Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

I made this Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log because I’m equal parts festive and lazy, and nothing says “I care” like rolling cream cheese into something that looks fancy but takes approximately the effort of arranging crackers. It’s essentially a savory, slightly salty, totally snackable log of joy that doubles as party decor and emotional support for the cheese-deprived. Try it because your holiday table needs one centerpiece that isn’t a dry turkey or Aunt Linda’s fruitcake.

Once, I tried to assemble this while juggling a toddler, a phone call from my mother, and the oven timer that apparently thinks silence is overrated. My husband, bless his chaos heart, thought “spreading” meant “scoop mountains of cream cheese with gusto.” He sculpted something that looked like an abstract iceberg. I fixed it, he took credit, and the kid used the remaining olives as drumsticks. Moral: teamwork is overrated, but olives are not.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use pre-sliced salami and pre-chopped veggies. I don’t judge your shortcuts; I applaud them.
– Roll the log on plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge; less rolling pan drama = fewer dishes.
– Buy pre-cracked pepper and pre-minced garlic if you’re in panic-mode. Your guests won’t notice.
– Assemble on a cookie sheet so you can slide it straight to the fridge. I call that lazy efficiency.

Serving Ideas

– Serve with an assortment of crackers and toasted baguette slices — train wrecks optional.
– Add pickles and marinated veggies for acidity, because someone at the table will insist it needs more tang.
– Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts on the drive over. Whiskey works too; I don’t judge.
– Keep it simple: a knife, a platter, and zero expectations for polite napkin use.

What to Serve It With

Think crunchy crackers, herb crackers, toasted sourdough slices, or sturdy pita chips. Little bowls of olives, roasted red peppers, and marinated artichokes are excellent sidekicks. If you want to pretend to be classy, add some grapes and prosciutto. If you want to be real, add more crackers.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t over-stuff the log unless you want it to explode like a cheesy piñata. Been there, cleaned that.
– Chill before slicing or you’ll smear cream cheese across everything like modern art. Not flattering.
– If your log looks wonky, cover it with more toppings. Makeup for food is a thing.
– Use a serrated knife for cleaner slices — not your butter knife from 2003 that refuses to cut ambition.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If it starts weeping oil, dab gently with a paper towel unless you enjoy salad of standard-issue grease.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.
– Make it vegetarian: skip the meats and load up on roasted peppers, artichokes, and sunflower seeds.
– Add herbs: dill, basil, or chives brighten things up.
– Dairy-free? Use a firm plant-based cream cheese — it won’t judge your life choices and neither should you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

A festive cream cheese log packed with flavorful Italian delights!

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 10

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 8 oz cream cheese softened for easy mixing
• ▢ 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers drained if from jar
• ▢ 1 cup chopped black olives preferably Kalamata
• ▢ 1 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley if preferred
• ▢ 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor
• ▢ 1 tbsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1 tsp black pepper
• ▢ 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese until smooth.
• Stir in the roasted red peppers, black olives, basil, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
• Add garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning and mix thoroughly.
• Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into a log.
• Wrap the log tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Serve with crackers or vegetable sticks. For added flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze.