Description
Holiday Antipasto Cheese Log is a festive, Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that dazzles with bold color and creamy tang. This no-bake log blends softened cream cheese with roasted red peppers, olives, artichokes, and parmesan, then rolls in chopped parsley for a vibrant herb crust. Quick to assemble, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for holiday gatherings—shape, chill, and decorate with rosemary and cranberries. Serve with crackers or crisp veggies for a stunning crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup finely chopped roasted red peppers
- ¼ cup chopped green or black olives
- ¼ cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for coating)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries for decoration
- Crackers or veggies for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, red peppers, olives, artichokes, parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and scoop the mixture onto it.
- Shape the mixture into a log using the plastic wrap to help form it evenly.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once chilled, roll the cheese log in chopped fresh parsley to coat the outside.
- Decorate with rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a festive touch.
- Serve with crackers or fresh veggies.
Notes
- Make ahead: Refrigerate the log up to 24 hours before serving for maximum flavor.
- Coating trick: Roll in chopped parsley just before serving to keep the color vibrant.
- Time saver: Softened cream cheese makes rolling easier — let it sit at room temp 15-20 minutes if firm.
- Substitutions: Use goat cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake; Chill and form
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 log portion
- Calories: Approximately 223 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: Approximately 140 mg per serving
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8-12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Holiday antipasto cheese log, antipasto cheese log, festive appetizer, easy party snack, Mediterranean cheese log, holiday starter, make-ahead appetizer, crowd-pleasing