If you are looking to elevate your holiday appetizer game, the Indulgent Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Delight Recipe is exactly what your celebration needs. This creamy, flavorful log brings together a wonderful blend of tangy olives, sweet roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and crunchy toasted pecans, all wrapped up in luscious cream cheese. It’s a showstopper that’s as delightful to eat as it is to serve, turning simple ingredients into a festive masterpiece that your guests will rave about long after the party ends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Indulgent Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Delight Recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one is simple but essential, contributing unique flavors, varying textures, and vibrant colors that transform this dish from basic to extraordinary.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The rich, creamy base that binds everything together flawlessly.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp, optional): Adds a subtle smoothness and enhances the Mediterranean flair.
- Roasted Red Peppers (1 cup, finely chopped): Brings a smoky sweetness and beautiful red hue that catches the eye.
- Kalamata Olives (1/2 cup, chopped): Packed with briny, tangy notes that give a savory punch.
- Green Olives with Pimentos (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Adds a bright, mildly spicy flavor and delightful color contrast.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Offers depth and a concentrated burst of tomato richness.
- Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Infuses fresh herbal brightness to balance the rich ingredients.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Gives a subtle, warming kick that ties all flavors together.
- Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Provides just the right amount of spice to awaken the palate.
- Toasted Pecans (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Adds crunch and a buttery nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cream cheese.
- Chopped Pepperoncini (1/4 cup, optional): For those who love a tangy, slightly spicy twist.
How to Make Indulgent Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cream Cheese
Start by setting your cream cheese out to warm up to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This simple step is crucial—it ensures your cream cheese becomes soft and easy to fold the other ingredients into, giving you a smooth, creamy texture without any lumps.
Step 2: Chop and Dry
While the cream cheese softens, finely dice the roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, green olives with pimentos, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Be sure to pat them dry with paper towels to avoid adding too much moisture, which helps keep your log firm and easy to shape.
Step 3: Mix the Flavor Base
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and herbs with garlic powder and black pepper. If you want an extra layer of richness, drizzle in the optional olive oil, then stir until everything is evenly combined. This mixture forms an irresistible burst of Mediterranean goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Fold Into Cream Cheese
Take half of your antipasto mixture and carefully fold it into the softened cream cheese. Folding rather than stirring keeps the texture light and creamy while ensuring all those bold flavors blend together perfectly.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
Spread your creamy mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap, then roll it up into a smooth log shape. Chill this in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling period helps the log set so that it slices cleanly and holds its shape during serving.
Step 6: Prepare the Coating
Combine the rest of your antipasto mix with the chopped toasted pecans and extra fresh parsley. This crust brings a wonderful crunchy texture, along with that bright herbaceous zing, making the final presentation as tasty as it looks.
Step 7: Roll and Serve
Once chilled, unwrap your log and carefully roll it in the pecan and antipasto coating, pressing gently so it sticks well. Transfer it onto a platter and surround your creation with an assortment of crackers, baguette slices, or crisp fresh vegetables for dipping and spreading.
How to Serve Indulgent Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like parsley sprigs or a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans elevate your cream cheese log from delightful to unforgettable. They add color, aroma, and a final touch of texture that makes guests eager to dive in.
Side Dishes
Pairing this antipasto log with crunchy crackers or toasted baguette slices is a classic choice, but fresh veggie sticks such as celery, carrots, and bell peppers offer a refreshing contrast to the rich creaminess and add a colorful, healthy crunch to your platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try shaping smaller individual logs or rolling bite-sized portions in pecans for an easy finger-food option. Alternatively, serve it alongside a charcuterie board filled with meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits to create a festive spread that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Indulgent Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Delight Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it well wrapped to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge aromas.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, if you want to prep in advance or preserve leftovers, you can freeze the log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, but be aware the texture may soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating
This cream cheese log is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. However, if you want it vegan, you’d need to substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
How far in advance can I prepare the antipasto log?
You can prepare this delightful log up to 24 hours before serving. Just cover and refrigerate it properly after rolling in the pecan coating to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds make great alternatives, offering slightly different textures and flavors but keeping the delicious crunch that complements the cream cheese and antipasto mix.
Is the olive oil necessary?
The olive oil is optional but recommended—it adds moisture and helps meld the flavors nicely. If you want to keep the recipe lighter, you can leave it out without compromising too much on taste.
What is the best way to serve this at a holiday party?
Serve chilled with a variety of dippers like crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies. Keep it at the center of a colorful appetizer table so guests can enjoy it throughout the event and appreciate its festive appeal.
Final Thoughts
This Indulgent Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Delight Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings joy, flavor, and style to any holiday gathering. Its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements makes it memorable and utterly irresistible. I encourage you to try making it for your next celebration—you’ll find that this dish quickly becomes a beloved holiday tradition.
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Indulgent Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Indulgent Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Delight is a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines creamy softened cream cheese with a vibrant mix of finely chopped roasted red peppers, Kalamata and green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley, all seasoned with garlic powder and black pepper. The log is chilled to set, then rolled in a crunchy coating of toasted pecans and more antipasto ingredients, creating a delightful texture and flavor contrast. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for an elegant start to your celebration.
Ingredients
Antipasto Mixture
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (optional)
- 1 cup Roasted Red Peppers, finely chopped and patted dry
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Green Olives with Pimentos, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, finely chopped and drained if packed in oil
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Coating
- 1/2 cup Toasted Pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Chopped Pepperoncini (optional)
- Additional Fresh Parsley, finely chopped (from the initial mixture)
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Remove cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften for easier mixing.
- Prepare Antipasto Ingredients: Finely dice the roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, green olives with pimentos, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Ensure the ingredients are well drained and pat dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture.
- Mix Antipasto Base: In a mixing bowl, combine all chopped antipasto ingredients along with garlic powder and black pepper. Add olive oil if desired and stir continuously until everything is evenly incorporated to create the bright flavorful mix.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Fold half of the antipasto mixture into the softened cream cheese gently but thoroughly until the mixture becomes creamy and fully combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the cheese.
- Shape the Log: Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Using the wrap, shape it carefully into a firm log. Wrap tightly and place it in the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare Pecan Coating: Combine the remaining antipasto mixture with finely chopped toasted pecans and optional chopped pepperoncini to create a textured and flavorful coating for the cream cheese log.
- Coat the Log: Remove the chilled cream cheese log from the refrigerator and unwrap. Roll the log gently but firmly in the pecan-antipasto coating, pressing lightly to ensure the mixture adheres evenly all around.
- Serve: Transfer the coated log to a serving platter. Surround it with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh raw vegetables for a delightful appetizer presentation.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- Dry all antipasto ingredients thoroughly to prevent the log from becoming soggy.
- Olive oil is optional but adds extra richness and helps bind the mixture.
- Toasted pecans add a lovely crunch and contrast; substitute with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of pepperoncini or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Chilling time is essential for the log to firm up properly before coating and serving.
