Description
Festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log brings Italian-inspired appetizer magic to party spreads. Rich cream cheese mingles with zesty herbs, olives, and roasted peppers, promising delightful bites you’ll savor at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) roasted red peppers, finely chopped and drained
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) green and black olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) parsley, finely chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Cranberries
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend cream cheese with roasted red peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
- Place a large plastic wrap sheet on a flat surface and transfer the cheese mixture onto it, carefully molding the blend into a cylindrical log shape.
- Securely wrap the log, ensuring tight coverage, and refrigerate for 2 hours until completely firm and set.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley evenly across a large plate, then gently unwrap the chilled cheese log and roll it through the parsley, applying light pressure to create a consistent green coating.
- Carefully transfer the herb-coated log to a decorative serving platter, adding visual appeal by garnishing with delicate fresh rosemary sprigs and vibrant cranberries.
- Present the antipasto cream cheese log alongside an assortment of accompaniments such as crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or an array of fresh vegetable sticks for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Drain roasted red peppers and olives thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the log.
- Finely chop ingredients to ensure even distribution and better binding of the cheese mixture.
- Try different herb coatings like chopped nuts, dried herbs, or everything bagel seasoning for unique flavor variations.
- Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese.
- Create a gluten-free option by serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetable crudités.
- Add extra heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for spice lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Refrigerating
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 135 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg