If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that bursts with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a delightful variety of textures, the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe is your new best friend. This creamy, tangy, and savory log is packed with roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crunchy pecans, making it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering. It combines the rich smoothness of cream cheese with the robust zest of antipasto ingredients, bringing a festive flair to your table that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, contributing its unique flavor and texture to create a balanced, irresistible appetizer. From the luscious cream cheese to the crunchy toasted pecans, every bite is a harmonious blend of taste and color.
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat, softened): The creamy base that brings everything together smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (season to taste): Provides a gentle kick and seasoning balance.
- 1 cup Roasted Red Peppers (finely chopped and patted dry): Sweet and smoky, they add vibrant color and moisture control.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives (finely chopped): Brings a salty, briny complexity to the mix.
- 1/2 cup Green Olives with Pimentos (finely chopped): Offers a mild, tangy contrast and subtle color variation.
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped): Infuses a rich, tangy sweetness that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (minced): Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness for balance.
- 1/4 cup Chopped Pepperoncini (optional): A bit of heat and tang for adventurous taste buds.
- 1 cup Toasted Pecans (or walnuts as an alternative): Gives a delightful crunch and nutty finish.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (optional): Helps bind the topping mix and adds extra richness.
How to Make Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
Start by letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This softening step is crucial as it makes the cream cheese easier to mix and helps all the flavors meld beautifully. No one wants a lumpy or difficult-to-shape log.
Step 2: Prepare the Antipasto Mix
While your cream cheese is softening, finely chop the roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Pat the roasted peppers dry to avoid excess moisture. This colorful chopped mixture is the heart of the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe, bringing a burst of flavor and texture that truly shines.
Step 3: Combine Spices and Half the Antipasto Mix
In a medium bowl, gently mix the garlic powder and black pepper with half of your chopped antipasto ingredients. This season-spiced mixture will be folded into the cream cheese, infusing it with savory notes throughout.
Step 4: Fold the Mixture into Cream Cheese
Carefully fold the antipasto-spice mix into the softened cream cheese using a spatula until evenly incorporated. This folding technique ensures every bite has a consistent flavor without overworking the cheese, which keeps the texture smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Shape the Mixture into a Log
Lay out a piece of plastic wrap and scoop the cream cheese mixture onto it. Shape it into a log using the edges of the plastic wrap to help create a neat, compact form. Once shaped, refrigerate the log for at least 2 hours. This chilling solidifies the log and allows flavors to deepen, making it easier to handle.
Step 6: Prepare the Nutty Antipasto Coating
Take the remaining half of the antipasto mixture and combine it with the toasted pecans, adding the optional olive oil if you like a bit of extra richness. This mixture will create a crunchy, flavorful crust for your log that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 7: Roll the Log in Nut Mixture
Remove the log from the refrigerator and unwrap it carefully. Roll the log evenly in the nutty antipasto coating so it adheres to the outside, adding a festive texture and flavor explosion. This step transforms the log from simple to extraordinary.
Step 8: Slice and Serve Chilled
Slice the log into rounds and serve it chilled. The slices showcase the colorful antipasto pieces embedded in creamy cheese, surrounded by the crunchy nut coating—a perfect appetizer that invites guests to dive right in.
How to Serve Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or even whole olives on the side elevates the presentation. These little touches bring freshness and make your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe sparkle on the holiday table.
Side Dishes
This log pairs wonderfully with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp vegetable sticks. Consider contrasting textures like crunchy cucumbers or sweet bell pepper strips to complement the creamy and nutty log, giving guests a delightful bite every time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing the log on a festive wooden board adorned with sprigs of rosemary or fresh herbs for a rustic look. For an extra wow factor, serve alongside a small bowl of marinated olives or a few pickled vegetables to highlight the antipasto theme. Presentation is everything when you want to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The log maintains its flavor and texture well for up to 3 days, making it a great option to prepare ahead of a party without stress.
Freezing
If you want to prep early, this recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cream cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling in the nut mixture for best texture.
Reheating
This recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Letting the slices sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving softens the texture slightly and brings out the flavors without any need for heat.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used in a pinch, full-fat cream cheese offers the best creamy texture and richness essential to the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe. The flavor and mouthfeel are much more indulgent and satisfying with full fat.
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts make a lovely alternative and provide a slightly different but equally delicious crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with almonds or even pistachios for a unique twist.
Is this log suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
Yes! This delicious Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies. Just double-check that your olives and sun-dried tomatoes have no added gluten-containing ingredients.
How far in advance can I prepare this appetizer?
You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and shape the log up to two days before your event. Just keep it refrigerated and add the nut coating shortly before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.
What is the best way to chop the antipasto ingredients?
For the perfect texture, chop all ingredients finely but not into a paste. Small, uniform pieces ensure every bite has a balanced mix of flavors without any overwhelming chunks. Patting the roasted peppers dry is key to avoid sogginess as well.
Final Thoughts
This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels both special and easy to make. It captures the essence of the holidays with its colorful presentation and deliciously layered flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family party or a more formal holiday gathering, this cream cheese log is sure to become a treasured favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it year after year.
Print
Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings and parties. Combining creamy full-fat cream cheese with a vibrant mix of roasted red peppers, Kalamata and green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this recipe creates a zesty, savory log topped with toasted pecans for crunch. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and serves eight guests, making it an ideal festive starter or snack to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
Antipasto Mixture
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat, softened)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (season to taste)
- 1 cup Roasted Red Peppers (finely chopped and patted dry)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Green Olives with Pimentos (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (minced)
- 1/4 cup Chopped Pepperoncini (optional)
Coating
- 1 cup Toasted Pecans (or walnuts as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (optional)
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Take the full-fat cream cheese out of the refrigerator and allow it to soften to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to combine with the antipasto ingredients.
- Chop Antipasto Ingredients: Finely chop the roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, green olives with pimentos, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, and optional pepperoncini. Pat the roasted red peppers dry to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
- Mix Antipasto Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine all chopped antipasto ingredients along with garlic powder and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Fold Into Cream Cheese: Stir half of the antipasto mixture into the softened cream cheese gently folding until well incorporated, creating a creamy, flavorful base.
- Form and Refrigerate Log: Lay out plastic wrap on a flat surface, spoon the cream cheese and antipasto mixture onto it, and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Coating: In a bowl, combine the remaining half of the antipasto mixture with the toasted pecans. Optionally, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix to help bind and add moisture to the coating.
- Coat the Log: Unwrap the chilled cream cheese log from the plastic wrap and carefully roll it in the pecan and antipasto mixture to coat the outside evenly, pressing gently to adhere.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the antipasto cream cheese log into rounds and serve chilled for best flavor and texture. It pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese completely before mixing to ensure smooth consistency.
- Pat roasted red peppers dry to prevent watery cream cheese mixture.
- Use toasted pecans or walnuts interchangeably based on preference.
- For a nut-free version, omit nuts and roll in extra chopped olives or roasted peppers instead.
- This log can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly.
- Serve with assorted crackers or sliced baguette for an elegant appetizer tray.
