Description
Make your holiday table pop with this vibrant, make-ahead Antipasto Cream Cheese Log—a no-bake appetizer that’s creamy, tangy, and full of Italian-inspired flavor. A smooth cream cheese base is folded with roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, then rolled in a crunchy, colorful coating for instant party appeal. It’s an easy recipe that preps in minutes, chills while you get everything else ready, and slices beautifully for entertaining. Perfect for holiday appetizers, potlucks, game day, or any time you need party appetizer ideas and quick food ideas. Serve with crackers, crostini, or crisp veggies for a crowd-pleasing, stress-free starter that tastes as festive as it looks.
Ingredients
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped and patted dry
1/3 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
1/3 cup green olives with pimentos, chopped
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped (for coating)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (for coating)
1 tbsp olive oil (from sun-dried tomato jar), optional for richness
1–2 tbsp chopped pepperoncini, optional for a mild kick
Instructions
1. Let cream cheese stand at room temperature until easily spreadable.
2. Finely chop roasted peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley; pat dry.
3. Stir garlic powder and black pepper into the chopped mixture; add olive oil if using.
4. Mix softened cream cheese with half of the antipasto mixture until evenly combined.
5. Transfer onto plastic wrap; shape into a tight 6–7-inch log; wrap and chill 2 hours.
6. Combine remaining antipasto mixture with chopped pecans and parsley for coating.
7. Unwrap log; roll in coating, pressing to adhere; garnish with extra herbs.
8. Serve with crackers, crostini, or crisp veggies; slice with a clean sharp knife.
Notes
For clean slices, chill overnight and wipe the knife between cuts.
If mix-ins are very briny, rinse and pat dry; taste before adding salt.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 124
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 168
- Fat: 11.9
- Saturated Fat: 6.2
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.6
- Trans Fat: 0.05
- Carbohydrates: 3.1
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 1.9
- Cholesterol: 31
Keywords: holiday appetizer, antipasto cream cheese log, make-ahead appetizer, party dip, appetizer ideas, easy recipe