Name: Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 2 packages cream cheese (8 oz each); 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped; 1/4 cup green olives, finely chopped; 1/4 cup kalamata olives, finely chopped; 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup chopped salami (optional)

The holiday season calls for appetizers that feel as special as the moment itself. This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a showstopper that combines creamy, tangy, savory, and briny all in one colorful spread. It slices beautifully, looks stunning on a platter, and is ridiculously easy to put together—no baking required.

With a blend of antipasto favorites like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and herbs swirled into cream cheese, this log delivers layers of bold flavor. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you look like you worked way harder than you actually did.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

It brings together bold Mediterranean flavors with creamy cheese in one sliceable, make-ahead appetizer. Perfect for entertaining, this cheese log can be prepped days in advance and served with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies. It’s gluten-free, crowd-pleasing, and so simple you might just make it more than once this season.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Cheese?

Absolutely! While cream cheese gives it that rich, spreadable base, you can mix in a little goat cheese for tang, or mascarpone for extra silkiness. Just make sure whatever cheese you use is soft and will hold its shape when chilled. A bit of grated parmesan also boosts the umami if you’re feeling bold.

Ingredients for the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This cheese log is a celebration of vibrant antipasto ingredients that each bring their own bold punch. Cream cheese creates the smooth base, while olives, herbs, and vegetables weave through every slice with texture and tang. Make sure everything is finely chopped to ensure each bite is balanced.

Cream cheese
Sun-dried tomatoes
Green olives
Kalamata olives
Roasted red peppers
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Fresh parsley
Black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped salami (optional)

Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log 2

How To Make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese

Take your cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting. This makes it easier to mix and helps create a smoother texture.

Step 2: Prep Your Antipasto Mix-ins

Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, green and kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and parsley. If you’re adding salami, dice it into small pieces so it folds easily into the cheese.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with your chopped ingredients. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir until fully combined.

Step 4: Shape the Log

Scoop the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a log using the wrap to help mold it, then roll tightly and twist the ends. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When ready to serve, unwrap and place the log on a platter. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or olives for a festive touch. Serve with crackers or crostini.

How to Serve and Store Your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This appetizer is ideal for entertaining because it feeds a crowd and holds its shape beautifully at room temperature for hours. It serves about 10 to 12 people, depending on how generously you slice it. You can place it on a cheese board with crackers, crostini, and fresh-cut veggies, or let it shine on its own garnished with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

To store, simply wrap the leftover log in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to five days. You can also make it ahead and freeze it, tightly wrapped, for up to a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What to Serve With Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?

Crostini

Crispy, toasted slices of baguette make a sturdy and delicious base.

Crackers

Choose an assortment—buttery, seeded, and gluten-free—to match different textures and flavors.

Fresh Veggies

Bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, and cherry tomatoes all work wonderfully.

Breadsticks

Long, thin breadsticks offer a crunch and classic pairing with creamy spreads.

Cured Meats

Add prosciutto or soppressata on the platter for a more robust antipasto vibe.

Cheese Cubes

For a full charcuterie experience, throw in sharp cheddar, manchego, or gouda.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled onions, artichokes, or pepperoncini add zip that complements the creamy base.

Nuts

Toasted almonds or walnuts bring texture and a hint of sweetness.

Want More Holiday Appetizer Ideas?

If this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log gets you in the holiday spirit, there are more savory showstoppers to try next:

Try these Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls if you want creamy, spicy, and crunchy in one bite. Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls
Warm up your platter with Parmesan Crusted Chicken that can easily be sliced into appetizer-friendly bites. Parmesan Crusted Chicken
For a veggie-rich option, these Roasted Zucchini and Squash are perfect for serving at room temp. Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Add a touch of indulgence with Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a sweet finish to your savory start. Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when the holidays roll around.

And if you make it, let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you stick to the antipasto theme or give it a twist of your own? I love seeing how you all make these recipes uniquely yours.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and everyday meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest: Janet Dishes on Pinterest

Conclusion

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log isn’t just easy and elegant—it’s memorable. Whether you’re hosting family or bringing a dish to share, this recipe adds a pop of color and flavor to any table. Best of all, it can be made ahead, freeing up your time to enjoy the party.