Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Introduction: What is a Cream Cheese Log?

Planning a holiday party and struggling to find that perfect appetizer that’s both stunning and incredibly easy to make? In fact, a recent poll found that 78% of hosts find appetizer preparation to be the most stressful part of holiday entertaining. This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is your answer! It’s a showstopper that requires minimal cooking and maximum flavor. Imagine a creamy, dreamy base of cream cheese, generously adorned with a vibrant mosaic of savory antipasto delights: briny olives, sweet roasted red peppers, fragrant fresh herbs, and the delightful pop of dried cranberries. This isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a conversation starter, an edible centerpiece that brings together a symphony of textures and tastes. Forget fussy canapés; this log is designed for maximum impact with minimal effort, ensuring you can actually enjoy your own party. Serve it with a variety of crackers, toasted crostini, or even slices of crusty bread, and watch it disappear. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make it a holiday must-have!

Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

The beauty of this antipasto cream cheese log lies in its balanced flavor profile. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, creating a harmonious blend that’s both complex and comforting. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened: This is the creamy, smooth foundation. Ensure it’s fully softened for easy mixing and shaping. Full-fat is recommended for the best texture and flavor. (Substitution: You can use Neufchâtel cheese for a slightly lighter version, though the texture will be a bit softer.)
• 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives, drained: For that essential briny, salty kick and a beautiful deep purple hue. (Substitution: Mixed marinated olives or green olives will also work well.)
• 1/2 cup finely diced roasted red peppers, drained well: They provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant color that contrasts beautifully with the olives. Ensure they are patted dry to avoid making the log too wet. (Substitution: Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped) can offer a more intense, chewy sweetness.)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a lovely fleck of green. (Substitution: A mix of fresh chives and dill would also be delightful.)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Adds a mild, oniony aroma and flavor that complements the cream cheese. (Substitution: Finely minced shallots can be used if chives are unavailable, but use sparingly as they are stronger.)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These add a delightful chewy texture and a burst of tart-sweetness, perfect for the holiday theme. (Substitution: Dried cherries or chopped dried apricots offer a similar chew and sweetness.)
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained and roughly chopped (optional): For an extra layer of briny, salty complexity. (Substitution: Omit if capers are not to your taste.)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: To enhance the savory notes of the antipasto toppings. (Substitution: A tiny pinch of finely minced fresh garlic can be used, but can be overpowering raw.)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: To season the cream cheese base.
• Optional for coating: Chopped toasted nuts (like pistachios or walnuts), extra herbs, or paprika.

Timing is Everything

Compared to many holiday appetizers that require complex cooking or long baking times, this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log stands out for its efficiency. The 20-minute prep time is largely dedicated to chopping and assembling, meaning you can get it ready to chill in under half an hour. The chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld and the log to firm up, typically requiring at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor infusion. This makes it an ideal make-ahead appetizer, freeing up valuable time on the day of your event.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cream Cheese Base

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Using a fork or an electric mixer on low speed, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps. This smooth base is key for a beautiful finished log.

Step 2: Layer on the Antipasto Goodness

Now for the fun part! Add almost all of your chopped Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, fresh parsley, chives, dried cranberries, and optional capers to the cream cheese mixture. Reserve a small amount of each topping to garnish the outside later. Gently fold these ingredients into the cream cheese with a spatula until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain some texture from the add-ins.

Step 3: Chill and Set

Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on your clean work surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap to help, shape the mixture into a log, about 6-7 inches long and 2-3 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure it. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the log to firm up and the flavors to meld.

Step 4: The Grand Reveal

Once the log is firm, unwrap it carefully. If you plan to coat the log, gently roll it in your chosen coating (like chopped nuts or extra herbs) on a clean plate. If not coating, you can either place it on a serving platter as is, or press the reserved chopped antipasto ingredients onto the sides and top of the log for an even more decorative finish. This step adds visual appeal and more pops of flavor.

Nutritional Highlights

While this appetizer is designed for indulgence, understanding its general nutritional profile can be helpful:

• Calories: Varies based on exact ingredients and serving size, but a typical serving (approx. 1/8th of the log) can range from 150-200 calories.
• Fat: Primarily from cream cheese, with some from olives and other optional additions. Expect around 15-20g per serving.
• Carbohydrates: Relatively low, coming from dried cranberries and vegetables.
• Protein: Contributes from the cream cheese.
• Sodium: Can be higher due to olives, capers, and added salt.

Note: These are approximate values. For precise nutritional information, you would need to calculate based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives: Indulge Wisely

It’s possible to make mindful swaps without sacrificing flavor:

• Lighter Cream Cheese: Use Neufchâtel or a light cream cheese blend. While it may be slightly softer, it significantly reduces fat and calories.
• Reduced-Sodium Olives and Capers: Opt for low-sodium varieties to control your salt intake.
• More Veggies, Less Salt: Increase the quantity of roasted red peppers and fresh herbs. Consider finely chopped artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
• Nut Coating: Use chopped almonds or a mix of seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) instead of richer nuts for a lighter coating.
• Portion Control: Serve with whole-wheat crackers or vegetable sticks (like cucumber slices or bell pepper strips) to encourage mindful consumption.

Serving Suggestions

This log is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas to make it shine:

• Classic Pairings: Serve with an assortment of crackers – water crackers, whole wheat crackers, seeded crackers, and gluten-free options cater to everyone.
• Toasted Crostini: Thinly slice baguette, brush with olive oil, and toast until golden. This offers a satisfying crunch.
• Fresh Bread: Offer slices of a good quality baguette or a crusty sourdough.
• Vegetable Sticks: For a lighter option, serve with crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, or bell pepper strips.
• As part of a larger spread: This log is perfect on an antipasto platter alongside cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and other dips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your cream cheese log is a success, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

• Using cold cream cheese: This will result in a lumpy, difficult-to-mix base. Always soften it properly.
• Not draining toppings well: Excess moisture from olives or peppers can make your log too soft and difficult to shape, and could cause it to weep. Pat them dry!
• Not chilling long enough: Impatience can lead to a log that falls apart when you try to serve it. A minimum of 2 hours is essential.
• Overmixing the add-ins: Fold them in gently to maintain distinct textures and flavors.
• Not shaping tightly: Use the plastic wrap effectively to create a firm, compact log.

Storing Your Masterpiece

The beauty of this appetizer is its make-ahead potential. Once shaped and chilled, keep the log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to serve it after a few days, it’s best to add any outer coating (like nuts or herbs) just before serving to maintain their crispness. If you have leftovers, re-wrap them tightly and store them in the fridge. The flavors will actually intensify over the first day, making it even more delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

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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!

• Author: Chef Sally

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

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!

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.