Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring a creamy base of softened cream cheese blended with chopped olives, peppadew peppers, shredded mozzarella, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic, this easy-to-make cheese log is both visually appealing and delicious. Chill it to let the flavors meld, then garnish and serve with your favorite crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing starter.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
Mix-ins
- 1 cup mixed green and black olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup peppadew peppers or roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Soften cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes until it becomes soft and easily workable.
- Prepare mix-ins: Chop the mixed olives, peppadew or roasted red peppers, shredded cheese, fresh parsley, and garlic if using. Reserve a small portion of each ingredient separately for garnish later.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese with the chopped olives, peppers, cheese, parsley, rosemary, garlic, salt, and black pepper until evenly incorporated.
- Shape and chill: Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Using the wrap, form the mixture into a log shape and wrap it tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the log to firm up.
- Garnish and serve: After chilling, unwrap the cheese log and place it on a serving board. Decorate the surface with the reserved olives, peppers, cheese, parsley, and rosemary sprigs to create an attractive presentation.
- Serving suggestions: Serve the cheese log alongside crostini, assorted crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
- Storage: Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Softening the cream cheese properly is key to easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- You can substitute the peppadew peppers with roasted red peppers or sweet bell peppers.
- Use either mozzarella or provolone cheese based on preference; both blend well.
- Reserve some mix-ins for garnish to make an eye-catching presentation.
- For a milder garlic flavor, omit the garlic or use roasted garlic.
- Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
