As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the bustling kitchen filled with laughter and good food. One of my favorite festive traditions is creating a stunning Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log that impresses guests and keeps everyone coming back for more. The colors of roasted red peppers and marinated artichokes remind me of holiday decorations, while the savory tastes of pepperoni and olives transport me to a cozy Italian bistro with every bite.
I stumbled upon this crowd-pleaser during a family gathering one chilly December evening, when I wanted something quick yet festive to share. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavors but also in its ease of preparation. You can whip this up in mere minutes, but it also benefits from an hour in the fridge to meld those delightful tastes together. Whether served with crunchy crackers or a toasted baguette, it’s guaranteed to spark joy and bring warmth to your holiday festivities, leaving fast food in the dust. Let’s dive in and make this festive delight together!
Why is the Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log a must-try?
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a guaranteed hit at any gathering, making it your go-to party appetizer.
Colorful Delight: The vibrant colors of roasted red peppers and artichokes light up your holiday table.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this gourmet treat ready in no time.
Flavor Fusion: The rich combination of savory pepperoni, olives, and creamy cheese will keep everyone coming back for more.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with crunchy crackers or a warm baguette, perfect for any palate.
Fun to Make Together: Get friends or family involved for a delightful cooking experience and create wonderful memories!
Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Ingredients
• Get ready to create a delightful festive treat!
For the Cream Cheese Mixture
• Cream cheese – 16 oz, softened for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
• Roasted red peppers – 1/2 cup, chopped to add a sweet and smoky flavor boost.
• Marinated artichoke hearts – 1/2 cup, chopped for a tangy and earthy depth.
• Green olives – 1/4 cup, chopped to bring a briny contrast to the creamy mixture.
• Pepperoni – 1/4 cup, chopped for a savory touch that enhances the overall taste.
• Italian seasoning – 1 tsp, to infuse a touch of herby warmth throughout.
For the Coating
• Chopped walnuts – 1/2 cup, to roll the log in for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
For Serving
• Crackers or sliced baguette – the perfect companions for your Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log for an exceptional taste experience!
How to Make Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
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Mix: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese. Blend it until perfectly smooth, which sets the creamy foundation for your log—this should take just a minute or two.
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Incorporate: Add in the chopped roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, green olives, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Stir it all together until well combined, making sure every bite is packed with flavor.
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Shape: Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and spoon the mixture onto it. Firmly shape the cream cheese mixture into a log, then roll it up tightly in the wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
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Coat: After chilling, unwrap the log. Gently roll it in the chopped walnuts to completely coat the outside, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
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Serve: Place the log on a beautiful serving platter accompanied by your chosen crackers or slices of baguette. It’s ready to enjoy!
Optional: Drizzle with a little olive oil for an extra layer of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
The Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a perfect choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Additionally, you can roll the log in walnuts just before serving to maintain its crunch. If you’re feeling extra organized, assemble the mixture into a log shape and refrigerate it overnight; this melds the flavors beautifully. When it’s time to serve, simply unwrap the log, coat it in walnuts, and pair with your favorite crackers or sliced baguette. With this make ahead strategy, you’ll enjoy a stress-free gathering, leaving you more time to cherish the holiday spirit!
How to Store and Freeze Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Fridge: Keep the log in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This preserves its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, ready for snacking!
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy your Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This way, it retains its delicious taste and creamy consistency.
Reheating: Serve it chilled or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as this can alter the texture and taste of the creamy cheese.
Expert Tips for Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
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Use Softened Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened. It blends more easily, creating a smooth consistency without lumps.
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Chopping Techniques: Chop your ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful. Uneven pieces can lead to inconsistent taste and texture.
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Chill Properly: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating for at least an hour allows flavors to meld beautifully in your Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log.
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Coating Choices: Experiment with different coatings! While walnuts are crunchy, almonds or pecans can add a unique twist.
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Serving Suggestions: Offer a variety of crackers or fresh veggies alongside. This not only enhances presentation but also caters to various tastes, adding to the festive feel.
What to Serve with Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?
Elevate your festive gathering by complementing this lovely creamy delight with vibrant and tasty sides.
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Crunchy Crackers: The perfect base for your log, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy center.
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Toasted Baguette Slices: Warm and crispy, these slices provide a delightful vehicle for your antipasto log, enhancing its rich flavors.
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Fresh Veggie Platter: Crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes add freshness and color, balancing the creamy and savory elements beautifully.
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Olive Tapenade: This briny, rich spread pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the log, adding an extra layer of savoriness to the experience.
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Spiced Nuts: A side of spiced nuts adds an unexpected crunch and depth to your table, bringing warmth and flavor that echoes the log’s ingredients.
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Italian Wine: A light white or fruity red complements the robust flavors of the log, enhancing the overall dining experience with every sip.
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Seasonal Salad: Tossed greens with citrus dressing offer a bright, zesty contrast that can refresh the palate amidst the festive richness.
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Cheese Board: Expand your offering with assorted cheeses to create a lavish spread that invites guests to explore various textures and tastes.
Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Variations
Feel free to get creative and add your personal touch to this festive delight!
- Vegan Option: Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative made from cashews for a delightful dairy-free version.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to the mixture for an aromatic twist that brightens every bite.
- Spicy Kick: Include chopped jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes for a zesty heat that will excite your taste buds!
- Nut-Free: Coat the log with crushed crackers or seeds like sunflower seeds for a crunchy finish without nuts. This option keeps it safe for those with allergies.
- Cheese Lovers: Incorporate shredded mozzarella or provolone into the cream cheese mixture for an extra cheesy experience that melts in your mouth.
- Savory Sweet: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries or apricots for a surprising sweetness that beautifully complements the savory ingredients.
- Flavorful Swaps: Replace pepperoni with salami or prosciutto for a more sophisticated flair that adds a new character to your antipasto log.
- Smoky Depth: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor that beautifully harmonizes with the other ingredients.
Let your culinary inspiration shine, and enjoy the journey of making this scrumptious log!
Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe FAQs
What type of cream cheese should I use?
Absolutely! For the best results, go with full-fat cream cheese. It’s creamier and blends beautifully with the other ingredients. If you’re watching your calories, you can use a low-fat alternative, but the texture may be slightly different.
How do I know if my roasted red peppers are ripe?
Very! Look for peppers that are vibrant in color, with a shiny skin and a firm texture. Avoid any that have dark spots all over or feel soft, as these can indicate overripeness or spoilage.
How long can I store the Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?
You can keep your log in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to maintain its delicious flavors. If you notice any changes in odor or texture, it’s best to discard it.
Can I freeze the Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, making sure it’s sealed well. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture and taste.
What if my mixture is too runny?
Very! If your cream cheese mixture ends up too runny, try chilling it longer to help it firm up. You can also add a bit more softened cream cheese or a few more nuts to thicken it. Just combine it well until you reach your desired consistency.
Is the Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log safe for pets?
While this dish is delicious for humans, it’s best to keep it away from pets. Ingredients like olives and seasonings can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always check ingredient safety before sharing food with your furry friends!
Delicious Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese. Blend it until perfectly smooth.
- Add in the chopped roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, green olives, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Stir it all together until well combined.
- Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and spoon the mixture onto it. Shape the cream cheese mixture into a log, then roll it tightly in the wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- After chilling, unwrap the log and gently roll it in the chopped walnuts to fully coat the outside.
- Place the log on a serving platter accompanied by crackers or slices of baguette.