Description
A party-stopping, no-bake appetizer that wraps creamy cheese, briny olives, roasted red peppers, and herbs into a sliceable log. It’s the kind of easy recipe that looks fancy but takes minutes, perfect for quick appetizers, holiday parties, dinner ideas, and last-minute food ideas. If you need a make-ahead crowd-pleaser for a quick breakfast spread, an easy dinner board, or a healthy-ish snack plate, this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log delivers bold flavor, color, and zero oven time.
Ingredients
16 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup mixed olives, finely chopped
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped
1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, finely chopped and patted dry
1/2 cup cheddar or provolone, small dice
2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley and rosemary), minced
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/8 tsp kosher salt, to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup reserved mix of chopped olives/peppers/herbs for coating
2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
2. Finely chop olives, roasted peppers, artichokes, herbs, and cheese; pat any wet items dry.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese with chopped ingredients, lemon zest, garlic, flakes, salt, and pepper. Reserve some olives/peppers/herbs for coating.
4. Transfer mixture to plastic wrap or parchment; shape into a tight log. Wrap well.
5. Chill at least 2 hours (overnight best) to firm and let flavors meld.
6. Unwrap and roll or press reserved olives/peppers/herbs onto the outside; add pomegranate seeds if using.
7. Serve slightly cool with crackers, baguette slices, veggies, or breadsticks.
Notes
Pat everything dry—extra moisture makes the log soft and weepy.
Shape while cool; if it gets sticky, chill for 10 minutes and try again.
Garnish just before serving for the brightest color and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 log
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log, make-ahead appetizer, no-bake appetizer, easy recipe, party dip, charcuterie board, quick appetizer, dinner ideas, healthy snack, breakfast ideas, food ideas