Oh my gosh, have I got the perfect holiday party trick for you! I can’t tell you how many times this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log has saved me when unexpected guests popped by or when I needed a last-minute appetizer that looks like I spent hours on it. Some of my favorite Christmas memories involve my mom’s friends “oohing” and “ahhing” over this very recipe at our annual open house.
The beauty of this no-cook wonder? You can whip it up in 15 minutes flat, and it looks like you fussed for hours. I love how the vibrant colors from the roasted red peppers and green olives make it look like a holiday wreath – perfect for Christmas parties or New Year’s Eve gatherings. And get this – it actually gets better as it chills, so you can make it the night before and just pull it out when guests arrive. No stress, all the flavor!
What makes this cream cheese log special is how it combines all those classic antipasto flavors you love – the briny olives, tangy artichokes, spicy pepperoni – in one irresistible spreadable package. It’s been my go-to for years because it’s always the first appetizer to disappear at any holiday potluck. Just wait until you see how easy it is to put together!
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Why You’ll Love This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Trust me, this isn’t just another holiday appetizer – it’s going to become your new secret weapon! Here’s why this cream cheese log deserves a spot at every gathering:
- No-stress prep: Zero cooking required – just mix, shape, and chill. I’ve made this half-asleep at midnight before a party!
- Crowd-pleasing flavors: All your favorite antipasto ingredients in one irresistible bite (but feel free to swap in whatever you’ve got in the fridge).
- Showstopper presentation: That gorgeous topping combo makes it look way fancier than it actually is (your secret’s safe with me).
- Make-ahead magic: Tastes even better after chilling overnight – one less thing to worry about party day.
- Endlessly customizable: Vegetarian? Skip the pepperoni. Love spice? Add some crushed red pepper. This recipe’s your playground!
Seriously, once you try this easy appetizer, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted holidays without it! don’t miss this Spicy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball — another crowd-pleasing recipe that packs a punch.
Ingredients for Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I promise, these are all easy finds at any grocery store! The magic happens when these simple things come together:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Don’t skip the softening! Leave it out for at least 30 minutes before mixing (cold cream cheese = lumpy sadness)
- 1/4 cup sour cream – This is my secret for extra creamy texture that spreads like a dream
- 1/2 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts – Drain them well or you’ll have a soggy log situation
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers – I use the jarred kind for convenience
- 1/4 cup chopped green olives – The briny pop that makes this irresistible
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni – Tiny cubes work best (vegetarians can skip or swap for sun-dried tomatoes)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – That herby goodness ties everything together
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – For that festive green finish
See? Nothing fancy – just good, flavorful ingredients that play so well together. Now let’s make some magic!
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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Magic
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 log (6-8 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and festive cream cheese log topped with antipasto ingredients, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped green olives
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into a log shape on a piece of plastic wrap.
- Combine artichoke hearts, red peppers, olives, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Press the antipasto mixture onto the cream cheese log, covering it evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for garnish.
- Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
- Can be made a day ahead for convenience.
- Adjust ingredients based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
How to Make Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part – assembling this holiday showstopper! I promise it’s easier than wrapping presents, and way more delicious. Here’s exactly how I make mine:
Step 1: Combine Cream Cheese and Sour Cream
First, grab a medium bowl and your softened cream cheese – it should dent easily when you poke it. Add the sour cream and mix with a sturdy spoon or spatula until silky smooth. We’re talking no lumps here! This takes about 2 minutes of good stirring. The mixture should be creamy like frosting but still hold its shape when you scoop it. Pro tip: If your cream cheese was still a bit chilly, microwave the bowl for just 5-10 seconds to help it along.
Step 2: Shape the Log
Lay out a 12-inch piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto the center and use the back of your spoon to shape it into an even log about 8 inches long. Don’t stress about perfection – rustic is charming! The plastic will help you smooth the sides and ends without sticking to your hands. Think of shaping playdough as a kid – that’s the vibe we’re going for!
