Festive Holiday Cream Cheese Antipasto Log Recipe

Introduction

This festive holiday cream cheese antipasto log is a flavorful and colorful appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings. Packed with savory roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese (1 package, softened)
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/3 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped (such as parsley, basil, or chives)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup toasted nuts, finely chopped (such as walnuts or pecans)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and soften the cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with roasted red peppers, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Add garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended and evenly distributed.
3. Step 3: Lay a piece of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center and roll it tightly using the plastic wrap to form a log shape.
4. Step 4: Chill the log in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Once chilled, unwrap the log and roll it in the finely chopped toasted nuts for added texture and flavor. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder taste, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Try different nuts like almonds or pecans for added variety.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more pronounced flavor.
• Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap before chilling to ensure a smooth, even shape.
• Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Storage

Store the cream cheese log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly. Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed within this period for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the antipasto log ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing easier.

What can I serve with the cream cheese antipasto log?

It pairs well with a variety of dippers such as crackers, toasted baguette slices, raw vegetables like cucumber and bell peppers, or even pretzel sticks for a salty crunch.

Festive Holiday Cream Cheese Antipasto Log Recipe

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This festive holiday cream cheese antipasto log is a flavorful and elegant appetizer perfect for any celebration. Cream cheese is blended with roasted red peppers, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, seasoned with garlic powder and red pepper flakes, then shaped into a log and chilled. The chilled log is rolled in toasted nuts to add texture and flavor. Serve it with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for a delightful start to your holiday gathering.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 8 oz cream cheese (1 package, softened)

Mix-ins

• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/3 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped (such as parsley, basil, or chives)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Coating

• 1/2 cup toasted nuts, finely chopped (such as walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all the necessary ingredients and ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with chopped roasted red peppers, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Add garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended and evenly distributed.
3. Form the Log: Lay a piece of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap. Using the wrap, roll the mixture tightly to form a compact log shape, ensuring no gaps or air pockets.
4. Chill: Place the cream cheese log in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour. This firming step allows the flavors to meld and the log to set.
5. Coat with Nuts and Serve: Once chilled, remove the log from the plastic wrap and roll it in the finely chopped toasted nuts until evenly coated. Arrange on a serving platter and serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor, but drain excess oil before use.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• Choose nuts that complement your taste, such as walnuts for earthiness or pecans for sweetness.
• Make the log a day ahead to let flavors develop even more.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the mixture in a food processor before forming the log.

Keywords: cream cheese appetizer, antipasto log, holiday appetizer, no-cook appetizer, cream cheese log, festive appetizer, party appetizer