Lorenzo Devereaux
Celebrate the season with a showstopping appetizer that’s as stunning as it is simple: the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log. This creamy, savory log bursts with the vibrant colors and bold flavors of holiday antipasto—imagine briny olives, sweet cranberries, roasted red peppers, and a hint of fresh herbs. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table or charcuterie board and makes entertaining feel effortless.
What makes this antipasto log irresistible is the texture contrast. The silky smooth cream cheese base is studded with chewy, crunchy, and juicy bits that bring excitement to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas party or just cozying up with friends and family, this appetizer adds color and flavor to any occasion.
What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?
Full-fat block cream cheese is ideal for this recipe. It gives the log a firm structure, making it easy to slice and shape. Avoid whipped or spreadable versions, which are too soft to hold the mix-ins. If you like a touch of tang, consider adding a small amount of goat cheese or mascarpone for depth.
Ingredients for the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
- Cream Cheese: The creamy foundation that holds everything together—rich, spreadable, and perfect for pairing.
- Green and Kalamata Olives: These bring a salty, briny punch that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Dried Cranberries: Sweet and chewy, they add a festive pop of color and flavor.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Smoky, soft, and vibrant—a great contrast to the creamy base.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a bit of herbal brightness to balance the bold ingredients.
- Chopped Nuts (like Pecans or Walnuts): Optional, but they add a wonderful crunch and earthy undertone.
- Garlic Powder and Cracked Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to elevate every bite.
How To Make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Chop the olives, dried cranberries, roasted red peppers, and parsley into fine, bite-sized pieces. If you’re adding nuts, give those a rough chop too. The key here is to keep everything small enough to mix well and slice cleanly later.
Step 2: Soften and Mix the Cream Cheese
Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature until soft, about 30 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Fold in the Flavor
Add the chopped olives, cranberries, red peppers, parsley, and nuts (if using) into the cream cheese mixture. Fold everything in gently but thoroughly, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the mix-ins.
Step 4: Shape the Log
Spoon the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Form into a rough log shape using a spatula, then roll and wrap tightly, twisting the ends to seal. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Step 5: Coat and Garnish
Before serving, unwrap the log and roll it in extra chopped parsley, cranberries, or nuts for a beautiful finish. This step adds extra texture and makes it look holiday-ready.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Place the finished log on a platter with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies. Watch it disappear faster than holiday cookies!
How to Serve and Store the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Serve the antipasto cream cheese log chilled or slightly softened at room temperature. Slice it or spread it depending on how firm it is, and pair it with your favorite sturdy crackers, crostini, or fresh veggie sticks. This appetizer looks stunning on a wooden board surrounded by festive garnishes like rosemary sprigs, pomegranate seeds, or mini cheese knives.
To store, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious—if not better!
What to Serve With the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Prosciutto-Wrapped Breadsticks
Crunchy, salty, and elegant—these add another festive flair and are easy to prep ahead.
Classic Shrimp Cocktail
The cold, briny shrimp complement the creaminess of the log beautifully.
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
A refreshing, juicy bite that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
Cheese Cubes or Sliced Cheese
Add variety to your board with cheddar, gouda, or manchego.
Mixed Nuts
The extra crunch and roasted flavor ties in with the optional nuts in the log.
Mini Caprese Skewers
Fresh basil, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes add a splash of color and brightness.
Sparkling Apple Cider or Wine
Crisp, bubbly drinks cleanse the palate and elevate the experience.
Artisan Crackers or Pita Chips
Offer a range of textures to keep things interesting and customizable for guests.
Want More Appetizer Ideas?
If you love the bold, festive flavors of this cream cheese log, you’ll definitely enjoy these other irresistible appetizers:
- Try the Taco Ranch Bites for a zesty, crowd-pleasing twist.
- These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly pack a surprise in every bite.
- Our Green Olive Dip is another bold, creamy spread you can whip up fast.
- Want something indulgent? These Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes will win hearts.
- And don’t miss the Ultimate Spicy Ranch Taco Dip for your next party platter.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you try it with nuts or leave them out? Did you roll it in parsley or add a cranberry crust?
I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Share your twists, tips, or questions—let’s create amazing holiday spreads together!
Explore beautifully curated party-ready recipes and vibrant dishes on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and find your next holiday favorite.
Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.25 cup green olives finely chopped
- 0.25 cup kalamata olives finely chopped
- 0.25 cup dried cranberries chopped
- 0.25 cup roasted red peppers chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 0.25 cup chopped nuts pecans or walnuts, optional
- 0.25 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese with garlic powder and black pepper until smooth.
- Fold in chopped olives, cranberries, red peppers, parsley, and optional nuts.
- Transfer to plastic wrap, form into a log shape, and wrap tightly. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Unwrap and roll in additional parsley, cranberries, or nuts to garnish.
- Serve chilled with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetables.