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Holiday Cheese Log

Featured in Perfect Finger Foods for Every Occasion.

This party perfect appetizer brings all the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table without ever turning on the stove. Creamy cream cheese gets blended with sweet roasted red peppers briny olives and marinated artichoke hearts until everything is perfectly combined. We shape it into a festive log then roll it in fresh herbs pine nuts and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and crunch. Make it a day ahead to let the flavors meld together then watch it disappear at your next gathering. Serve with crackers pita chips or fresh vegetables for the perfect holiday starter.
A young woman with wavy hair is gazing down contemplatively in a warmly lit kitchen filled with plants.
Updated on Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:52:44 GMT
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A colorful cheese log with herbs, bell peppers, and cranberries, garnished with fresh greens, sits on a wooden board. Pin it
A colorful cheese log with herbs, bell peppers, and cranberries, garnished with fresh greens, sits on a wooden board. | cookingkeys.com

Let me share my absolute favorite holiday appetizer that always steals the show! After years of bringing the usual cheese and crackers to parties I created this festive cream cheese log that combines all the best antipasto flavors. That perfect blend of creamy cheese briny olives and sweet peppers wrapped in fresh herbs had my guests asking for the recipe before the party was even over. The first time I made this my sister-in-law who hosts all our family gatherings said it was the prettiest appetizer she'd ever seen!

Why This Recipe Is Party Perfect

This isn't your ordinary cheese spread! The combination of tangy cream cheese savory antipasto ingredients and fresh herbs creates something absolutely magical. Last Christmas when I brought this to our neighborhood party three people asked for the recipe within the first hour. Even my picky cousin who usually avoids anything with olives couldn't stop coming back for more!

What You'll Need

  • For The Cheese Mix: *Cream cheese softened to room temperature *Colorful roasted red peppers chopped fine *Mix of green and black olives *Marinated artichoke hearts *Fresh grated Parmesan *Italian seasoning *Garlic powder and pepper
  • For The Festive Look: *Fresh parsley finely chopped *Pretty rosemary sprigs *Bright red cranberries *Your favorite crackers for serving

Let's Start Creating

The Perfect Mix
First make sure your cream cheese is completely soft this is so important for smooth mixing! Then combine all those colorful ingredients watching it transform into this beautiful mosaic of flavors. My kitchen starts smelling like an Italian deli!
Shaping The Log
Using plastic wrap to shape the log is like wrapping a tiny present. Make it nice and tight the better the wrap the prettier the final shape!
The Final Touch
Rolling it in fresh parsley makes it look like a little Christmas tree. Then adding those rosemary sprigs and cranberries pure holiday magic! It looks so festive everyone always takes pictures before diving in.
A decorated log of creamy cheese spread topped with colorful fruits and nuts, placed on a wooden board with festive decorations. Pin it
A decorated log of creamy cheese spread topped with colorful fruits and nuts, placed on a wooden board with festive decorations. | cookingkeys.com

Making It Perfect

Want my secrets for the best cheese log? Pat those peppers olives and artichokes really dry excess moisture is the enemy of a firm log! Let the cream cheese get completely soft for easy mixing. And here's my favorite tip chill it for at least two hours before coating in parsley it'll hold its shape perfectly!

Serving It Up

I love arranging this on my prettiest holiday platter surrounded by different crackers and fresh vegetables. For parties I'll often make two smaller logs instead of one big one keeps things looking fresh longer. Sometimes I'll even make little signs identifying all the mix-ins people love knowing what they're eating!

Make Ahead Magic

Here's a great party planning tip you can make this up to three days ahead! Just wait to add the parsley coating and garnishes until right before serving. I often make several and keep them wrapped in the fridge during the holiday season perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute invites.

Mix It Up

Don't be afraid to play with the flavors! Sometimes I'll add sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil. My spice-loving friend adds a pinch of red pepper flakes. Once I made a Mediterranean version with feta and oregano absolute game changer! That's what makes cooking fun finding your perfect combination.

A festive cheese log, garnished with red berries and herbs, is displayed on a wooden board surrounded by holiday decor. Pin it
A festive cheese log, garnished with red berries and herbs, is displayed on a wooden board surrounded by holiday decor. | cookingkeys.com

Why This Recipe Matters

This cheese log has become more than just an appetizer it's our holiday tradition! There's something so special about creating a beautiful centerpiece that brings people together. My kids love helping chop ingredients and arrange the garnishes learning that good food can be both delicious and pretty.

The best part isn't just how it tastes it's watching everyone gather around sharing stories and enjoying something homemade! Whether you're hosting a party or need something special to bring somewhere this never disappoints. And seeing people's faces light up when they see and taste it? That's what holiday cooking is all about!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prepare up to 24 hours ahead and keep refrigerated. The flavors actually improve with time.
→ Why dry the vegetables?
Patting vegetables dry prevents excess moisture that could make the cheese log too soft or watery.
→ What can I serve with it?
Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks all work well. Choose sturdy items that can hold the cheese.
→ How long does it keep?
Keeps refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying.
→ Can I freeze this?
Not recommended as cream cheese texture changes when frozen and thawed.

Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

A festive appetizer combining cream cheese with Mediterranean antipasto ingredients, coated in parsley for a holiday look.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 log)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
02 ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped and drained.
03 ⅓ cup mixed olives, chopped.
04 ¼ cup artichoke hearts, chopped.
05 ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
06 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.
07 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
08 ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
09 ½ cup parsley, finely chopped.
10 Rosemary and cranberries for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine cream cheese, vegetables, Parmesan, and seasonings until well mixed.

Step 02

Form into log using plastic wrap.

Step 03

Refrigerate at least 2 hours until firm.

Step 04

Roll in chopped parsley.

Step 05

Add rosemary and cranberries before serving.

Notes

  1. Can be made 24 hours ahead.
  2. Dry vegetables well before mixing.
  3. Serve with crackers or vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl.
  • Plastic wrap.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 110
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g