Introduction

This festive holiday cream cheese antipasto log is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Cream cheese is blended with roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, then rolled in toasted nuts for a delightful texture. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

A close-up of a log-shaped cheese covered in mixed nuts and dried cranberries, with the cheese itself filled with chopped nuts, herbs, and dried cranberries throughout. The log has a creamy off-white interior with visible pieces of green herbs and orange spices, with a layer of nuts and dried fruit sticking on the outside creating a textured and colorful look. The cheese log sits on a long white plate against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese (1 package, softened)

1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

1/3 cup black olives, pitted and chopped

1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)

1/4 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped (such as parsley, basil, or chives)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup toasted nuts, finely chopped (such as walnuts or pecans)

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and have them prepped and ready.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with roasted red peppers, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Add garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended and smooth.

Step 3: Lay a piece of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center and roll it tightly to form a log shape, using the plastic wrap to help shape and compress it.

Step 4: Chill the log in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and to firm up the shape.

Step 5: Once chilled, remove the log from the plastic wrap and roll it in the finely chopped toasted nuts, pressing gently so they stick. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

Try different nuts like almonds or pistachios for varied texture and taste.

Substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh are not available, but use about one-third the amount.

Use flavored cream cheese like garlic or herb for extra depth.

For a vegan version, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and adjust ingredients accordingly.

FAQs

Can I prep the antipasto log a day ahead?

Yes, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even more deeply. Just keep it well wrapped and refrigerated.

What can I serve with the antipasto log?

This antipasto log pairs wonderfully with crackers, sliced baguette, fresh vegetable sticks like celery and cucumber, or even as part of a larger charcuterie board.