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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a timeless and effortlessly chic appetizer, perfect for stress-free holiday entertaining. It's ridiculously easy, comes together quickly, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed green olives chopped
  • 1/2 cup kalamata or black olives chopped
  • 1/3 cup roasted red peppers finely diced
  • 1/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sharp cheddar or provolone cheese diced small
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp chives or green onion chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • chopped olives, peppers, cheese, and fresh rosemary for garnish
  • 1/4 cup diced salami or pepperoni optional
  • chopped sun-dried tomatoes or capers optional

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Plastic Wrap or Parchment Paper
  • Serving Board or Platter

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Finely chop pimento-stuffed green olives, kalamata or black olives, roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts (if using), sharp cheddar or provolone cheese, fresh parsley, and chives. Pat all chopped ingredients dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold the chopped olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, cheese, parsley, and chives into the seasoned cream cheese until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Step 4: Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper flat. Spoon the mixture onto the center and shape it into a log using your hands.
  5. Step 5: Tightly twist the ends of the plastic wrap to seal the log. Gently roll it on the counter to smooth the shape. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up and flavors to meld.
  6. Step 6: Unwrap the chilled log and place it on a serving board or platter. Garnish with additional chopped olives, peppers, cheese, and fresh rosemary. Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or vegetable sticks.

Notes

Tips for Success: Always use softened cream cheese. Pat all chopped ingredients dry to prevent a watery log. Fold in solid ingredients gently to avoid overmixing and keep the cream cheese firm. Chilling is crucial for firming up the log and melding flavors; do not skip this step! This recipe is perfect for making 1-2 days in advance.
Substitutions & Additions: Experiment with different cheeses like crumbled feta or goat cheese. If you don't prefer a type of olive, use all green or all black. For added savory depth, try finely diced prosciutto or cooked, crumbled bacon. Consider adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained well), capers, minced red onion, or fresh basil. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, and a dash of lemon zest can brighten flavors.
Storage: Keep any leftover log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended as cream cheese texture may become grainy or watery upon thawing.