Step 3: Add Antipasto Toppings
In a separate bowl, mix together all your chopped antipasto goodies – artichokes, peppers, olives, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Now comes the satisfying part: gently press this colorful mixture all over the log, turning and patting until it’s completely coated. I like to do one side first, then carefully flip it to get the underside. The toppings should stick easily to the creamy surface – if any fall off, just press them back on!
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Wrap that beautiful log tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. Pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour (though overnight is ideal). This chilling time lets the flavors marry and firms up the log for perfect slicing. Right before serving, unwrap and transfer to a platter, then shower with fresh parsley for that festive green pop!
Tips for the Perfect Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
After making this cream cheese log more times than I can count (holiday emergencies, remember?), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks that’ll take yours to the next level:
- Patience with cream cheese: Seriously, set it out early! I put mine on the counter with my morning coffee so it’s perfectly soft by baking time. Cold cream cheese = lumpy nightmares.
- Dry those ingredients: Squeeze excess liquid from artichokes and peppers in a paper towel – your future self will thank you when the log holds its shape beautifully.
- Personalize it: Swap pepperoni for prosciutto, add sun-dried tomatoes, or mix in some Calabrian chiles for heat. This recipe loves playing dress-up!
- Chill time matters: That hour minimum isn’t just a suggestion – it transforms the texture from “soft” to “sliceable perfection.”
Oh, and always make extra – this log mysteriously disappears faster than holiday cookies at my house!
Serving Suggestions for Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Okay, let’s talk presentation – because this beauty deserves to shine! I love serving my cream cheese log on a rustic wooden board surrounded by an assortment of:
- Crispy crackers – Water crackers or toasted baguette slices are my go-to for that perfect crunch
- Fresh veggies – Cucumber rounds and endive leaves make great edible “scoops”
- Extra garnishes – A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds around the platter screams “holidays”
Pro tip: Let guests slice their own portions – it stays neater and looks so impressive when you bring it out whole! Just add a small cheese knife and watch it disappear.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s the best part – this cream cheese log actually gets better as it sits! Just keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long). No reheating needed – just pull it out about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. The flavors will have mingled into something even more delicious!
Nutritional Information for Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Now, I’m no dietitian, but here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving of this cream cheese log (based on slicing it into 8 portions): about 120 calories, 10g fat, and 3g protein per slice. The briny olives and artichokes add just 180mg sodium – not bad for such a flavor-packed bite!
Remember: These numbers are just estimates and can change depending on your exact ingredients. Like if you go heavy on the pepperoni or use low-fat cream cheese, the numbers will dance around a bit. But hey, it’s the holidays – let’s focus on the joy, not just the joules! Follow us on Pinterest for endless inspiration and festive recipes your guests will adore.
FAQs About Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
I get asked about this cream cheese log ALL the time at parties – here are the answers to everyone’s burning questions!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I strongly recommend it. The flavors develop beautifully overnight, making this the perfect make-ahead appetizer. Just wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving. I often make two logs – one for now, one for tomorrow’s gathering!
What substitutions work well?
This recipe is super flexible! Swap pepperoni for salami or prosciutto, use kalamata olives instead of green, or try sundried tomatoes instead of roasted red peppers. Vegetarian? Skip the meat entirely and add extra veggies. The only non-negotiable is the cream cheese base – that’s what holds everything together!
How long does it keep?
Properly stored in the fridge (wrapped tight in plastic), your log will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Though in my experience, it never lasts that long – this stuff disappears fast at parties!
Can I freeze it?
Technically yes, but the texture changes a bit after thawing. The cream cheese gets slightly grainier. I’d only freeze if absolutely necessary – it’s so quick to make fresh!
What if my log won’t hold its shape?
Chill it longer! The magic happens in the fridge. If it’s still too soft after 2 hours, you might have added too much liquid – next time, squeeze those veggies drier before chopping.
Share Your Creation
I want to see your gorgeous cream cheese logs! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram – I love seeing how you put your own spin on this holiday favorite. Did your guests go crazy for it? Leave a comment below and tell me your favorite topping combo! Your reviews make my day and help others discover this easy appetizer too.