Description
Make your holiday table pop with this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log—a no-cook, colorful, and flavor-packed appetizer perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Eve. This easy recipe blends the creamy richness of softened cream cheese with the salty tang of olives, roasted red peppers, herbs, and sharp cheese, rolled into a stunning log that slices beautifully. Whether you’re looking for quick party food ideas, holiday appetizer recipes, or a make-ahead crowd-pleaser, this festive cheese log delivers on all fronts. It’s the ideal easy dinner party starter that doubles as edible decor on your charcuterie board.
Ingredients
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt
½ cup green olives, chopped
½ cup kalamata or black olives, 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)
Optional toppings: extra chopped olives, red peppers, cheese cubes, fresh herbs, rosemary sprigs, cranberries
Instructions
1. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes until soft. Meanwhile, finely chop all the antipasto ingredients.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Add chopped olives, roasted peppers, artichokes (if using), diced cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. Gently fold everything together until evenly mixed.
4. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Spoon the mixture onto it and form into a log shape. Wrap tightly and twist the ends to seal.
5. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
6. Unwrap and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with additional toppings and herbs for decoration.
7. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving with crackers or crostini.
Notes
Soften cream cheese fully before mixing to achieve a smooth, even texture.
Always drain antipasto ingredients well to avoid a soggy or unstable log.
Best served slightly softened—take it out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before guests arrive.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Holiday / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: antipasto appetizer, holiday cheese log, cream cheese log, Christmas appetizer, make-ahead snack