Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s equal parts elegant and effortless, the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is your new party essential. Creamy, tangy, and packed with the vibrant flavors of olives, roasted peppers, and garden-fresh herbs, this savory log is wrapped up in holiday cheer and gorgeous color. Whether you’re hosting a post-work gathering or a grand family celebration, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an irresistibly shareable centerpiece that’s beyond easy to make ahead. Guests will swoon with every creamy, briny, and sweet bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log counts: each brings a pop of flavor, creamy smoothness, or festive color. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs, you’ll create a holiday appetizer that’s as simple as it is spectacular.

• Cream Cheese: Tangy, smooth, and easy to blend, cream cheese lays the perfect base for our antipasto log.
• Mixed Olives (green and black): Briny and bold, chopped olives add pops of saltiness and beautiful flecks of color.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky, these brighten every bite and lend a stunning holiday red.
• Dried Cranberries: Tart, chewy, and just a little sweet, cranberries bring festive flavor and pops of ruby color.
• Fresh Parsley: Herbaceous and bright, parsley freshens up the creaminess and adds green vibrancy.
• Fresh Rosemary: Earthy and aromatic, just a teaspoon imparts big flavor and cozy holiday fragrance.
• Garlic Powder: Subtle but essential, garlic powder weaves warmth and depth throughout the cream cheese.
• Olive Oil (optional): A drizzle helps meld the antipasto toppings and gives an irresistible glossy finish.
• Crackers, Crostini, or Bread: The sturdy, crunchy vehicles that make every creamy, savory bite complete!

How to Make Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Base

Begin by beating the softened cream cheese with the garlic powder in a medium bowl until beautifully smooth and airy. This step ensures that every bite is rich, luscious, and full of flavor. Don’t rush the mixing; the creamier, the better!

Step 2: Shape and Chill

Lay a generous sheet of plastic wrap on your kitchen counter. Scoop the garlic-infused cream cheese onto the center and, using the wrap as a guide, form a log shape about 7 inches long. Tightly wrap it up and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little chill session helps the log firm up, making it easier to decorate and serve.

Step 3: Prep the Festive Topping

While your log chills, grab your olives, roasted red peppers, parsley, and rosemary. Get chopping! The more finely you dice them, the easier they’ll stick and meld onto your log. Toss your chopped goodies together in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil if you want an extra glisten and flavor boost.

Step 4: Decorate the Log

Once chilled, gently unwrap your cream cheese log and place it onto a serving platter. Spoon the olive-pepper-herb mixture over the cream cheese, pressing gently with clean hands so every inch is coated. Sprinkle on dried cranberries for a gorgeous pop of color and irresistible tang. Finish with a little extra parsley or rosemary for brightness and that hint of piney holiday magic.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange plenty of crackers, crostini, or bread slices around your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log. Invite everyone to dig in—and watch as it disappears in a flash! This creamy, briny, herb-studded delight is impossible to resist.

How to Serve Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to really make this antipasto log shine like a holiday gem. A scattering of extra chopped herbs, a sprinkle of whole or sliced olives, or even a few curls of roasted red pepper look gorgeous. Try a handful of pomegranate seeds for extra festive cheer and sparkle. No matter what you choose, garnishes bring drama and color to the table!

Side Dishes

Pair the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log with an overflowing tray of fresh veggies like sliced cucumber, radishes, or sweet baby peppers. A bowl of marinated mushrooms, pepperoncini, or even some thinly sliced cured meats makes a beautiful companion. This log even pairs nicely with a simple green salad for a lighter spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is where you can have fun with this recipe! Try crafting mini cheese logs for individual appetizer plates or shaping it into a circle for a modern holiday wreath. Serving it directly on a rustic cutting board surrounded by an abundance of crackers and veggies makes for an instantly inviting centerpiece. For a more dramatic effect, set it on a marble slab with gold or silver cheese knives.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log tightly wrapped in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors will continue to mingle and intensify, making your next snack even more delicious!

Freezing

Want to get ahead of your holiday prep? You can freeze the undecorated cream cheese log tightly wrapped for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then roll it in the olive-herb topping just before your guests arrive.

Reheating

This antipasto log is meant to be enjoyed cool or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you pull it straight from the fridge, let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes to soften to the perfect, spreadable consistency.

FAQs

Can I make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead gives the flavors time to mingle and bloom. Store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and add the antipasto topping just before serving for maximum freshness.

Can I use different herbs or swap out any ingredients?

Definitely! Try basil, chives, or thyme for a twist, or use sun-dried tomatoes in place of roasted red peppers. The recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so use whatever antipasto-style toppings you love most.

Is there a dairy-free version of this log?

Yes, you can use your favorite dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just know that the texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious and every bit as festive!

What are the best crackers or breads to serve with this?

Anything sturdy enough for spreading works well—think classic water crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crunchy crostini. Multigrain crackers or even thin, sourdough-style bread work beautifully to complement the creamy cheese and zippy toppings.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

For sure! Simply double all the ingredient amounts and make two logs—or one giant one for a dramatic presentation. The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is made for celebrations big and small!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is at the top of my holiday entertaining list—it’s irresistibly tasty, visually stunning, and easy as can be. I hope you’ll make it the centerpiece of your next get-together and wow your family and friends with its bold flavors and gorgeous colors. Give it a try and let the holiday cheer begin!

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