Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Introduction

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log quickly became a favorite at my family’s holiday gatherings. It’s a fun twist on the usual cheese ball, packed with the flavors of roasted red peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese. I first made this recipe last year, and it was met with rave reviews. Not only did it look beautiful on the table, garnished with rosemary sprigs and bright red cranberries, but it was also irresistibly delicious. The creamy texture of the cheese log paired perfectly with the crunch of crackers and fresh veggie sticks. My family devoured it in no time, and I’ve been asked to make it again for every holiday since. This recipe is a great way to bring some festive flair to your appetizer spread.

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

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is the perfect combination of flavor and presentation, making it an ideal addition to any holiday or special occasion. It’s an easy-to-make appetizer that will impress your guests with minimal effort. The cream cheese base is rich and smooth, while the mix-ins, such as roasted red peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese, provide a savory, tangy, and slightly salty flavor profile. The addition of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper rounds out the flavors, giving it a perfect balance of herbs and spices. The parsley coating adds a fresh and vibrant green color that makes the log look festive and inviting, while the rosemary and cranberries bring a touch of holiday cheer.

What makes this appetizer truly stand out is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or bringing a dish to a potluck, this cream cheese log is sure to be the star of the spread.

Ingredients

To make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped and drained
• 1/3 cup green and black olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped (for coating)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries (for garnish)

These ingredients are simple yet pack a punch of flavor, making this recipe easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, roasted red peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Mix everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should have a smooth consistency.
3. Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap.
4. Shape the cheese mixture into a log shape, ensuring it’s compact and smooth.
5. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or until firm.
6. After the cheese log has chilled and firmed up, prepare the parsley coating. Spread the chopped parsley on a large plate.
7. Unwrap the chilled cheese log and roll it in the parsley, gently pressing to ensure the log is evenly coated.
8. Transfer the coated cheese log to a serving platter.
9. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries to add a festive touch.
10. Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and calories per serving)

This recipe makes approximately 12 servings. Each serving contains around 100 calories, depending on the exact proportions of the ingredients used. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition:

• Calories per serving: 100 kcal
• Total fat: 8g
• Saturated fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total carbohydrates: 3g
• Dietary fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 4g

These nutritional values are estimates based on the typical ingredients and can vary depending on specific brands or types of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

The total preparation time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes. However, you will need to refrigerate the cheese log for at least 2 hours for it to firm up. Therefore, the total time from start to finish is around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

How to Serve

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a versatile appetizer that can be paired with a variety of dipping options. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• Crackers: Serve with your favorite crackers, such as water crackers, multigrain crackers, or even pita chips for a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese log.
• Toasted baguette slices: Slice a baguette, toast the slices, and serve with the antipasto cheese log for a more substantial pairing.
• Fresh vegetable sticks: Sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and celery make excellent dippers and add a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the cream cheese.
• Charcuterie board: Incorporate the cream cheese log as part of a larger charcuterie board, with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and fruit.

Additional Tips

Here are five helpful tips to ensure your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log turns out perfectly:

1. Use full-fat cream cheese: For the creamiest texture, opt for full-fat cream cheese instead of reduced-fat or fat-free varieties.
2. Drain the vegetables well: Make sure to drain the roasted red peppers, olives, and marinated artichoke hearts thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the cheese mixture.
3. Chill the log for longer: If you have the time, refrigerate the cheese log for up to 4 hours to allow it to firm up completely, making it easier to coat with parsley.
4. Customize the flavor: If you love certain ingredients, feel free to experiment with adding them to the mixture, such as sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or roasted garlic.
5. Make ahead: You can prepare the cheese log a day ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. This makes it a perfect make-ahead appetizer for busy holidays.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this recipe without olives? Yes, if you’re not a fan of olives, you can leave them out or substitute them with more roasted red peppers or a different type of pickled vegetable.
2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? While low-fat cream cheese will work, it may not provide the same creamy texture as full-fat cream cheese. The flavor may also be slightly less rich.
3. How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze the cream cheese log? While it’s possible to freeze the cheese log, the texture may change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
5. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes, you can use fresh Italian seasoning and garlic if you have them on hand. Just adjust the quantities to your taste.
6. What other garnishes can I use? If you don’t have cranberries, you can use pomegranate seeds, grapes, or sliced almonds for garnish.
7. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese? Yes, but fresh grated Parmesan tends to have a better flavor and texture.
8. Is this recipe vegetarian? Yes, this antipasto cheese log is vegetarian-friendly.
9. Can I add meat to this recipe? If you prefer, you can add diced salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni to the mixture for a more hearty version.
10. What kind of crackers should I serve with the cheese log? Water crackers, buttery crackers, or even whole-grain crackers complement the creamy cheese log well.

Conclusion

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is an easy, flavorful, and visually stunning appetizer that is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations. Its combination of creamy texture, savory ingredients, and vibrant presentation will make it a standout dish at any event. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve it with a variety of dippers, from crackers to fresh veggies. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and its simple preparation will leave you with more time to enjoy the festivities.

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