If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing, look no further than this Easy Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log for a Crowd Recipe. Bursting with vibrant colors, bold Mediterranean flavors, and a creamy texture that guests can’t get enough of, this antipasto log effortlessly brings a festive vibe to any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday party, family get-together, or casual celebration, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a stunning, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that’s guaranteed to spark conversation and cravings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture—bright, salty, nutty, and herbaceous elements come together to create the perfect festive bite. You’ll love how accessible and straightforward these staples are, making the prep a breeze.
- 16 oz cream cheese: The creamy base that holds everything together and provides richness.
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a pop of stunning red color.
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, chopped: Contributes a briny, tangy depth of flavor.
- 1/3 cup green olives with pimentos, chopped: Offers mild, slightly tart undertones and vibrant green hues.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and finely chopped: Provides a concentrated burst of umami and chewiness.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced: Brings freshness and herbal brightness to balance the richness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Delivers subtle savory warmth; fresh garlic can be used for a bolder punch.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Just enough to add a gentle kick without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor contrast; walnuts or almonds work beautifully too.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (from the sun-dried tomatoes jar, optional): Helps to marry the flavors and add a silky richness.
- 1–2 tbsp chopped pepperoncini: For a touch of mild heat and tangy zest, adjustable to your taste.
How to Make Easy Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log for a Crowd Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
Start by letting 16 ounces of cream cheese sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This softening step is key because it makes the cream cheese easier to mix and helps achieve that luscious, spreadable consistency that guests adore.
Step 2: Prep the Antipasto Ingredients
While the cream cheese is getting soft, finely dice the roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, green olives with pimentos, sun-dried tomatoes, and mince the fresh parsley. Be sure to pat any excess moisture off the vegetables to prevent the mixture from becoming watery—this keeps the log firm and neat.
Step 3: Combine and Season
In a medium bowl, toss together the chopped antipasto ingredients with the garlic powder, black pepper, and, if using, the olive oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. This mixture is packed with flavor, so take a moment to adjust seasoning if needed before mixing it with the cream cheese.
Step 4: Mix Half the Antipasto with Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, blend half of your seasoned antipasto mixture gently into the softened cream cheese. This creates that delightful marbled base of creamy and tangy bites throughout the log.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Log
Lay out a piece of plastic wrap on your counter, scoop the cream cheese mixture into the center, then shape it carefully into a 6 to 7-inch log. Wrap it tightly and pop it into the fridge for at least 2 hours. This step firms up the log so it’s easy to roll and slice later.
Step 6: Prepare the Coating
While your log chills, mix the remaining antipasto ingredients with the finely chopped toasted pecans and an additional 2 tablespoons of minced parsley. This coating adds a beautiful crunch, extra flavor, and a fresh burst of green that makes your log festive and inviting.
Step 7: Coat and Serve
Once chilled to firm perfection, unwrap the log and gently roll it in your antipasto coating, pressing lightly to ensure everything sticks. Slice into rounds and watch your guests’ eyes light up when they see the colorful, flavorful bites ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Easy Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log for a Crowd Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling additional chopped parsley or a few whole olives on the platter for a polished look. Thin slices of pepperoncini can also be placed atop the log slices for a vibrant, spicy accent. These little touches make your appetizer pop and invite everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This antipasto cream cheese log pairs wonderfully with a variety of crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh veggie crudités like bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, and crisp celery. Offering an assortment lets your guests customize their bites for a fun, interactive appetizer experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting the antipasto log on a wooden cheese board surrounded by olives, roasted nuts, and slices of cured meats for an authentic antipasto spread. Or, serve the slices nestled in small lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb twist. No matter the presentation, this simple dish steals the spotlight every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover antipasto log tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It tastes best within 3 days, as the vegetables stay crisp and the flavors remain fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
While you can freeze this log, the texture of the cream cheese and fresh vegetables may be slightly altered upon thawing. If you do choose to freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic and place it in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Reheating
This recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Simply unwrap and allow the log to warm slightly on the counter for 15 minutes before serving if you prefer a less chilled texture.
FAQs
Can I make this antipasto log vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Be sure to check that the antipasto ingredients are free of any animal products. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delightful.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can swap sun-dried tomatoes for finely chopped fresh tomatoes. While they won’t have the same concentrated flavor, fresh tomatoes add lovely juiciness and sweetness to the mix.
Can I prepare this recipe the day before my party?
Yes! In fact, making your Easy Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log for a Crowd Recipe a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just finish the coating step right before serving for the best texture.
What other nuts could I use besides pecans?
Toasted walnuts or almonds are excellent alternatives. They provide similar crunch and nutty flavor that complements the tangy antipasto ingredients perfectly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is mild and can be adjusted by the amount of chopped pepperoncini you add. For no heat, omit them altogether. For a bit more kick, increase the quantity slightly—just be mindful of your guests’ spice preferences.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Easy Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log for a Crowd Recipe is going to become your new holiday party secret weapon. Easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and eye-catching on the table, it’s a dish that brings people together and keeps them coming back for more. So go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love the joy it adds to every gathering.
Print
Easy Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log for a Crowd Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a delightful, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines creamy spreadable cheese with a medley of chopped roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday parties or gatherings, it offers a vibrant burst of flavors and textures served with crackers and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Base
- 16 oz cream cheese (any spreadable variety works well)
Antipasto Mixture
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped (fresh bell peppers can be substituted)
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, chopped (can swap with other black olives)
- 1/3 cup green olives with pimentos, chopped (additional Kalamata olives can be used)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and finely chopped (fresh tomatoes can stand in)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (basil or other herbs can be used)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (fresh minced garlic is a great substitute)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to liking)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (from sun-dried tomato jar, optional) (adds richness)
- 1–2 tbsp chopped pepperoncini (adjust quantity for mild kick)
Coating
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped (walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (optional, adds color and flavor)
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Begin by allowing 16 oz of cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until softened to ensure easy mixing.
- Prepare Antipasto Ingredients: While the cream cheese softens, finely dice and pat dry the roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, green olives with pimentos, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley.
- Mix Seasoned Antipasto: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped antipasto ingredients with garlic powder and black pepper; stir in olive oil if desired, and mix thoroughly.
- Combine Half with Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, mix half of the seasoned antipasto mixture with the softened cream cheese until evenly blended.
- Shape the Log: Lay a piece of plastic wrap flat; spoon the cream cheese mixture in the center and shape it into a 6–7 inch long log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: While the log chills, mix the remaining antipasto mixture with finely chopped toasted pecans and minced parsley to create the coating.
- Coat the Log: Once chilled, unwrap the log and roll it in the antipasto-pecan coating, pressing lightly to adhere the coating evenly.
- Serve: Slice the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log and serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh vegetables for an elegant appetizer.
Notes
- Allowing the cream cheese to soften properly helps with easier mixing and shaping.
- Fresh ingredients can be swapped for preserved ones if necessary, such as fresh bell peppers for roasted red peppers.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini to control the spice level of the log.
- Use plastic wrap to help shape and chill the log securely.
- For nut alternatives, walnuts or almonds can substitute toasted pecans in the coating.
- Serve chilled for best texture and flavor but allow to sit a few minutes at room temperature before serving for easier slicing.
