Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

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This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a show-stopping appetizer that will dazzle your guests with its vibrant colors and irresistible flavor. Studded with tangy olives, sweet dried cranberries, zesty peppers, and fresh herbs, this creamy delight is both a feast for the eyes and a treat for the palate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, it adds a festive touch to your spread and pairs effortlessly with crackers, breadsticks, or veggie sticks.

With its rich and creamy texture contrasted by bursts of briny, sweet, and herbaceous notes, this antipasto-inspired log is as delightful to eat as it is to present. The make-ahead nature of this recipe also means you can prepare it a day in advance and simply unveil it at the perfect moment.

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Why You’ll Love This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

If you love a blend of bold, contrasting flavors, this cheese log is your new holiday favorite. The cream cheese base gives a luscious mouthfeel, while the mix-ins offer crunch, zest, and sweetness in each bite. It’s customizable too — you can swap in your favorite antipasto ingredients or adjust the herbs to match your flavor profile.

This recipe takes minimal effort and no baking, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and busy hosts. Whether you’re planning a cocktail party, potluck, or holiday dinner, this centerpiece-worthy appetizer is a total crowd-pleaser.

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What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

For the creamiest and most stable log, stick with full-fat block cream cheese. Avoid the whipped tubs or spreadable versions, as they tend to be too soft and may not hold shape well. Let the cheese soften at room temperature before mixing to make blending easier.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can experiment with Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still maintains a nice consistency. For added flair, consider folding in a bit of garlic and herb cheese or a touch of goat cheese to elevate the tang.

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Ingredients for the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

To build layers of flavor and texture in this festive cream cheese log, each ingredient has a unique purpose that shines through in every slice.

• Cream Cheese (Full-Fat, Block Style): This is the rich, smooth base that binds everything together.
• Dried Cranberries: Adds a sweet-tart contrast and pops of color.
• Chopped Red and Yellow Peppers (Roasted or Fresh): Offer crunch, sweetness, and a vibrant hue.
• Green Olives (Pitted and Sliced): Briny and bold, they add savory depth.
• Kalamata or Black Olives (Pitted and Sliced): Provide a deeper, earthy saltiness.
• Fresh Dill: A fragrant herb that enhances the overall brightness.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings freshness and a mild herbal kick.
• Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Add nutty crunch and festive green flecks.
• Cracked Black Pepper: Just a touch for seasoning and subtle heat.
• Optional: Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese: For an extra tangy twist.

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How To Make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Chop your dried cranberries, peppers, and olives into small, even pieces. Toast the pumpkin seeds lightly in a dry skillet for a few minutes to bring out their flavor.

Step 2: Blend the Base

In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or spatula to whip until smooth. Fold in the cranberries, peppers, olives, dill, parsley, and seeds. Season with cracked black pepper.

Step 3: Shape the Log

Place the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into a firm log, wrapping tightly and smoothing out any air bubbles. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, unwrap the log and place on a serving board. Garnish with additional olives, herbs, or a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.

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How to Serve and Store This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This antipasto cream cheese log makes a perfect centerpiece for any party platter. Sliceable and spreadable, it serves beautifully with a side of multigrain crackers, crispy crostini, or fresh vegetables like celery sticks and cucumber rounds. To elevate the presentation, surround it with sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a festive finish.

This recipe feeds about 8 to 10 people as an appetizer, depending on portion sizes and what else is being served.

To store leftovers, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 5 days, and the flavors continue to deepen over time. For best texture, allow it to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving again.

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What to Serve With the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Buttery Crackers

Their crisp texture and mild flavor let the antipasto log shine.

Crostini or Toasted Baguette Slices

Add crunch and make for easy bite-sized servings.

Fresh Crudites

Balance the richness with refreshing options like celery, cucumber, or bell pepper strips.

Prosciutto or Salami

For a charcuterie-style spread that complements the savory mix-ins.

Marinated Artichokes

Their tang pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.

Pickled Vegetables

Add zing and variety to your platter with cornichons, pickled onions, or giardiniera.

Grape Clusters or Fresh Berries

Sweetness to contrast the salty-savory profile.

A Glass of Bubbly

Prosecco or sparkling wine brings a celebratory touch and cuts through the richness.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Festive Twist?

If you loved this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, here are more holiday-perfect bites you’ll adore:

• Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball for a spicy-creamy crowd-pleaser.
• Taco Ranch Bites when you need bold flavor in a tiny package.
• Creamy Irresistible Crack Dip that disappears in minutes.
• Spicy Sailor’s Dip for a unique kick at your party table.
• Air Fryer Taquitos for crisp, snackable rolls everyone loves.

These recipes bring just as much joy and festive flair to the table as the antipasto log.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how you made yours shine! Did you go classic or put your own spin with spicy olives or a smoky cheese?

I love seeing your creations. Questions are always welcome—let’s make holiday hosting easier and more delicious together.

Explore beautifully curated crowd-pleasing appetizers and more on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite party hit!

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