Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

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Bright, bold, and brimming with flavor, the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a true showstopper on any holiday table. This delightful appetizer blends creamy, tangy cream cheese with the salty bite of olives, the mild sweetness of roasted red peppers, the herbal pop of fresh rosemary, and the crunchy satisfaction of pickled vegetables. It’s everything you love about a traditional antipasto platter—wrapped into one sliceable, spreadable, crowd-pleasing log.

Ideal for serving during Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, or any special gathering, this colorful dish doubles as edible decor. Guests will gravitate to it, not just because of its gorgeous mosaic appearance, but also for the irresistible flavor combo. Whether paired with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables, this log is the ultimate make-ahead appetizer that feels as festive as it tastes.

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Why You’ll Love This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• It’s a no-cook appetizer that takes just 15 minutes to assemble.
• Visually stunning—this dish adds a burst of color and texture to your holiday table.
• Customizable with your favorite antipasto items like marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or salami.
• Perfect make-ahead dish—flavors deepen when it chills overnight.
• It caters to various dietary needs and can easily be made vegetarian or gluten-free.
• Works for casual get-togethers or elegant holiday parties alike.
• Balances rich, creamy, salty, and tangy notes in every bite.
• Pairs well with wine and cocktails for an effortless party pairing.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Their Importance)

To make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, you don’t need any fancy gadgets—just a few kitchen basics that make the process clean and efficient:

• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is needed to blend the cream cheese with the chopped antipasto ingredients. Opt for one with a non-slip base for easier mixing.
• Rubber Spatula or Spoon: Essential for folding everything together smoothly without breaking delicate pieces like olives or peppers.
• Plastic Wrap or Parchment Paper: Used to shape and wrap the cream cheese mixture into a tight, clean log. It also keeps the mixture fresh during refrigeration.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for finely chopping the antipasto items (olives, peppers, cheese, etc.) so they blend evenly into the cream cheese.
• Cutting Board: Helps you prep all the ingredients in one place, keeping your kitchen tidy.
• Serving Platter or Wooden Board: You’ll want something attractive to present the log on—it becomes part of the holiday tablescape!
• Herb Scissors or Kitchen Shears (optional): Makes chopping herbs like parsley and rosemary much quicker and neater.

Having everything ready ahead of time speeds up the prep and makes the shaping process easier, especially if you’re making it as part of a larger holiday spread.

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Preparation Tips

• Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. This makes it easier to blend and shape.
• Drain everything well—especially olives and roasted peppers. Excess moisture can ruin the log’s texture and cause it to fall apart.
• Chop uniformly: Small, even-sized pieces of olives, peppers, and cheese mix better and give the log a beautiful mosaic appearance.
• Taste before shaping: Adjust for salt, acidity, or heat depending on your ingredients. Some antipasto items are saltier than others.
• Use gloves when mixing by hand to keep things clean and reduce sticking.
• Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the log firm up.
• When unwrapping, use a clean, damp paper towel to gently smooth the surface if it’s uneven from the wrap.

Taking a few extra moments during this phase guarantees a log that’s firm, flavorful, and picture-perfect.

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Ingredients for This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This recipe is wonderfully flexible—feel free to adjust based on your favorite antipasto ingredients or what you have in your fridge. Here’s a classic, balanced version to start with:

Base:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess and tang)

Antipasto Mix-Ins:

• ½ cup green olives, pitted and chopped
• ½ cup kalamata or black olives, pitted and chopped
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• ⅓ cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped (optional)
• ⅓ cup sharp cheddar or provolone cheese, diced small
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)

Topping (Optional but Recommended):

• Extra chopped olives, red peppers, cheese cubes, and herbs for garnish
• Fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries for decorative flair

This blend gives you a balance of creamy, briny, sweet, and savory—all wrapped into a festive, sliceable appetizer.

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Step 1: Prep and Soften the Cream Cheese

Begin by placing your cream cheese on the counter for 30–45 minutes to soften. This ensures a smooth, lump-free base that’s easy to mix. While waiting, prep your antipasto ingredients—chop the olives, peppers, cheese, and herbs into small, uniform pieces.

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Step 2: Mix the Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the tablespoon of sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Use a rubber spatula to blend until smooth and slightly fluffy. This step gives your log a velvety, spreadable texture.

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Step 3: Fold in the Antipasto

Add the chopped olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts (if using), diced cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs into the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together, ensuring even distribution without overmixing. It should look colorful and chunky.

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Step 4: Shape the Log

Lay a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your work surface. Spoon the mixture onto it and gently form it into a log shape using your hands or a spatula. Wrap tightly and twist the ends to seal, smoothing the shape as you go.

