Name: Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup green olives, chopped; 1/2 cup black olives, chopped; 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced; 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 1/3 cup chopped pecans or almonds; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

A centerpiece-worthy appetizer that bursts with festive flair, this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a showstopper at any holiday gathering. With its vibrant toppings of olives, cranberries, peppers, and herbs, it delivers bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors in every creamy, savory bite. It not only looks impressive but also brings the wow factor without any need for cooking.

This appetizer is a dream for hosts: make-ahead friendly, quick to assemble, and incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks and holds up well at room temperature for a party. Whether you’re serving this at a Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve bash, or holiday potluck, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this antipasto cream cheese log, you’ll need just a few kitchen essentials:

Mixing Bowl – Crucial for combining the cream cheese with the chopped antipasto ingredients evenly.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Helps fold and blend everything without overworking the cheese.
Plastic Wrap – Needed to shape and chill the log neatly in the fridge.

Sharp Knife – Ideal for chopping olives, roasted peppers, herbs, and nuts to the perfect bite-sized pieces.
Serving Platter or Board – The final log deserves a beautiful display, so place it on a wooden board or holiday-themed dish.
Offset Spatula or Butter Knife – Handy for smoothing the surface of the log and spreading on crackers.

These tools keep the preparation fuss-free while ensuring your cheese log looks polished and festive. Having the right items on hand also helps preserve texture and presentation when assembling the antipasto ingredients into the cream cheese base.

Ingredients for the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture is key in this holiday appetizer, and each ingredient plays a role in making it special:

Cream Cheese (softened) – Acts as the smooth, creamy base that holds everything together and balances the briny and savory elements.

Pitted Olives (green and black, chopped) – Provide a salty, tangy contrast and holiday color with their deep hues.
Roasted Red Peppers (diced) – Add a sweet, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese.
Chopped Pecans or Almonds – Offer crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the texture.

Fresh Parsley and Rosemary (minced) – Deliver a vibrant herbal freshness and festive green touch.
Dried Cranberries – Lend a chewy texture and tart-sweet burst that complements the savory components.
Salt and Cracked Black Pepper – Essential for rounding out the flavors.

How To Make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Step 1: Soften and Prep Your Base

Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature. This makes it easier to mix and ensures a smoother texture when combining ingredients.

Step 2: Fold in the Flavor

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped olives, roasted red peppers, cranberries, parsley, rosemary, and nuts with the softened cream cheese. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until well-distributed.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Scoop the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using your hands and the wrap, form it into a log shape. Twist the ends and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) so it firms up and flavors meld.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Unwrap the log and place it on a serving platter. Decorate the top with additional chopped olives, peppers, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs for an eye-catching finish. Serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced veggies.

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

When it comes to presentation, this cream cheese log shines best when served slightly chilled but not ice-cold. Let it rest at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to bloom and the texture to soften just enough for easy spreading.

Pair it with buttery crackers, toasted crostini, or crisp vegetables like celery and cucumber slices for a colorful and refreshing contrast. Want to make it even more inviting? Surround the log with a festive ring of rosemary sprigs and bright cranberries for that holiday table wow factor.

For storage, simply rewrap the log in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’re making it ahead of time, hold off on adding the decorative toppings until just before serving to keep them vibrant and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cream cheese works best for this recipe?

Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture and flavor. Whipped cream cheese can be too airy and won’t hold the log shape as well.

Can I make this antipasto log in advance?

Absolutely! It can be made up to 2 days ahead. Just keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge until ready to garnish and serve.

What nuts work best if I don’t have pecans?

Almonds or walnuts make great substitutes. Toasting the nuts before chopping enhances their flavor and crunch.

How do I prevent the cream cheese log from getting too soft at a party?

Chill it well before serving and set it on a chilled platter or place over a bowl of ice if it’s going to be out for several hours.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese alternative. Just make sure it’s firm enough to hold shape after chilling.

What can I serve this with besides crackers?

It’s delicious with cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, breadsticks, or as a spread inside mini sandwiches.

Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, you’ll probably enjoy these other crowd-pleasers from Life With Olivia:

Taco Ranch Bites for bold, zesty party flavors.

Creamy Boat Dip (Rotel Ranch Dip) when you’re craving something cool and creamy.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for an easy main dish to pair with your appetizer.
Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for handheld cheesy bites everyone loves.

Soft and Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread to use as an alternative dipper.

And if you’re looking for even more festive dishes and creative appetizers, check out my daily updates and recipes on Pinterest @scherer29.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it anytime during the holiday season.

And when you make it, drop a comment below—did you go extra on the olives or try a spicy variation? Maybe you swapped in sun-dried tomatoes or used a vegan cheese base?

I love seeing how you make each recipe your own. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share tips. We’re in this delicious journey together!

Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a make-ahead, no-bake appetizer that’s full of Mediterranean flavors, crunch, and creamy richness. It’s beautifully festive and perfect for entertaining during Christmas, New Year’s, or any holiday gathering.

Instructions

1. Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature to make mixing easier.

2. In a mixing bowl, fold in the chopped olives, roasted red peppers, dried cranberries, parsley, rosemary, and nuts with the cream cheese until well combined.

3. Scoop the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and form into a log shape. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

4. Unwrap and place the log onto a serving platter. Garnish with extra toppings if desired.

5. Serve with crackers, crostini, or vegetable slices.