Jam Scott
The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is the ultimate showstopper for your holiday appetizer spread. Bursting with vibrant colors and flavors from olives, roasted red peppers, fresh herbs, and creamy cheese, it’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. The smooth cream cheese base is the perfect canvas for tangy, salty bites of Mediterranean-inspired goodness.
What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?
Full-fat cream cheese offers the best texture and flavor, creating a smooth, rich base that holds up well when mixed with chopped ingredients. Let it soften at room temperature before preparing. For a tangier flavor, blend in a little goat cheese or mascarpone.
Ingredients
450g cream cheese
1 cup mixed olives (green, black, Kalamata), chopped
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, chives), chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sharp cheddar or provolone cheese, shredded (optional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
How to Make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
- Chop olives, roasted red peppers, garlic, and herbs into small, even pieces.
- Combine softened cream cheese with garlic, herbs, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Fold in half the chopped olives, peppers, and cheese (if using).
- Shape the mixture into a log on parchment paper, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Roll the chilled log in the remaining olives, peppers, and herbs before serving.
Serving and Storing
Serve chilled or slightly softened for easy spreading. Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Prepare ahead without garnish and roll in toppings before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead? Yes, up to 24 hours in advance. Add garnish just before serving.
Can I freeze it? No, freezing affects texture.
What to serve with it? Crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks.
Can I make it dairy-free? Use plant-based cream cheese.
More Appetizer Ideas
- Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip
- Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
- Spicy Sailor’s Dip
- Cheesy Cauliflower Patties
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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, colorful holiday appetizer: a smooth cream cheese log studded with briny olives, sweet roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs. Beautiful on a board and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
450 g cream cheese
1 cup mixed olives (green, black, Kalamata), chopped
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, chives), chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sharp cheddar or provolone, shredded (optional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Chop olives, roasted red peppers, garlic, and herbs into small, even pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with garlic, herbs, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
3. Fold in half of the chopped olives, peppers, and shredded cheese (if using).
4. Transfer to parchment, shape into a tight log, and wrap well.
5. Chill for at least 1 hour to firm.
6. Unwrap and roll in the remaining olives, peppers, and herbs. Serve with crackers, bread, or veggie sticks.
Notes
Soften the cream cheese fully for the silkiest texture.
Make up to 24 hours ahead; add the outside garnish just before serving.
Adjust heat by changing the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American (Mediterranean-inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 recipe
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 35
Keywords: antipasto, cream cheese log, holiday appetizer, olives
