Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Are You Looking for a Show-Stopping Appetizer This Holiday Season?

The holiday season is synonymous with delicious food and cherished company. If you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a standout dish to bring to a party, you’re likely searching for an appetizer that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is exactly that – a stunning, savory, and elegant creation that will undoubtedly be the star of your appetizer spread. Forget the usual dips; this log offers a delightful blend of creamy textures and bright, zesty flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal fuss. It’s the perfect way to usher in holiday cheer, bringing together the best of antipasto with a festive twist.

Ingredients for Your Festive Antipasto Log

Crafting this impressive appetizer starts with high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of tastes and textures. The creamy base, combined with the punchy and vibrant toppings, makes this log irresistible.

• Cream Cheese: 2 blocks (8 oz each), softened to room temperature. This is the luxurious, creamy foundation of our log. It should be spreadable but not runny.
• Herbs: 2 tablespoons freshly chopped mixed herbs (parsley, chives, dill). Fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic lift that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese. You can use a single herb if you prefer, but a mix offers more complexity.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. A subtle hint of garlic enhances the savory notes without overpowering.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.

For the Toppings:

• Olives: 1/2 cup mixed chopped olives (Kalamata, green olives, Castelvetrano). Aim for a variety of colors and textures. Ensure they are pitted and finely chopped for even distribution. Imagine the briny, salty pop each olive brings!
• Roasted Red Peppers: 1/4 cup, finely chopped. These add a touch of sweetness, a hint of smokiness, and a vibrant red hue. Look for good quality jarred peppers, drained well and patted dry.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/4 cup, oil-packed, drained and finely chopped. Their intense, chewy, umami-rich flavor is a classic antipasto element.
• Capers: 2 tablespoons, drained and roughly chopped (optional, but recommended for a briny kick).
• Artichoke Hearts: 1/4 cup, marinated, drained and finely chopped. These add a tender, slightly tangy bite.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped, for garnish. Adds freshness and a pop of green.
• Dried Cranberries: 2 tablespoons, for festive color and a touch of sweetness. These are key for the “holiday” feel! Their tart-sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory elements.

Substitutions:

• Herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, use 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
• Olives: Any firm, flavorful olive will work. Pimento-stuffed green olives can add a playful touch.
• Roasted Red Peppers: You can roast your own bell peppers, or use pimientos for a milder flavor and softer texture.
• Dried Cranberries: Chopped dried cherries can be used for a similar festive sweetness.

Timing for Your Festive Creation

Compared to many holiday appetizers that require baking or elaborate preparation, this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log truly shines with its quick assembly. While the prep time is minimal, the chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and the log to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. Most average appetizers involve at least 30-45 minutes of active preparation, plus cooking or baking time.

Crafting Your Antipasto Masterpiece: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Soften and Season the Cream Cheese

Ensure your cream cheese is truly soft. This is key for easy mixing and forming. Place the softened cream cheese blocks in a medium-sized bowl. Add the chopped fresh herbs, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the pepper – it adds a wonderful zing!

Step 2: Mix Until Perfectly Combined

Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese with the seasonings and herbs. You want a homogenous mixture where all ingredients are evenly distributed. The goal is a smooth, creamy base ready for its flavorful toppings.

Step 3: Form the Log

Lay out a piece of plastic wrap on your clean countertop. Scrape the cream cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to help you shape the mixture into a compact log, about 6-7 inches long. Wrap it tightly, twisting the ends of the plastic wrap to secure the shape. This step is crucial for a neat presentation.

Step 4: Chill and Firm

Place the wrapped cream cheese log in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling period is essential for the log to firm up, making it stable and easy to roll in the toppings without falling apart.

Step 5: Prepare the Antipasto Topping

While the log is chilling, prepare your topping ingredients. Finely chop the olives, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, capers (if using), and marinated artichoke hearts. The smaller the chop, the better they will adhere to the cream cheese log and the more evenly they will be distributed in every bite.

Step 6: Roll in the Flavorful Topping

Once the log is firm, unwrap it carefully. Lay out another piece of plastic wrap, and spread your chopped antipasto mixture evenly over it. Gently roll the chilled cream cheese log in the topping mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres all around. You can also press the topping mixture evenly onto the surface of the log with your hands or a spatula if rolling is too tricky.

Step 7: Final Chill and Garnish

Once coated, re-wrap the log tightly in fresh plastic wrap. Return it to the refrigerator for at least another 30 minutes to an hour to allow the toppings to set. Just before serving, unwrap the log and transfer it to your serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and scatter the dried cranberries around the base or on top for that festive holiday sparkle.

