The holiday season is all about gatherings, good food, and joy. A great way to elevate your festive get-togethers is with a delicious appetizer. The Best Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is not only easy to make, but it also combines wonderful flavors that everyone will love. This dish brings a touch of Italy to your holiday spread and is sure to impress your guests.
Why make this recipe
Making this antipasto cream cheese log is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, which saves you time, especially during the busy holiday season. Second, the blend of flavors from roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, olives, and pepperoni creates a delightful taste experience. Lastly, its attractive presentation makes it a centerpiece at any gathering. Plus, who can resist cream cheese?
How to prepare Best Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Preparing this festive dish is straightforward and requires just a few steps. Follow the instructions below to create a delicious antipasto log that will wow your friends and family!
Ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts
- 1/4 cup chopped green olives
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (for coating)
- Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving)
Steps:
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, green olives, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Log: Shape the mixture into a log on a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Coat the Log: Unwrap the chilled log and roll it in chopped walnuts to coat evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy with crackers or sliced baguette.
How to serve Best Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
This antipasto cream cheese log is best served cold. Slice the log into rounds and arrange them on a platter with extra crackers or sliced baguette on the side. Guests can easily grab a piece, making it a perfect finger food for holiday parties.
How to store Best Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
To keep your antipasto log fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 5 days. Just make sure to keep it covered to maintain its flavor and texture.
Tips to make Best Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log perfectly
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This makes blending easier and results in a smoother log.
- Chill Well: Don’t skip the chilling step. Refrigerating the log helps it hold its shape better when you slice it.
- Coating Options: Feel free to experiment with different coatings. Crushed nuts, herbs, or even spices can add unique flavors and textures.
Variations
You can customize this recipe to suit your taste. Try adding different ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, sliced salami, or even feta cheese to change up the flavor. For a vegetarian option, leave out the pepperoni and add more veggies instead.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the log a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Q2: What can I use instead of walnuts for coating?
If you have nut allergies, you can use crushed crackers or seeds as a coating instead.
Q3: Can I freeze this antipasto log?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing.
Now you’re ready to create a show-stopping appetizer that brings cheer and flavor to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy!
Best Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
An easy and flavorful appetizer that combines cream cheese with roasted red peppers, artichokes, olives, and pepperoni, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts
- 1/4 cup chopped green olives
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (for coating)
- Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, green olives, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a log on a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Unwrap the chilled log and roll it in chopped walnuts to coat evenly.
- Slice the log into rounds and serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Can be made a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: antipasto, cream cheese, appetizer, holiday, festive, easy recipe