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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 47 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a flavorful and vibrant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining creamy softened cream cheese with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, and savory salami, it offers a delightful medley of Italian-inspired tastes. Rolled into a log and chilled until firm, then optionally coated with chopped pistachios or walnuts, it pairs beautifully with crackers or crostini for an easy, make-ahead party dip that impresses with its festive colors and rich flavors.

Ingredients

Base

  • 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened

Mix-Ins

  • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green olives
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
  • 1/4 cup chopped salami or pepperoni
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Coating and Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios or walnuts (optional, for coating)
  • Additional parsley or basil, for garnish

Serving

  • Crackers or crostini, for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with sun-dried tomatoes, green olives, roasted red peppers, salami, parsley, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper until fully incorporated and evenly combined.
  2. Shape the Log: Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap, then shape it carefully into a compact log form. Wrap tightly in the plastic wrap to maintain shape.
  3. Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped cream cheese log for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to slice, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
  4. Coat the Log: Before serving, unwrap the chilled log and roll it in chopped pistachios or walnuts if using, to add texture and festive color.
  5. Serve: Place the prepared log on a serving platter, garnish with additional parsley or basil for visual appeal, and surround it with crackers or crostini for easy dipping and spreading.

Notes

  • This recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator to save time on the day of your event.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the salami and increase the quantity of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and roasted red peppers slightly to maintain robust flavor.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle the log lightly with balsamic glaze just before serving.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smooth texture.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/festive-holiday-antipasto-cream-cheese-log-recipe/