When it comes to holiday appetizers, there’s something truly special about the ones that look fancy but are secretly a breeze to make. This Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log with Roasted Red Peppers and Parmesan is exactly that — easy, flavorful, and absolutely gorgeous on any holiday table.

Whether you’re hosting Christmas Eve dinner, bringing a dish to a New Year’s Eve potluck, or just want a savory snack to go with your mulled wine, this creamy, colorful log has your back. It’s rich and tangy, full of Italian-inspired flavor, and can be made ahead — no oven required. Just a mixing bowl, a few pantry ingredients, and you’re all set.

Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible and why you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

First, let’s talk about why this recipe is going to be your go-to party starter:

• Super Simple: There’s no baking, sautéing, or hard-to-find ingredients. Just mix, shape, chill, and serve.

• Perfect for Entertaining: The log holds its shape beautifully and slices easily. Serve with crackers or veggies and watch it disappear.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and check one more thing off your holiday to-do list.

• Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes—whether you’re all about olives or want to skip them entirely.

Suitable For

This cheese log is perfect for:

• Holiday parties — Think Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s.

• Potlucks or family gatherings — It travels well and can be served cold.

• Beginner cooks — No special skills needed.

• Vegetarians — It’s meat-free but packed with flavor.

• Kids and adults alike — The creamy texture and mild Italian flavors are crowd-pleasers.

Ingredients for Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Core Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this festive appetizer to life:

• Cream Cheese (8 oz) – Let it soften on the counter before using so it’s easier to mix.

• Mayonnaise (½ cup) – Adds creaminess and smooth texture without overpowering the flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, finely grated) – Brings in a salty, nutty punch.

• Roasted Red Peppers (½ cup, chopped) – For a pop of sweetness and that beautiful holiday red color.

• Black Olives (¼ cup, chopped, optional) – Adds a briny bite. You can skip these if they’re not your thing.

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Just enough to add warmth and depth.

• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) – You can also use dried basil or a blend you like.

• Salt and Pepper – To taste, of course.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to mix things up or accommodate different tastes? Here’s how:

• No mayo? Swap in Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy alternative.

• Cheese switch: Try mozzarella, goat cheese, or even a blend of your favorites.

• Don’t love olives? Leave them out or toss in some chopped artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes instead.

• Dairy-free version: Use plant-based cream cheese and a vegan parmesan substitute.

• Want more texture? Roll the finished log in chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for a delightful crunch.

Best Cheese for a Cream Cheese Log

At the heart of this recipe is, of course, cream cheese. It’s soft, creamy, and holds its shape when chilled — perfect for forming a log that slices cleanly but spreads easily on crackers or baguette slices.

Stick to full-fat block cream cheese (not the whipped kind in tubs) for the best texture and flavor. If you want to add another dimension, consider blending in:

• Goat cheese for tang

• Mozzarella for a mild, melty element

• Shredded cheddar for boldness

The Parmesan in this recipe adds the salty, umami-rich flavor that makes every bite crave-worthy — don’t skimp on it.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

The beauty of this recipe is that it requires almost no equipment:

• Mixing bowl – A medium one will do the job.

• Spatula or spoon – For stirring and mixing.

• Plastic wrap – Essential for shaping and chilling the log.

• Serving plate or board – To make it table-ready.

Nice-to-Have Tools

These aren’t necessary, but they can make things a little easier:

• Food processor – Speeds up chopping, especially if you’re making a double batch.

• Cheese knives or spreaders – Great for serving.

• Decorative platter – Because presentation counts, especially during the holidays.

How to Make Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log with Roasted Red Peppers and Parmesan

Now that you know why this appetizer deserves a spot on your holiday table, let’s walk through the process of making it. It’s as simple as mixing, shaping, chilling, and serving—but as with all good things, a few little tips along the way will make it even better.

Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

Start by making sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This makes mixing much easier and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

In a medium mixing bowl, add:

• 8 oz cream cheese

• ½ cup mayonnaise

Use a spatula or hand mixer to beat them together until smooth and well combined. You want a light, fluffy base with no lumps. This is the creamy canvas that all your delicious ingredients will blend into.

Step 2: Add the Flavorful Mix-Ins

Now it’s time to bring the flavor. Gently fold in:

• ½ cup finely chopped roasted red peppers

• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup chopped black olives (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Stir everything until evenly mixed. Take a little taste—this is your chance to adjust seasoning before chilling. Want it zestier? Add more garlic. Need more bite? A pinch of crushed red pepper can liven it up.

Step 3: Shape the Log

Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scoop the mixture into the center and use a spatula or your hands to gently shape it into a log. Don’t stress about making it perfect—the wrap will help.

Roll the plastic wrap tightly around the mixture, smoothing and shaping as you go. Twist the ends like a candy wrapper to seal it snugly. Place it on a plate or small tray and pop it in the fridge.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Let the log chill for at least 1 hour, or even overnight if you’re prepping ahead. Chilling helps it firm up and makes slicing much easier. The flavors also have time to meld, which only makes it better.

If you’re in a rush, 30–45 minutes in the freezer can help speed things up—but don’t forget it in there!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, unwrap the log and place it on a festive platter.

Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, extra roasted red peppers, or even chopped pistachios for color and crunch. Serve it with:

• Assorted crackers

• Crostini or sliced baguette

• Fresh veggies like cucumber rounds or bell pepper strips

It’s rich, vibrant, and guaranteed to get compliments.

Tips for Success

A few helpful tips can make this recipe even easier and more delicious:

• Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing. Cold cream cheese will give you a lumpy spread.

• Drain roasted red peppers well so the mixture doesn’t get watery. You can even pat them dry with a paper towel.

• Taste as you go. Parmesan and olives can be salty, so you might not need extra salt.

• Don’t skip the chill. It helps the log hold its shape and intensifies the flavor.

• Roll it in something festive. Chopped herbs, crushed nuts, or even dried cranberries pressed into the outside of the log make it look extra special.

How to Store Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This appetizer isn’t just delicious—it’s also practical. Here’s how to store it to keep it fresh and ready for serving.

At Room Temperature

Once served, it can safely sit out for up to 2 hours. After that, pop it back in the fridge to keep it food-safe.

In the Refrigerator

Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Great for snacking or spreading on sandwiches the next day.

Freezing Tips

You can make and freeze the log ahead of time:

1. Wrap tightly in plastic, then again in foil.

2. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month.

3. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Keep in mind the texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be spot-on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and you absolutely should. The flavors get even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight. Just keep it wrapped and chilled until ready to serve.

What should I serve this with?

This cheese log pairs well with just about anything crunchy or crisp. Try buttery crackers, thin baguette slices, pretzel chips, or raw veggies.

Can I skip the olives?

Of course. The recipe is totally flexible. Leave them out, or replace them with something like chopped artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor twist.

How do I make it look extra festive?

To give it a holiday look, try rolling the outside in chopped parsley (green) and dotting the top with extra roasted red peppers (red). You can also press in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and color.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, you might enjoy these other savory crowd-pleasers:

• Savory Artichoke and Olive Cheese Ball: A rich and flavorful variation that pairs beautifully with crackers.

• Holiday Spinach Dip Bites: Bite-sized and baked, perfect for entertaining.

• Cranberry Pecan Cheese Spread: A sweet-savory twist with holiday flair.

Conclusion

This festive cream cheese log is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar—with minimal effort. It’s bold, creamy, and bursting with flavor. You can serve it at any celebration and watch your guests come back for seconds (or thirds).

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