Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Few appetizers bring the same wow factor to a gathering as the Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log. With its creamy texture, vibrant colors, and bold Mediterranean flavors, it’s a showstopping centerpiece that’s just as delicious as it is beautiful. This savory log is infused with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, herbs, and a medley of Italian seasonings—wrapped in a luscious layer of cream cheese. Whether you’re entertaining guests or need a quick and elegant dish, this recipe has your back.

Imagine the richness of cream cheese married to the tangy brightness of antipasto ingredients—all delivered in one perfect bite. It’s ideal for holidays, wine nights, or any occasion that calls for something a little special. Serve it with your favorite crackers or rustic bread, and watch it disappear in minutes.

---

Why You’ll Love This Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Bold, Mediterranean Flavors: Packed with classic antipasto elements like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Visually stunning and super simple to prepare in advance.
• Creamy & Savory Contrast: The smooth, tangy cream cheese base pairs beautifully with the briny, herby toppings.
• Customizable: Easily adjustable to suit dietary needs or personal preferences—swap ingredients or make it spicy!
• No Cooking Needed: Just mix, chill, and serve. It’s low-effort with high reward.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Their Importance)

To craft the perfect Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, a few key tools will streamline your prep and ensure your appetizer comes out both delicious and presentable:

• Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine the cream cheese with your antipasto ingredients. Opt for a deep one to prevent spillage while mixing.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A silicone spatula works wonders for folding in ingredients smoothly without over-mixing. It also helps scrape the bowl clean.
• Chopping Board and Sharp Knife: For finely dicing olives, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, and fresh herbs. Precision here ensures consistent flavor in each bite.
• Plastic Wrap or Parchment Paper: Used to mold and shape the log. It makes rolling and refrigerating the mixture easy, giving the log a firm structure.
• Serving Platter or Wooden Board: Presentation matters! Choose a rustic wooden board or ceramic platter to make your log shine.
• Optional: Food Processor: If you’re short on time or prefer a more finely blended texture, use a food processor to combine the ingredients.

Each of these tools has a specific role in maintaining the texture, shape, and visual appeal of your antipasto log—don’t skip them if you want pro-level results.

---

Preparation Tips

• Soften Your Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30–40 minutes before mixing. This ensures a smooth blend without lumps.
• Drain Ingredients Well: Be sure to drain olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can ruin the log’s consistency.
• Chop Finely for Balance: Smaller pieces of antipasto ingredients ensure a balanced distribution in every slice and make the log easier to spread on crackers.
• Chill for Shape: After shaping the log, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to help it set and maintain a firm form when sliced.
• Taste as You Go: Before forming the log, taste the mix and adjust seasoning if needed. A dash of garlic powder or extra herbs can elevate the flavor.

---

Ingredients for This Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This vibrant and savory cheese log is bursting with Mediterranean flair. Below is a list of ingredients that make it irresistible—feel free to customize based on your favorite antipasto elements.

Cream Cheese Base

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for a mild, creamy depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Antipasto Mix-ins

• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced or chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, drained and diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional for a punch of freshness)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Topping & Garnish

• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, extra for topping
• 2 teaspoons olive oil (to drizzle over topping before serving)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
• Whole green or kalamata olives, for decoration

To Serve

• Assorted crackers or toasted baguette slices

Tip: Always go for quality antipasto ingredients—they’re the flavor backbone of this dish.

---

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and creamy. This will serve as your flavorful, creamy foundation.

---

Step 2: Fold in the Antipasto Ingredients

Gently fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, green and black olives, roasted red peppers, parsley, basil (if using), and Italian seasoning. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese base.

---

Step 3: Shape the Log

Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your counter. Scoop the mixture onto it, then use your hands (wrapped in another layer of plastic or with gloves) or a spatula to shape the mixture into a log about 6–8 inches long. Roll the wrap tightly around the log to seal and shape it evenly.

---

Step 4: Chill to Set

Refrigerate the wrapped log for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This helps it firm up, enhances the flavors, and makes it easier to slice when serving.

---

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

Before serving, mix the reserved chopped sun-dried tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil. Carefully unwrap the chilled log and place it on a serving platter or wooden board.

---

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the tomato-olive oil mixture over the top of the cheese log. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and whole olives for a rustic, elegant look. Serve with crackers, crostini, or crusty bread.