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Step 5: Chill

Transfer the wrapped log to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step is crucial for firmness and flavor blending. If in a rush, you can place it in the freezer for 30–45 minutes, but don’t skip the chilling process entirely.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once chilled and firm, unwrap the log and transfer it to a serving board or platter. Top with extra chopped olives, peppers, herbs, and cheese cubes for visual appeal. Garnish the board with rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a festive touch.

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Step 7: Serve with Dippers

Offer alongside a variety of crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette. Guests can cut a slice or spread it directly—it’s delicious either way!

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Notes

• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cream cheese log tastes even better after a night in the fridge. The flavors deepen and the texture firms up perfectly for slicing.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite antipasto items like pepperoncini, cubed salami, or marinated mushrooms. Just be sure everything is chopped small and well-drained.
• Room Temperature Before Serving: Let the log sit at room temp for about 10–15 minutes before serving to soften slightly—it’ll spread more easily and taste creamier.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Drain Step: Wet ingredients like olives or roasted peppers need to be well-drained and even patted dry. Too much liquid makes the mixture runny and unstable.
• Overmixing the Add-ins: Stirring too vigorously can break down the cheese texture and make the log look muddy instead of vibrant.
• Forgetting to Chill: If you don’t give it enough time in the fridge, the log won’t hold its shape and may collapse when sliced.
• Not Softening the Cream Cheese First: Cold cream cheese is hard to mix and results in a lumpy, uneven texture.
• Using Strongly Flavored Add-ins Without Balance: Overpowering ingredients like anchovies or extra hot peppers can throw off the balance—use them sparingly.
• Garnishing Too Early: Add toppings like fresh herbs or extra olives right before serving so they stay fresh and colorful.
• Storing Unwrapped: If exposed to air in the fridge, the log can dry out or absorb fridge odors. Keep it tightly wrapped.
• Serving Straight from the Fridge: Ice-cold cream cheese is harder to slice and won’t have the best texture or flavor.

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What to Serve With Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?

This dish shines on its own but becomes even more irresistible with the right sides and accompaniments. Here are some great pairing ideas to round out your appetizer spread:

8 Recommendations

1. Assorted Crackers

Choose a mix—multigrain, butter crackers, and thin crisps. Their crunch balances the creaminess of the log perfectly.

2. Crostini or Toasted Baguette Slices

Toasted bread slices offer a rustic touch and hold the spread well without crumbling.

3. Fresh Vegetable Crudité

Cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, and carrot sticks add color, crunch, and freshness to the platter.

4. Charcuterie Meats

Pair with slices of prosciutto, salami, or capicola for an Italian-inspired board that impresses.

5. Stuffed Mini Peppers

Sweet or spicy peppers stuffed with goat cheese or hummus make a flavorful contrast.

6. Marinated Olives and Artichokes

Serve in small bowls nearby for an expanded antipasto theme.

7. Breadsticks or Grissini

These long, crunchy sticks are fun to dip or scoop the spread onto.

8. A Glass of Wine or Sparkling Water

Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, or sparkling water with citrus slices for a refreshing balance.

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Storage Instructions

Storing your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log properly ensures it stays fresh, flavorful, and safe to serve:

• Refrigeration: Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Make Ahead: This is an ideal make-ahead appetizer. Prep and shape it up to 2 days in advance, keeping it tightly wrapped until ready to garnish and serve.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The texture of cream cheese can become grainy and watery after thawing, which can ruin the smooth spreadability of the log.
• Leftovers: Spread extra slices on toast, bagels, or sandwiches for a flavorful lunch or snack the next day.

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Estimated Nutrition (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 260mg
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 3g

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this antipasto log ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s best when made ahead. Prepare it a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge to let the flavors meld and the shape firm up.

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2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat or Neufchâtel cream cheese. The texture will be slightly softer, but the flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

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3. What if I don’t like olives?

No problem! Swap the olives for chopped sun-dried tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, or even diced pickles to get that tangy bite without the olive flavor.

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4. How long should I let it sit out before serving?

Let the log sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. This softens it just enough to make it easy to spread without losing shape.

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5. Can I make this vegetarian?

It already is! Just be sure any cheese or antipasto items you add are vegetarian-friendly (some hard cheeses use animal rennet).

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6. Is this gluten-free?

The log itself is gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks if you’re catering to gluten-sensitive guests.

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7. What’s the best way to shape it neatly?

Use plastic wrap or parchment paper to help mold the log evenly. Twist the ends and gently roll it on the counter while wrapped to smooth it out.

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8. Can I turn this into a ball instead of a log?

Definitely! Roll it into a cheese ball and coat it in chopped nuts or herbs for a different presentation with the same great flavor.

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Conclusion

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is more than just an appetizer—it’s a celebration centerpiece. Colorful, flavorful, and impossibly easy to assemble, it checks all the boxes for holiday entertaining. With its make-ahead convenience and endless customization options, this dish fits seamlessly into both casual gatherings and formal feasts. Serve it with flair, and watch it disappear faster than the first toast of the night.

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