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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log: A Party Showstopper

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a visually stunning appetizer that combines cream cheese with savory antipasto ingredients, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Consider low-fat versions for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can be used for a stronger taste.
For the Meats
  • 4 oz Salami Substitute with prosciutto or turkey for variation.
  • 4 oz Pepperoni Skip for a lighter option or use a vegetarian substitute.
For the Veggies
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata Olives Green olives can be used instead for a different flavor.
  • 1/3 cup Roasted Red Peppers Fresh bell peppers can be used if roasted peppers are unavailable.
  • 1/3 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be an alternative but will change the texture.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used; however, adjust quantity accordingly.
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Switch with fresh herbs, doubling the amount.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chives or basil can be substituted for different accents.
Optional Crunch
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Nuts Pecans, walnuts, or almonds work well.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap
  • hand mixer or spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Start by finely chopping the salami, pepperoni, Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. This preparation should take around 10 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, freshly chopped ingredients, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley. Blend until the mixture is creamy, approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap and spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center. Fold the wrap over the mixture to form a log shape, shaping and tightening the log.
  4. Refrigerate the wrapped log for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight to allow it to firm up and flavors to meld.
  5. Once chilled, unwrap the log and set it on a platter. Roll in optional chopped nuts if desired.
  6. Slice the log into even pieces and serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.

Notes

Prepare a day in advance for richer flavors. Let sit at room temperature before serving for optimal texture. Do not freeze the log as it can alter the texture.