This Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is an easy, colorful appetizer that brightens any party table. Soft cream cheese blends with tangy roasted red peppers, salty olives, savory salami, and tender artichoke hearts for a savory, slightly briny flavor. The log is creamy inside, with crunchy nut coating (optional) and fresh parsley for a bright finish. It smells of garlic and roasted pepper, and looks festive when sliced and served with crackers — perfect for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining. For another cream-cheese-forward crowd-pleaser, try this baked option: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (chill time)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 appetizer servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving; recipe makes 12 servings. Values are estimates and do not include crackers or the optional nut coating.)
- Calories per serving: 95 kcal
- Protein: 2.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.7 g
- Fat: 8.5 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
Why Make This Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
This antipasto cream cheese log is fast, festive, and flavorful. It takes only a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time. The mixture is creamy with bursts of salty olive and savory salami, balanced by sweet roasted red pepper and lemony parsley. It makes a striking centerpiece on a snack board and travels well for potlucks. Because it’s no-cook, it’s a great last-minute option with big flavor.
How to Make Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
This recipe is mostly assembly. Soften the cream cheese first, chop the mix-ins, combine gently, form into a log, and chill to firm. Rolling the log in nuts adds crunch and a pretty finish. Use fresh parsley and high-quality roasted peppers for the best aroma and color.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup salami, diced
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Crackers for serving
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Take the 8 oz cream cheese out of the fridge and let it soften at room temperature for 15–20 minutes so it’s easy to mix. Chop the roasted red peppers, black olives, salami, artichoke hearts, and parsley into small pieces so each bite has a mix of flavors and textures.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, roasted red peppers, black olives, salami, artichoke hearts, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to fold the ingredients together until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 3: Shaping
Shape the mixture into a log or ball on a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use the wrap to help compact and form the log tightly so it holds its shape when sliced.
Step 4: Coating and Chilling
If using, spread the chopped nuts on a plate and roll the log in the nuts until fully coated. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up. Chilling makes slicing neater and develops the flavors.
Step 5: Serving
Unwrap the chilled log, place on a serving platter, and slice or serve whole. Add crackers on the side for guests to scoop or slice. Garnish with extra parsley or whole roasted peppers for color.
How to Serve Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Serve chilled alongside an assortment of crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette. Add pickles, extra olives, or a small pile of roasted peppers nearby for variety. For a party, place on a board with sliced salami, cheeses, grapes, and nuts. This log pairs well with crisp white wine or a light red.
How to Store Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
- Refrigerate: Keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended with the mixed vegetables and olives — texture can change. If needed, freeze tightly wrapped for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and note the softer texture.
- Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and chill to let flavors meld.
Expert Tips for Perfect Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
- Soften the cream cheese but don’t let it melt. Room temperature makes mixing easy while keeping structure.
- Chop ingredients uniformly so every bite is balanced.
- Taste before chilling and adjust salt/pepper — some salamis and olives are salty already.
- Use quality roasted red peppers (jarred or home-roasted) for the best sweetness and texture.
- If rolling in nuts, toast them lightly for extra flavor and crunch.
- For a smoother log, beat the cream cheese briefly with a hand mixer before folding in mix-ins.
- If you want a lower-sodium version, rinse canned olives or choose low-sodium salami.
Delicious Variations
- Mediterranean: Add sun-dried tomatoes, feta crumbles, and fresh basil instead of salami.
- Veggie-forward: Swap salami for roasted mushrooms and add shredded carrot for color.
- Spicy: Stir in chopped pepperoncini or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Herb & Citrus: Add lemon zest and more fresh herbs (oregano, basil) for brightness.
- No-Nut Option: Roll in toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan if you want extra crunch without nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
A: Yes. Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and swap salami for smoked or marinated tofu or roasted mushrooms. Check that other ingredients like olives and artichokes are packed in water or oil without animal-derived additives.
Q: How long does the cheese log need to chill?
A: At least 2 hours for firm slices, though 3–4 hours is even better. You can also chill overnight to let the flavors meld.
Q: Can I add more mix-ins?
A: Absolutely. Chopped roasted garlic, capers, or a bit of grated Parmesan work well. Be cautious with salty items — taste as you go.
Q: Will the log hold its shape at room temperature during a party?
A: It will soften after about 30–60 minutes at room temp. Keep it chilled until serving and return to the fridge if left out longer than two hours.
Q: How do I prevent the log from becoming too salty?
A: Use less salt than you think at first, especially if your olives or salami are salty. You can also rinse briny ingredients (like canned olives or artichokes) briefly to reduce salt.
Q: Can I prepare individual-sized logs?
A: Yes. Divide the mixture into smaller portions and shape into mini logs or rounds for individual servings. Chill the same way.
Conclusion
This Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is an effortless, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks beautiful and tastes even better than it looks. It’s creamy, tangy, and textured — perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or a cozy night with friends. For another Italian-style cheese log idea and serving inspiration, see this recipe: Christmas Appetiser – Italian Cheese Log! – RecipeTin Eats. Give it a try — it’s quick to make and always a hit.
Print
Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 12 appetizer servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy, colorful appetizer featuring soft cream cheese blended with tangy roasted red peppers, salty olives, savory salami, and tender artichoke hearts.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup salami, diced
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- Take the cream cheese out of the fridge and let it soften at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
- Chop the roasted red peppers, black olives, salami, artichoke hearts, and parsley into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped ingredients, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold the ingredients until evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into a log or ball using plastic wrap to compact it tightly.
- If using, roll the log in chopped nuts. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 120 minutes.
- Unwrap the chilled log, place on a serving platter, and slice. Serve with crackers.
Notes
Best served chilled with assorted crackers. Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2.7g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 2.4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
