The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is the ultimate make-ahead appetizer, combining the creamy comfort of cheese with the zesty, savory flavors of a classic Italian antipasto platter. This impressive log is not only visually stunning with its vibrant, colorful coating, but it requires only 15 minutes of active preparation. It’s the perfect elegant appetizer for holiday entertaining, brunches, or game day, allowing you to focus on your guests while a sophisticated snack chills in the fridge.

This recipe is a hostess’s dream: incredibly simple to mix, easy to shape, and completely customizable. The combination of creamy, tangy cheese and sharp, briny toppings like olives and marinated artichokes creates a flavor explosion in every bite. This elegant antipasto log proves that the most festive appetizers are often the easiest to prepare. You can visit our New York for more delicious recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Feature	Benefit
Elegantly Simple	Looks sophisticated and impressive but is simple to assemble and chill.
Total Make-Ahead	Must be prepared in advance, freeing up time on the day of the event.
Flavorful Layers	Perfect balance between creamy cheese and sharp, briny antipasto toppings.
Quick Active Prep	Only 15 minutes of hands-on time is required.
Crowd-Pleasing	A sophisticated, irresistible appetizer that travels well.

An Overview of Flavors and Textures

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a delight of rich flavors and contrasting textures.

The core is a blend of softened cream cheese and sour cream, providing an incredibly creamy, smooth, and tangy base. This cool creaminess forms a perfect backdrop for the robust toppings.

The outer coating is an explosion of antipasto flavors: marinated artichoke hearts add a savory, acidic chewiness, while green olives contribute a salty, briny pop. Roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky undertone. Italian seasoning and fresh parsley add an aromatic freshness.

The final result is a harmonious bite that contrasts the cool, smooth interior with the salty, chunky exterior, making this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log incredibly addictive.

The Star of the Show: The Make-Ahead Antipasto Topping

While the creamy base is the anchor, the true defining characteristic and “star” of this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is its generous and colorful antipasto topping. This topping does more than just add color; it is packed with strong flavors (briny olives, savory artichoke, sweet peppers) that are ideal for a make-ahead appetizer. The essential step is ensuring all topping ingredients are well-drained and chopped, so they adhere firmly to the log. The required chilling time allows the rich savory flavors of the antipasto to gently infuse the cream cheese base, ensuring that the log tastes even better a day after it’s assembled. This ensures a stunning and stress-free centerpiece.

How to Make Your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This elegant appetizer is incredibly simple to assemble. The key to success is using softened cream cheese and allowing ample time for the log to chill and set properly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chill time) Yield: 1 log (Serves 6–8) Difficulty: Very Easy

Ingredients

Component	Amount	Ingredient	Notes
For the Base:	8 oz	Cream cheese, softened	1 standard package
	¼ cup	Sour cream
For the Topping:	½ cup	Chopped marinated artichoke hearts	Well drained
	¼ cup	Chopped roasted red peppers	Well drained
	¼ cup	Chopped green olives
	¼ cup	Chopped pepperoni	Optional (Pork ingredient)
	1 tbsp	Italian seasoning
For the Finish:	¼ cup	Chopped fresh parsley	For garnish

Instructions

Mix the Base: In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
Shape the Log: Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap, form the mixture into a neat log shape. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate briefly (about 15 minutes) to help it firm up.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the chopped artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, green olives, pepperoni (if using), and Italian seasoning.
Coat the Log: Unwrap the chilled cream cheese log. Press the antipasto mixture firmly onto all sides of the log until it is fully and evenly covered.
Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the top with the chopped fresh parsley. Wrap the finished log again tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve: Place the log on a serving board or plate and serve chilled with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.

Expert Tips for Your Cheese Log

Category	Tip
Cheese Prep	Ensure your cream cheese is very soft (room temperature) before mixing; this is essential for a smooth, lump-free base.
Draining	Thoroughly drain and pat dry all marinated ingredients (artichokes, peppers) to prevent the cheese log from becoming watery.
Make-Ahead	Prepare the entire log 1 to 2 days in advance. The chilling time allows the savory flavors of the antipasto to infuse the cheese.
Vegetarian Swap	Skip the pepperoni for a vegetarian version, or substitute with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for color and flavor.
Serving Tip	Serve the log slightly chilled (not frozen hard). A sharp knife will make for cleaner servings onto crackers.

Conclusion: Your Deliciously Easy & Elegant Appetizer

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a truly elegant and flavorful appetizer—a perfect blend of creamy, rich cheese and zesty, salty antipasto. With its simple assembly and make-ahead convenience, it’s a dish that promises to impress every guest. This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is guaranteed to be a beloved staple for entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this log more than a day ahead? Yes, this appetizer can be stored wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for advance party preparation.

What are the best things to serve for dipping? Serve with a variety of textures: buttery crackers, thin crostini, or crisp vegetables like bell peppers, carrot sticks, and celery.

Can I use light cream cheese? You can, but full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended as it provides a firmer set and a richer, creamier texture, which is essential for the log’s structure.

How do I prevent the toppings from falling off? The cream cheese log must be chilled firmly before the topping is applied. Press the topping mixture firmly onto the log to ensure it adheres completely.