Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

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Nothing sets the tone for a festive gathering quite like a show-stopping appetizer. This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is exactly that. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or attending a holiday potluck, this log will steal the spotlight on any appetizer table.

Loaded with colorful antipasto favorites like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, and herbs, this cream cheese log brings the essence of a traditional antipasto platter into every creamy bite. Rolled into a log and coated in an herby, zesty topping, it’s not only tasty but visually stunning. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies and watch it disappear.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and elegance. It’s a no-cook appetizer that can be made in advance, making it perfect for stress-free holiday prep. Each bite delivers tangy, savory, and creamy notes, and it pairs beautifully with a glass of wine or holiday cocktails. The presentation is effortlessly festive, bringing a pop of color and texture to your spread.

What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

For this recipe, full-fat cream cheese offers the best texture and flavor. It’s firm enough to hold shape but soft enough to mix smoothly with the antipasto ingredients. If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can use a reduced-fat version, but avoid whipped cream cheese, as it won’t hold the log shape as well. Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing and rolling.

Ingredients for the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This recipe pulls together bold, flavorful ingredients that elevate simple cream cheese into a gourmet holiday appetizer. It’s all about mixing in the right salty, tangy, and savory bits to get that true antipasto flair in every bite.

• Cream cheese
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Kalamata olives
• Roasted red peppers
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic powder
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning

The cream cheese is the rich, creamy base that holds everything together. Sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and a deep, sweet tang. Kalamata olives provide briny, earthy notes, while roasted red peppers bring sweetness and color. Fresh herbs like parsley brighten the mix, and garlic powder gives a warm, savory backbone. A touch of crushed red pepper flakes adds subtle heat, and Italian seasoning ties it all together with a classic Mediterranean aroma.

How To Make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Step 1: Prep the Mix-Ins

Chop your sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and roasted red peppers into fine pieces. Finely mince the parsley and set aside.

Step 2: Blend the Base

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Fold in the Flavor

Gently fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, and parsley. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.

Step 4: Shape the Log

Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape the cream cheese into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to firm up.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the log is firm, unwrap it and roll it in additional chopped herbs or a mixture of finely diced antipasto toppings for an extra festive look. Serve with crackers or fresh-cut veggies.

How to Serve and Store This Cream Cheese Log

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is best served slightly chilled or at cool room temperature. Place it on a serving board with a spread of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables. You can even surround it with more antipasto-style ingredients like marinated artichokes, pickled onions, or prosciutto for a beautiful grazing platter.

This recipe easily feeds 8 to 10 people as an appetizer, making it ideal for small gatherings and holiday potlucks. If you’re serving a larger group, consider making two logs to keep everyone happy.

To store, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to five days, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. If you have leftovers, use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful twist.

What to Serve With Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?

Crackers and Crostini

Choose sturdy crackers or thin slices of toasted baguette that can hold up to the rich texture of the cheese log.

Fresh Vegetable Spears

Carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips add freshness and crunch that complement the creamy, salty flavors.

Charcuterie Favorites

Pair the log with thin slices of salami, prosciutto, or spicy soppressata for a full antipasto board experience.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled onions, cornichons, or pepperoncini offer a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy log.

Breadsticks or Grissini

These long, crisp breadsticks are perfect for dipping and spreading, adding elegance to your presentation.

Roasted Nuts

Add a small bowl of almonds or cashews to your board for texture and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well.

Holiday Wine or Sparkling Drinks

This log pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, Prosecco, or festive non-alcoholic sparkling punch.

Stuffed Mini Peppers

Slice mini sweet peppers and stuff them with a spoonful of the cream cheese log for an extra pop of color and taste.

Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Holiday Twist?

If you’re loving the festive vibe of this antipasto cream cheese log, here are more party-ready ideas you can try next:

• Try the bold and creamy Creamy Corn Dip for another make-ahead winner.
• Bring a hearty and warm addition to your table with Cajun Potato Soup.
• If you’re in the mood for baked cheesy goodness, Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly will surely be a hit.
• Mix up the flavor profile with a zesty and bright Zesty Taco Pasta Salad.
• Or go with the always-popular Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad for something everyone will recognize and love.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a different combo of antipasto ingredients? Maybe added a touch of pesto or swapped in goat cheese?

I always love seeing how others personalize their holiday spreads. If you have questions, feel free to ask. Let’s make every bite a festive one.

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Conclusion

With its bold Mediterranean flavors and festive presentation, the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a must-make this season. It brings ease, elegance, and exceptional taste all in one no-fuss package. Make it ahead, serve it chilled, and enjoy watching your guests go back for seconds. Because holiday magic should be delicious and stress-free.

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