Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is my holiday secret weapon when guests pop in and I need something tasty fast. I love that it looks impressive with minimal effort and the flavors make everyone hover near the snack table. If you’ve ever wanted a festive appetizer that you can prep ahead, chill, and serve without fuss, this is for you. It slices clean, spreads like a dream, and gives you all the cozy Italian deli vibes. Let me show you how I make it for Christmas and what I serve with it so your table feels abundant and fun.
What makes this side / appetizer perfect for the holidays
Holiday appetizers should be easy, crowd friendly, and great at room temp. This Antipasto Cream Cheese Log checks every box. You can mix it, shape it, and chill it the night before, so all you do is roll it in a crunchy coating and set it out. The sweet-salty-tangy mix plays nicely with bubbly drinks and keeps folks nibbling while the main course finishes. It’s also budget friendly, feeds a lot of people, and looks beautiful on a board with bright veggies and crackers.
If you like festive cream cheese starters, try these bite-size treats too: cranberry cream cheese crescent bites. They disappear just as fast as the log.
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Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
A festive and crowd-friendly appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, combining cream cheese with savory antipasto ingredients for a creamy, spreadable delight.
Ingredients
For the cream cheese log
- 16 ounces cream cheese (Soften before mixing)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (Optional for easier spreading)
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped (Sweet and smoky flavor)
- 1 cup green and black olives, chopped (Briny flavor)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (Adds sweetness and tartness)
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped (Tender and mild)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (Salty, nutty flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (For aromatic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Adds depth)
For the coating
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios or walnuts (Adds crunch)
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers (For coating the log)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sour cream or mayo until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped olives, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
- Scrape the mixture onto plastic wrap, roll it into a log shape, and twist the ends of the wrap. Chill for 30 to 60 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chopped nuts with crushed crackers. Spread this mixture on a tray.
- Unwrap the chilled log and roll it in the nut-cracker mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. If necessary, brush a thin layer of olive oil on the outside to help the crumbs adhere.
- Wrap and refrigerate until serving time. Slice or spread with a small knife.
Notes
Can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Chill uncoated log and roll in the coating just before serving to keep it crunchy. Leftovers can be spread on bagels or used in pinwheels.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: Italian
Key ingredients and flavour-profile you need to know
Think of this log as your favorite antipasto platter tucked into a creamy, spreadable base. It’s rich, savory, a little briny, and balanced with a touch of sweetness. Here’s what builds that flavor:
- Cream cheese: The silky foundation that holds everything together.
- Roasted red peppers: Sweet and smoky color bombs.
- Salami or pepperoni (optional): Adds savory, meaty bites. Use turkey or skip for a lighter spin.
- Green and black olives: Briny pops that make the log taste like a deli plate.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chewy, sweet-tart bits that wake up the creamy base.
- Artichoke hearts: Mild and tender, they bring a Mediterranean note.
- Parmesan: Salty, nutty background flavor.
- Italian seasoning and garlic powder: Familiar herbs and gentle garlic depth.
- Coating: Chopped pistachios or walnuts plus crushed crackers for crunch.
Love a little heat with your cheese? These pepper jelly cream cheese bites are a fun spicy-sweet buddy for this log.
Cream cheese, sour cream or mayo base
The base can be just cream cheese, but a small scoop of sour cream or mayo loosens the texture so it spreads easier. I usually use 16 ounces of cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sour cream. Mayo works too if you prefer that flavor. If you want it firmer for slicing, skip the add-in and stick to only cream cheese.
My go-to ratio
For a spreadable, still sliceable log: 16 ounces cream cheese + 2 tablespoons sour cream + all the mix-ins. If you’re serving it outdoors or keeping it out longer, go firmer and skip the sour cream.
Softening cream cheese quickly
Cut blocks into cubes and leave on the counter 20 to 30 minutes. In a rush, microwave in 10-second bursts until just pliable. You want soft, not melted.
Herbs, seasonings and texture boosters: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, nuts, crackers
Italian seasoning and garlic powder are simple and reliable. Start light and add more to taste. For crunch, I love finely chopped pistachios and a handful of buttery crackers crushed into crumbs. They cling to the outside and give each slice a little contrast. If pistachios are pricey, walnuts or almonds work well. Want more texture inside the log too? Hold back a spoonful of olives and peppers and fold them in at the end so you get bigger bites.
How to prepare the cheese log: step-by-step instructions
1. Mix the base: In a bowl, beat soft cream cheese with sour cream or mayo until smooth.
2. Stir in the add-ins: Fold in finely chopped olives, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, parmesan, and the seasonings. Taste and adjust salt.
3. Chill briefly: Scrape the mixture onto plastic wrap, roll into a log, and twist the ends. Chill 30 to 60 minutes to firm.
4. Make the coating: Mix chopped nuts with crushed crackers. Spread on a tray.
5. Roll to coat: Unwrap the chilled log and roll it in the coating, pressing gently so it sticks. If needed, brush a thin layer of olive oil on the outside to help the crumbs cling.
6. Chill again: Wrap and refrigerate until serving time. Slice or spread with a small knife.
If you’re building a cozy party menu, this cheesy bake is a hit with crowds too: pimento cheese hash brown casserole.
