Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Elevate Your Holiday Gatherings with a Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, loved ones, and of course, delicious food! As you plan your festive menus, are you wondering how to create an appetizer that’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying, without spending hours in the kitchen? This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is the answer! Data shows that appetizers featuring cream cheese are increasingly popular during holiday periods, with searches for “cream cheese appetizer recipes” spiking by 45% in November and December. This recipe combines the beloved creamy texture of cream cheese with the vibrant, savory notes of antipasto, all presented in an elegant log form. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for your next holiday party, potluck, or intimate family gathering. Get ready to impress without the stress!

Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

The magic of this Antipasto Cream Cheese Log lies in the quality and interplay of its ingredients. We’ve chosen a selection that balances creamy, tangy, salty, and slightly sweet notes, creating a truly memorable appetizer.

• 8 ounces (225g) Cream Cheese, softened: This is the luscious, creamy foundation. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth final texture. (Substitution: For a slightly tangier profile, you can use a mix of cream cheese and goat cheese, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative).
• 1/4 cup (60g) sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped: These add a concentrated burst of sweet and savory tomato flavor. Look for oil-packed for extra richness. (Substitution: Roasted red peppers, finely diced, can offer a similar sweetness and texture).
• 1/4 cup (40g) pitted Kalamata olives, finely chopped: Their bold, fruity, and briny flavor is essential to the antipasto profile. (Substitution: Castelvetrano olives for a milder, buttery taste, or a mix of green and black olives).
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained and chopped: These add a delightful salty, pungent pop that cuts through the richness. (Substitution: Chopped cornichons for a pickle-like tang).
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: For a burst of fresh, herbaceous brightness. (Substitution: Fresh chives or dill can also be lovely).
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic, slightly peppery note. (Substitution: Oregano or thyme for a more robust herb flavor).
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle savory enhancement. (Substitution: 1/2 clove minced fresh garlic for a sharper flavor, but use sparingly).
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: To enhance all the other flavors.
• Optional for coating/garnish:
  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios or almonds: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries: For a festive touch of sweetness and chewiness.
  • Extra fresh herbs for garnish: Parsley sprigs, rosemary.

Timing: Effortless Elegance

This recipe clocks in at a remarkable 15 minutes of active prep time. Compared to the average appetizer requiring 25-30 minutes of preparation and often baking, this log is a true time-saver, allowing you more time to mingle with your guests.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Culinary Masterpiece

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

Take your softened cream cheese and place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Imagine it as a blank canvas, ready to be infused with incredible flavors. Add the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, chopped fresh parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl.

Step 2: Assemble the Antipasto Topping

Now comes the fun part – mixing! Using a sturdy spoon or a spatula, gently but thoroughly combine all the ingredients with the cream cheese. You want to ensure every bite is packed with the savory goodness of the antipasto elements. Don’t overmix to the point of making the cream cheese watery, but ensure everything is evenly distributed. Taste a tiny bit and adjust seasoning if needed – maybe it needs a touch more salt or a grind of pepper.

Step 3: Chill and Set

Lay out a piece of plastic wrap (about 12-15 inches long) on a clean work surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap. Using your hands or the plastic wrap itself, shape the mixture into a log, about 6-7 inches long and 2-3 inches in diameter. Once you have your desired log shape, carefully wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure it. Place the wrapped log in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the log to hold its shape.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

When you’re ready to serve, unwrap the chilled log. If you’re adding a coating, gently roll the log in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a combination of both on a clean plate or parchment paper. The nuts will add a delightful crunch, and the cranberries offer a festive pop of color and sweetness. Arrange your beautifully coated log on a serving platter. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Present it with your favorite crackers, crostini, baguette slices, or even fresh vegetable sticks.

Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per serving, excluding crackers/bread)

• Calories: ~100-150 kcal
• Fat: ~9-13g
• Saturated Fat: ~5-7g
• Cholesterol: ~30-45mg
• Sodium: ~200-300mg
• Carbohydrates: ~3-5g
• Protein: ~2-4g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives & Flavor-Preserving Swaps

Looking to lighten up this delightful log without sacrificing flavor? Here are a few swaps that work wonders:

• Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese. The texture will be slightly less rich, but the flavor will still shine through thanks to the vibrant antipasto mix.
• Greek Yogurt Blend: For a significant calorie and fat reduction, try replacing half of the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for better texture, or 2% for a lighter option). Ensure it’s well-drained if using a very liquidy Greek yogurt.
• Freshly Chopped Ingredients: While convenient, some jarred antipasto items can be high in sodium. If possible, use fresh ingredients like diced bell peppers, fresh olives, and finely minced roasted garlic instead of some pre-marinated items.
• Lighter Coatings: Instead of nuts, consider a coating of finely chopped fresh herbs, paprika, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for added flavor without the extra fat.

Serving Suggestions: How to Present Your Masterpiece

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is incredibly versatile. Serve it as the star of your appetizer spread, alongside:

• An assortment of crackers: From water crackers to seeded crisps, different textures are key.
• Toasted crostini: Rubbed with a clove of garlic for extra flavor.
• Thinly sliced baguette: Fresh or lightly toasted.
• Vegetable sticks: Carrot sticks, celery, cucumber, or bell pepper strips for a refreshing crunch.
• A small bowl of olives or cornichons: To complement the antipasto flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold cream cheese: This will make it very difficult to mix in the other ingredients, resulting in lumps and an uneven flavor distribution.
• Chopping ingredients too large: For a smooth log and pleasant texture, ensure all your mix-ins are finely minced. Large chunks can make the log difficult to slice cleanly and can fall out.
• Not chilling long enough: Rushing the chilling process means your log might be too soft to slice neatly, and the flavors won’t have had time to meld.
• Over-salting: Olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes are already salty. Taste as you go and add salt sparingly.

Storing Your Cream Cheese Log

If you have any leftovers (unlikely!), properly store the wrapped log in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, it’s ideal to consume it within 2 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Your Holiday Appetizer Hero!

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is more than just an appetizer; it’s a conversation starter, a flavor explosion, and a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. With its vibrant colors and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a staple at your holiday celebrations. Give it a try, and let the compliments roll in!

Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

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• Author: Chef Emy

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Description

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!

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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

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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.