Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Featured in Appetizing Starters.

Quick holiday appetizer combining cream cheese with antipasto ingredients, rolled in parsley and garnished festively.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:09:03 GMT
A festive log-shaped dish made of creamy cheese, filled with herbs, tomatoes, and garnished with colorful peppers and herbs, displayed on a wooden board. Pin it
A festive log-shaped dish made of creamy cheese, filled with herbs, tomatoes, and garnished with colorful peppers and herbs, displayed on a wooden board. | cookingwithcasey.com

This Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log brings such festive flair to any gathering. The way those Mediterranean flavors blend with creamy cheese creates something truly special. When garnished with fresh herbs and cranberries it looks as beautiful as it tastes.

What Makes This Special

This appetizer combines rich cream cheese with zesty antipasto favorites. Each bite brings layers of flavor from sweet peppers tangy artichokes and salty olives. The festive presentation makes it perfect for holiday entertaining.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Cream Cheese: Nice and soft for smooth mixing.
  • Red Peppers: Sweet roasted ones add color.
  • Olives: Both kinds bring salty goodness.
  • Artichokes: For that Mediterranean touch.
  • Parmesan: Adds wonderful depth.
  • Seasonings: Italian herbs and garlic make it sing.
  • Parsley: Creates that beautiful coating.
  • Garnishes: Rosemary and cranberries for holiday magic.

Let's Make Something Beautiful

Blend it all:
Mix your cheese and goodies until perfectly combined.
Shape with care:
Form into a log wrap and chill.
Make it pretty:
Roll in parsley add those festive touches.
Time to share:
Set out with crackers and watch it disappear.

My Best Tips

Full fat cream cheese makes everything better. Drain those veggies well no one likes a watery log. Give it plenty of chill time for easy handling.

Good To Know

Each serving gives you just enough indulgence without guilt. Keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days perfect for making ahead.

Serve It Up Right

This log shines on any holiday table. Surround it with an array of crackers fresh veggies and bread slices. Makes a stunning centerpiece for your appetizer spread.

A festive cheese log garnished with colorful herbs, cranberries, and olives, served on a platter with crackers. Pin it
A festive cheese log garnished with colorful herbs, cranberries, and olives, served on a platter with crackers. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Make up to 3 days ahead and keep refrigerated. Add garnishes just before serving for best appearance.

→ Why drain the vegetables well?

Extra moisture makes the cheese mixture too soft to hold shape. Pat vegetables dry with paper towels before chopping.

→ What can I serve with this?

Serve with crackers, toasted baguette, pita chips, or fresh vegetables. Also pairs well with breadsticks or crostini.

→ Can I freeze this cheese log?

Not recommended as cream cheese texture changes when frozen. Best made fresh or stored in refrigerator.

→ What other garnishes work well?

Try fresh herbs like dill or chives, pomegranate seeds, or chopped nuts. Keep garnishes seasonal and colorful.

Conclusion

A festive and easy-to-prepare appetizer that combines creamy cheese with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Festive cream cheese log loaded with Mediterranean flavors, garnished with herbs and cranberries for holiday appeal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 12 Servings (1 cheese log)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
02 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped.
03 1/3 cup mixed olives, chopped.
04 1/4 cup marinated artichokes, chopped.
05 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
06 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
07 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
09 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped.
10 Fresh rosemary and cranberries for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine cream cheese, peppers, olives, artichokes, Parmesan and seasonings.

Step 02

Place on plastic wrap, form into log shape.

Step 03

Wrap tightly, refrigerate 2 hours until firm.

Step 04

Roll chilled log in chopped parsley.

Step 05

Add rosemary sprigs and cranberries, serve with crackers.

Notes

  1. Drain vegetables well to prevent excess moisture.
  2. Can make up to 3 days ahead.
  3. Add sun-dried tomatoes or capers for extra flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl.
  • Plastic wrap.
  • Serving platter.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 100
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g