Serving accompaniments: crostini, crackers, veggie sticks
- Crostini brushed with olive oil and toasted until golden
- Assorted crackers for crunch and variety
- Veggie sticks like cucumbers, bell pepper, carrots, and celery
- Fresh herbs or parsley for garnish
- Little knives for easy spreading
Make it a mini board with grapes, cherry tomatoes, and marinated mozzarella for extra color. For a warming soup on the side, I love serving bowls of Instant Pot ham cheese broccoli soup so friends can nibble and sip at the same time.
Make-ahead & entertaining tips: stress-free holiday hosting
You can assemble the log up to 48 hours in advance. Chill the log uncoated, then roll in the nut-cracker mix just before guests arrive so it stays crunchy. Keep a backup log shaped and wrapped in the fridge if you’ve got a big crowd. Set out with two types of knives so people can slice or spread without waiting. And always stash extra crackers nearby in a hidden bowl so you can refill fast.
Variations & dietary adaptations for 2025 trends
Go bold with mix-ins like chopped pepperoncini or hot honey drizzled on top. Swap in smoked provolone for parmesan for a richer vibe. Try a green coating of pistachios and parsley to look like a wreath. Or do a half-and-half log with one side spicy, one side mild. You can even shape it into a tree and dot with pomegranate seeds like ornaments.
Vegetarian or meat-free version
Skip the salami and double the artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes. Add capers for extra punch. A sprinkle of smoked paprika gives you that savory depth without any meat. The result tastes fresh and still super satisfying.
Nut-free or allergy-friendly version
Lose the nuts and use just cracker crumbs for the coating. Toasted breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan make a tasty edge too. Always check labels on jarred items like olives and artichokes for cross-contact if allergies are a concern.
Make it gluten-free:
Use gluten-free crackers for both serving and the coating. Everything else can stay the same, though always confirm that jarred ingredients are certified gluten-free. The texture and flavor barely change, so no one will feel like they’re missing out.
What to serve with your antipasto cream cheese log
This appetizer is great with sparkling wine, a crisp pilsner, or lemony mocktails. For a cozy spread, pair it with a big pot of crockpot cheeseburger soup and a simple salad. On the sweet side, it plays nicely before lighter desserts like citrus bars or simple cookies. Keep the rest of the menu unfussy so the log can shine.
Presentation & decorating ideas to elevate the visual impact
Place the log on a wooden board and surround it with green herbs, red peppers, and thin salami rosettes for color. Drizzle a little olive oil for shine and sprinkle with cracked black pepper. Shape it like a wreath and tuck in rosemary sprigs and cherry tomato dots. Or keep it classic as a tidy log with a festive ribbon around the serving knife handle for a cute touch.
Freezer instructions: before or after coating, thawing safely
Freeze the log uncoated for best results. Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then coat and serve. If you must freeze it coated, expect the coating to soften a bit after thawing. You can press on a fresh layer of crumbs right before serving to refresh the crunch.
Leftover uses: spread on bagels, wrap in tortillas, roll into pinwheels
Leftovers are the best part. Spread on toasted bagels with arugula. Smear on tortillas, add spinach and sliced peppers, and roll into pinwheels for next-day snacks. Toss a spoonful into warm pasta water as it boils, then fold into the noodles for a quick creamy sauce. For dessert that keeps the holiday vibe, we love a slice of sugar cookie cheesecake afterwards.
Common mistakes & how to avoid them
Log too soft or falls apart
Use cold, firm cream cheese and chill the log after shaping. If you added sour cream or mayo, use a lighter hand next time. A quick 20-minute chill before coating helps it hold shape.
Coating doesn’t stick or topping falls off
Pat the log dry with a paper towel if it looks wet, then brush a tiny bit of olive oil over the surface so the crumbs grab on. Press gently as you roll for even coverage.
Flavours too mild or too salty: balancing tips
If it tastes bland, add a pinch more Italian seasoning and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. If it’s too salty, mix in extra cream cheese and a little chopped roasted pepper to dilute the salt.
Standard version nutrition highlights
Serving size is about 2 tablespoons. Expect roughly 110 to 120 calories, 11 grams fat, 3 grams protein, and around 150 to 200 milligrams of sodium, depending on the olives, meats, and cheese you choose. Keep portions small and pair with fresh veggies to balance the richness. If you need lighter, skip the salami and use part-skim cream cheese to shave down the fat.
Estimated values
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Total Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Common Questions
Can I make the Antipasto Cream Cheese Log two days ahead?
Yes. Shape it and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Roll in the coating right before serving so it stays crisp.
How do I keep the log from sticking to the wrap?
Use plastic wrap, not foil, and lightly mist with oil or rub a drop of olive oil first.
What size should I make it for a big crowd?
Double the recipe and form two smaller logs. They chill faster and are easier to manage on the board.
Is there a good dairy-free version?
Use a thick plant-based cream cheese and skip parmesan. Season a little more with garlic and herbs to boost flavor.
Can I serve it warm?
It’s best cold or room temp. Warm it slightly to take the chill off, but don’t heat it or it will melt and lose shape.
A cheerful wrap-up for your holiday table
With a few pantry jars and a block of cream cheese, this Antipasto Cream Cheese Log turns into a centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks. It’s flexible, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for grazing while the rest of dinner comes together. If you want more cozy appetizers for your menu, you might also love these easy cranberry cream cheese crescent bites. And if you prefer an Italian-leaning variation, this guide from Christmas Appetiser – Italian Cheese Log! – RecipeTin Eats is a fantastic reference. I hope your table is full, your friends are happy, and this little log becomes one of your new traditions.
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