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Holiday Antipasto Cheese Log

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This Mediterranean-inspired cheese log combines cream cheese with flavorful antipasto ingredients. Beautifully garnished with fresh herbs and cranberries, it's an elegant yet easy holiday appetizer.
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Aisha
Updated on Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:24:47 GMT
A log of cheese topped with a red pepper relish and drizzled with olive oil, accompanied by crackers and garnished with fresh rosemary. Pin it
A log of cheese topped with a red pepper relish and drizzled with olive oil, accompanied by crackers and garnished with fresh rosemary. | www.cookingflavor.com

Every holiday season my phone buzzes with friends requesting this special cheese log recipe. The idea sparked one December evening when I was tired of bringing the same old appetizers to parties. Now this Mediterranean-style creation wrapped in bright parsley and dotted with cranberries steals the show at every gathering.

The Magic in Every Bite

The blend of creamy cheese with zesty antipasto goodies creates something truly special. My friend Sarah claims she dreams about this appetizer between holidays. Last Christmas my mother in law watched the entire log disappear before dinner even started and demanded the recipe on the spot.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds richness.
  • Antipasto Mix: Chopped roasted red peppers, mixed olives, and marinated artichoke hearts bring bold flavors.
  • Seasonings: Italian seasoning blend, garlic powder, and black pepper enhance the taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Creates a vibrant, festive coating.
  • Garnishes: Cranberries and rosemary sprigs for holiday flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Parmesan, chopped antipasto ingredients, and seasonings. Mix until well blended.
Shape the Log
Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to form a log shape, twisting the ends to secure. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Roll in Parsley
Once chilled, roll the log in finely chopped fresh parsley until fully coated. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a festive finish.
Serve and Enjoy
Place the cheese log on a platter with crackers and fresh vegetables. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to serve.
A rectangular block of cream cheese is topped with diced tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil, surrounded by fresh rosemary and served with crackers on the side. Pin it
A rectangular block of cream cheese is topped with diced tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil, surrounded by fresh rosemary and served with crackers on the side. | www.cookingflavor.com

My Party Prep Secrets

Give those antipasto bits a good drain before mixing or your log might turn soggy. The trick to that perfect coating is letting the cheese get really cold first. I always make mine the night before so all those Mediterranean flavors can get cozy together.

Make It Party Perfect

Pull out your favorite serving platter and surround the log with an array of crackers and fresh veggies. Last Christmas I tucked extra cranberries and rosemary sprigs around the plate. The red and green pop against the creamy cheese making such a gorgeous holiday display.

Plan Ahead Tips

This log keeps beautifully in the fridge for three days wrapped tight. Save the parsley coating for just before party time to keep it looking fresh. My sister Kate swears this recipe saved her when unexpected guests showed up for holiday drinks.

Make It Your Own

My friend Lisa adds chopped sun dried tomatoes to hers while Mike spices his up with pepperoncini. Sometimes I swap in blue cheese when I want something bold. The basic recipe is like a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch.

A New Holiday Classic

This cheese log brings such joy to our holiday gatherings. Simple ingredients transform into something truly festive that brings everyone together around the appetizer table. The happy smiles and recipe requests make all the chopping and rolling worth it.

A log of cream cheese topped with chopped red peppers and fresh rosemary sits on a platter next to crackers. Pin it
A log of cream cheese topped with chopped red peppers and fresh rosemary sits on a platter next to crackers. | www.cookingflavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How far in advance can I make this cheese log?
You can prepare the cheese log up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and add the parsley coating and garnishes just before serving.
→ Why do ingredients need to be well-drained?
Excess moisture from the peppers, olives, and artichokes can make the cheese mixture too soft. Well-drained ingredients help maintain the perfect texture and shape of the log.
→ What can I serve with this cheese log?
This cheese log pairs well with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetable crudités. For gluten-free options, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks.
→ Can I freeze this cheese log?
While you can freeze the cheese log, the texture may change slightly when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or after being refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
→ What if I can't find fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are mainly for decoration, so you can substitute with other festive garnishes like pomegranate seeds, cherry tomatoes, or additional fresh herbs.

Holiday Antipasto Cheese Log

Creamy cheese log filled with roasted peppers, olives, and artichokes, wrapped in fresh parsley and decorated with cranberries for a festive holiday appetizer.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Aicha


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 cheese log)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 8 ounces cream cheese, left at room temperature.
02 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and finely diced.
03 1/3 cup mixed green and black olives, chopped small.
04 1/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped.
05 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
06 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend.
07 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
08 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper.
09 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped.
10 Fresh rosemary sprigs for decoration.
11 Fresh cranberries for decoration.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix room temperature cream cheese with peppers, olives, artichokes, Parmesan, and seasonings until well combined.

Step 02

Place mixture on plastic wrap and form into a log shape. Wrap tightly.

Step 03

Place in fridge for at least 2 hours until firm.

Step 04

Roll the chilled log in chopped parsley, pressing gently to coat all sides.

Step 05

Place on serving plate and decorate with rosemary sprigs and cranberries.

Notes

  1. Make sure ingredients are well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
  2. Can be made up to 24 hours ahead.
  3. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl.
  • Plastic wrap.
  • Serving platter.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g