Description

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Cream cheese blended with savory roasted red peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts is seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. Chilled until firm, then rolled in fresh parsley and garnished with rosemary and cranberries, it creates a beautiful centerpiece for any party spread. Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for a flavorful start to your festive meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped and drained
1/3 cup green and black olives, chopped
1/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper

Coating and Garnish

1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped (for coating)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Cranberries (for garnish)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, roasted red peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. This blends all the flavors evenly.
Mix Thoroughly: Mix the ingredients until they are evenly distributed, ensuring a consistent texture and flavor throughout the mixture.
Prepare Plastic Wrap: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap flat on your countertop to prepare for shaping the cheese mixture.
Shape the Log: Scoop the cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap and form it into a compact, smooth log shape using your hands.
Chill the Log: Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up for easier slicing and serving.
Prepare Parsley Coating: Spread chopped parsley evenly on a large plate, ready for coating the cheese log.
Coat the Cheese Log: Unwrap the chilled cheese log and gently roll it in the chopped parsley, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres evenly around the log.
Transfer to Platter: Place the coated cheese log onto a serving platter, creating an inviting centerpiece.
Garnish: Decorate the log with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries, adding festive color and aroma.
Serve: Offer with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks as an elegant and tasty holiday appetizer.

Notes

For best flavor, allow the cream cheese to soften completely before mixing.
The log can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated overnight to save time on the day of serving.
Use high-quality marinated artichoke hearts and roasted peppers for maximum taste.
To make it easier to slice, chill the log firmly before serving.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free; confirm gluten-free status of crackers if serving alongside.