Nutritional Snapshot

While this is a celebratory dish, it’s helpful to have an idea of its nutritional content. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and exact quantities used.

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 per 2-tablespoon serving (without crackers).
• Fat: Rich in saturated fat due to cream cheese, but balanced by healthy fats from olives and vegetables.
• Protein: Good source of protein from the cream cheese.
• Carbohydrates: Low in carbohydrates, primarily from the vegetables and cranberries. Sodium content can be higher due to olives and capers.

Healthier Twists to Savor

Making this festive log even lighter without sacrificing flavor is entirely possible! Here are some swaps:

• Lighter Cream Cheese: Opt for light or reduced-fat cream cheese. While it may be slightly less rich, the robust flavors of the antipasto will compensate beautifully.
• Greek Yogurt Blend: For an even lighter option, blend half cream cheese with half plain, full-fat Greek yogurt. The yogurt adds a subtle tang and creaminess while reducing fat and calories.
• Reduce Sodium: Use low-sodium olives and capers, or rinse them thoroughly before chopping to minimize sodium intake.
• Bulk Up with Veggies: Add finely chopped celery or bell peppers to the cream cheese mixture for extra crunch and nutrients.

Perfect Pairings for Your Log

Presentation is key, and so are the accompaniments! Serve your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log on a charming platter. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

• Crackers: A wide assortment of crackers is ideal. Think water crackers, whole wheat crackers, seeded crackers, or even gluten-free options.
• Crostini: Toasted baguette slices, brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic, provide a crisp base.
• Bread: Slices of fresh baguette or rustic artisan bread are also excellent choices.
• Vegetables: Offer an array of fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, cucumber, or bell peppers for a refreshing contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can have a few pitfalls. To ensure your antipasto log is a success:

• Using Cold Cream Cheese: This is the most common mistake. Cold cream cheese is impossible to mix properly, leading to a lumpy, uneven base. Always ensure it’s at room temperature.
• Chopping Ingredients Too Large: If your topping ingredients are too chunky, they won’t adhere well and will be difficult to cut through cleanly. Aim for fine, uniform pieces.
• Not Chilling Enough: Insufficient chilling means the log will be too soft to handle or slice, leading to a messy presentation. Be patient!
• Over-Seasoning: Remember that olives and capers are salty. Taste your cream cheese mixture before adding too much extra salt.

Storing Your Antipasto Log

If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), proper storage is key to maintaining freshness:

• Refrigerated: Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing is not ideal as it can affect the texture of the cream cheese and cause toppings to become mushy upon thawing. If you must freeze, wrap it *very* well and thaw slowly in the refrigerator.

A Festive Finale to Your Holiday Spread

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is more than just an appetizer; it’s a statement piece that brings together diverse, delicious flavors in one elegant package. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet it looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a holiday tradition. So, gather your ingredients, enlist a little help if needed, and get ready to create a truly memorable culinary experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Don’t wait – make your holiday gathering shine!

Frequently Asked Questions

Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Author: Chef Mia

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Description

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a stunning and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. Creamy, smooth cream cheese is topped with a vibrant mix of olives, roasted red peppers, fresh herbs, and dried cranberries, creating a savory and elegant dish that’s sure to impress. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or fresh bread for a crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone will love!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 ozcream cheese, softened (2blocks)
• 1/2 cupmixed olives (green and black), finely chopped
• 1/4 cuproasted red peppers, drained and diced
• 2 tbspdried cranberries
• 2 tbspfresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tspfresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/2 tspgarlic powder
• 1 tspolive oil (optional, for mixing the toppings)
• Crackers, crostini, or bread for serving

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with garlic powder until smooth.
2. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Place the cream cheese mixture onto it and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Meanwhile, finely chop the olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs. Mix them in a small bowl with a drizzle of olive oil (optional) to combine.
4. Unwrap the chilled cream cheese log and place it on a serving platter. Gently press the olive, pepper, and herb mixture evenly over the surface of the log, covering it completely.
5. Sprinkle dried cranberries over the top for a pop of color and tartness. Garnish with extra parsley or rosemary if desired.
6. Serve with crackers, crostini, or bread, and enjoy!

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Notes

To prepare ahead of time, shape and chill the cream cheese log up to 24 hours in advance, adding the toppings just before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For extra Mediterranean flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Customize the toppings with ingredients like chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pistachios) for added texture and flavor.