---

Notes

• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheese log can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge, and garnish right before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
• Customizable Add-Ins: Try adding finely chopped artichoke hearts, capers, or even a bit of diced prosciutto for a meaty kick.
• Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of Calabrian chili paste to bring some heat.
• Herb Options: No basil? Swap it with fresh thyme or oregano. Just avoid overly strong herbs like rosemary inside the mix—save those for garnish.
• Serve Warmed Crackers: Lightly toasted crackers or baguette slices elevate the whole experience with a warm crunch next to the creamy spread.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Softening Step: Using cream cheese straight from the fridge makes it difficult to mix smoothly. Always soften it at room temperature for 30–40 minutes first.
• Over-Mixing: Too much mixing can break down the structure of cream cheese, making the log too soft or greasy. Mix until just combined.
• Forgetting to Drain: Ingredients like roasted peppers and olives must be drained thoroughly. Extra moisture leads to a soggy, unstable log.
• Undersized Wrapping: Not using enough plastic wrap can cause leaks or make shaping difficult. Use a large enough sheet to fully enclose and mold the log.
• Skipping the Chill: This step is non-negotiable. If the log isn’t fully chilled, it will lose its shape and be hard to serve cleanly.
• Overloading Garnish: While toppings look great, avoid piling on too much. It can overwhelm the cream cheese and make slicing tricky.
• Not Tasting Before Shaping: Always taste your mixture before wrapping to adjust salt, herbs, or garlic to your liking.
• Serving Too Cold: Let the log sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before serving so it’s easier to spread and more flavorful.

---

What to Serve With Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?

This rich, creamy antipasto cheese log pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dippers and side offerings. Whether you’re setting up a party platter or a cozy snack spread, these combinations will elevate the experience and impress every guest.

8 Recommendations

1. Toasted Baguette Slices
   Crisp on the outside with a tender middle, these rustic slices are the perfect sturdy base for spreading.
2. Assorted Crackers
   Include a mix—sea salt crisps, whole grain, and buttery styles—for flavor and texture variety.
3. Crisp Crostini
   Small, oven-toasted rounds are ideal for bite-sized servings that hold their crunch.
4. Grissini (Italian Breadsticks)
   Long, thin breadsticks offer a beautiful Italian flair and are perfect for dipping or swirling.
5. Cucumber Rounds or Bell Pepper Strips
   For a low-carb option, use crisp veggies. They add a refreshing crunch and balance the richness.
6. Marinated Artichoke Hearts
   Serve on the side or in a small dish nearby for extra antipasto-style variety.
7. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon or Figs
   For a sweet-savory combo, add this Italian classic to the board—it’s a luxe pairing with creamy cheese.
8. Chilled White Wine or Sparkling Prosecco
   Not a food, but it belongs here. These drinks cleanse the palate and complement the bold antipasto flavors effortlessly.

---

Storage Instructions

The Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log can be stored for a few days without losing its deliciousness, making it a great make-ahead dish for parties or gatherings. Here’s how to store it:

• In the Refrigerator: Wrap the cheese log tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors. It will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: While freezing the log is not recommended due to the texture of the cream cheese, you can freeze individual portions for later use. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. However, be aware that the texture might slightly change after thawing.

Before serving, let the cheese log thaw in the fridge overnight or sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to make slicing easier.

---

Estimated Nutrition

While this antipasto cream cheese log is rich and indulgent, here’s a general breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving (assuming the log is cut into 10 slices):

• Calories: 200-250 kcal per serving
• Protein: 4-5g
• Fat: 18-22g (depending on cream cheese and toppings used)
• Carbohydrates: 5-7g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sodium: 400-500mg
• Sugar: 1-2g

For a lighter option, try pairing the log with more fresh vegetables instead of crackers or bread, or use reduced-fat cream cheese.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this antipasto cream cheese log ahead of time?

Yes! The log can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Simply shape the log, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish just before serving to keep it fresh.

2. Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese?

You can, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese provides a richer and firmer texture, which helps the log hold its shape better.

3. What can I substitute for the olives if I don’t like them?

If olives aren’t your thing, you can try replacing them with chopped artichoke hearts, capers, or cherry tomatoes for a similar briny, tangy flavor.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! To make a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based mozzarella alternative. The flavor and texture will still be creamy and delicious.

5. Can I add more spice to the log?

Absolutely! If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dollop of spicy Italian pepperoncini into the mix. Adjust the quantity to your spice tolerance.

6. Can I freeze the Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?

Freezing is not ideal for this recipe due to the texture changes in the cream cheese. However, you can freeze individual slices. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

7. What can I serve this with besides crackers or bread?

This log pairs well with vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers. You can also try it with grilled chicken skewers or bruschetta for a more substantial offering.

8. Can I use store-bought antipasto ingredients?

Definitely! Store-bought ingredients like jarred roasted peppers, pre-sliced olives, and even packaged sun-dried tomatoes can save time without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

---

Conclusion

The Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a true crowd-pleaser with its bold Mediterranean flavors, creamy texture, and elegant presentation. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a casual get-together, or just craving something delicious, this appetizer will impress with minimal effort. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely irresistible—this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

---

Print