cream cheese log.
Is it necessary to use both types of olives?
While you can experiment, using both Kalamata and green olives provides a wonderful flavor contrast that really makes the dish pop. If you only have one type, it’s fine to use just that, but both give the best balance.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Just make sure it’s firm enough to shape into a log. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
How far in advance can I prepare the log?
You can make the log up to 24 hours ahead of time. In fact, letting it chill overnight allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
What’s the best way to chop the antipasto ingredients?
Finely chop everything for a consistent texture that blends well with the cream cheese. This makes the log easier to shape and ensures every bite has a little bit of everything.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe enough for your next celebration. It’s simple to make, visually stunning, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a festive spirit to any table. Give it a try—you might just find your new holiday tradition right here!
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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining creamy full-fat cream cheese with a vibrant antipasto mixture of roasted red peppers, Kalamata and green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this recipe offers a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors. Rolled in toasted pecans, it adds a lovely crunchy texture that complements the creamy interior, making it a crowd-pleaser for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Base
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat, softened)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (season to taste)
Antipasto Mixture
- 1 cup Roasted Red Peppers (finely chopped and patted dry)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Green Olives with Pimentos (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (minced)
- 1/4 cup Chopped Pepperoncini (optional)
Toppings
- 1 cup Toasted Pecans (or walnuts as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (optional)
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it becomes soft and easy to mix.
- Prepare Antipasto Ingredients: Finely chop the roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Drain and pat the ingredients dry to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
- Combine Antipasto Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the chopped antipasto ingredients along with garlic powder and black pepper. Mix well to integrate the flavors uniformly.
- Fold Mixture into Cream Cheese: Take half of the antipasto mixture and gently fold it into the softened cream cheese until fully incorporated, creating a creamy, flavorful base.
- Shape the Log: Place the cream cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll it into a tight log shape, twisting the ends of the plastic wrap to secure it. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up.
- Prepare Pecan Coating: Mix the remaining antipasto ingredients with the toasted pecans. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil to help the coating stick and enhance the flavor.
- Coat the Log: Remove the cream cheese log from the plastic wrap and roll it in the pecan and antipasto mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the log into ½ inch thick rounds and serve chilled. This appetizer is perfect for holiday parties and pairs well with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to soften properly for easier mixing and better texture.
- Pat the roasted peppers and olives dry to prevent the log from becoming too watery.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with a seed alternative like sunflower seeds.
- Prepare the log a day ahead to enhance flavor melding and ease of serving.
- If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve chilled to maintain firmness and enhance flavor.
