Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite appetizer for the holidays: the festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log! It’s this glorious blend of flavors and textures that just screams celebration! Every time I make it, it disappears faster than you can say “cheese platter!” I love how creamy the cheese is, paired with the salty olives and the sweet sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a dish that always brings family and friends together. I remember one holiday gathering where everyone kept coming back for seconds (and thirds!), and I just felt so proud that I made something that brought so much joy. You can whip it up in no time, and trust me, everyone will be talking about it long after the last crumb is gone. Perfect for those festive get-togethers, it’s a must-try!
Ingredients List
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup chopped olives (your choice: green, black, or a mix!)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or whatever colors brighten your dish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or dried if that’s all you have)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (for that delightful crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Getting this festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log together is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Let’s dive right into it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, let’s get that 16 oz cream cheese nice and soft—leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Trust me, this makes mixing so much easier!
- While you’re waiting, grab a mixing bowl and toss in your chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, diced bell peppers, basil, and walnuts. Oh, the colors are going to be so vibrant!
- Now sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. I like to use a generous pinch of salt to really enhance those flavors.
- Mix everything together thoroughly until it’s all evenly combined. You want each bite to burst with flavor, so take your time with this step!
- Next, lay out a piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Spoon the mixture onto the wrap and shape it into a log. You can make it as thick or thin as you like—just make sure it’s compact!
- Once shaped, wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap. This helps it hold its form, so don’t skip this part! Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. I know it’s hard to wait, but chilling helps all those yummy flavors meld together.
- Finally, when you’re ready to serve, unwrap your beautiful cheese log and place it on a platter. It pairs perfectly with crackers or some crusty bread. Enjoy the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log is a total game-changer for your gatherings! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick preparation—whip it up in just 15 minutes!
- Easy assembly, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
- A delightful combination of flavors—creamy, salty, and slightly sweet, with a satisfying crunch.
- Versatile and customizable; swap in your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand!
- Vegetarian-friendly, so it fits perfectly into diverse dietary preferences.
- Guaranteed crowd-pleaser; it always brings smiles and compliments!
Trust me, once you serve this at your next gathering, it’ll become a staple on your holiday menu!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log is all about those little touches! Here are my best tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time:
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients based on what you love or have handy! Try artichokes instead of olives or add some spicy jalapeños for a kick.
- Mixing Techniques: Make sure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened to avoid lumps. A hand mixer can really help achieve that smooth consistency if you prefer.
- Serving Suggestions: For a beautiful presentation, garnish the log with extra chopped herbs or some whole olives before serving. And don’t forget to provide a variety of crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette for dipping!
- Chill Time: If you can, let it chill overnight. The flavors develop even more, making it even tastier!
With these tips, you’ll have a stunning appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the festive vibes!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for each serving of this delightful festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log. Keep in mind these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
This tasty appetizer is rich and satisfying, perfect for adding a little indulgence to your holiday gatherings!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log is that you can prepare it a day in advance. Just follow the instructions, wrap it up tightly, and let it chill in the fridge overnight. This not only saves you time on the day of your gathering but also allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, a little extra chill time makes it even tastier!
What can I serve with the cream cheese log?
This cream cheese log pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers! I love serving it with an assortment of crackers—think buttery, whole grain, or even herb-flavored ones. Slices of crusty bread or toasted baguette are also fantastic options. You could even add some fresh veggies like cucumber slices or bell pepper strips for a fresh crunch. The combinations are endless, so feel free to get creative with your serving platter!
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely! One of the joys of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your personal tastes or what you have in your pantry. Don’t have walnuts? Try pecans or leave them out altogether! Prefer a different type of cheese? Go for a mix of cream cheese and goat cheese for a tangy twist. The key is to have fun with it and make it your own—there’s no wrong way to create this delicious appetizer!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log is super simple! Just keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there’s no need to reheat—just slice it and serve it cold! If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), they make a fantastic snack or addition to your lunch. Just remember to pair it with some fresh crackers or bread for that delightful crunch. Enjoy every last bite!
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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log: A Must-Try Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup chopped olives
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature.
- In a bowl, combine olives, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, basil, walnuts, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until combined.
- Shape the mixture into a log on plastic wrap.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with crackers or bread.
Notes
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Substitute ingredients based on your preference.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log
