Easy Antipasto Cheese Log Recipe for Holiday Parties Guide
Author:asmahane
Total Time:1 hour 50 minutes
Yield:8 servings 1x
Description
Whip up a crowdpleasing Antipasto Cheese Log in minutes simple steps festive flavors and partyready tips to impress guests at your holiday parties
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella (or provolone)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
4 oz thinly sliced salami or pepperoni, finely chopped
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
1/3 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
1/4 cup mixed olives, pitted and chopped
2 tbsp fresh basil, finely sliced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios
Olive oil (for brushing) and a drizzle of balsamic (optional)
Crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
Soften and blend: Place the softened cream cheese in a bowl and beat until smooth and fluffy.
Add the cheeses and seasonings: Mix in the shredded mozzarella (or provolone), grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and black pepper; stir until evenly combined (about 1–2 minutes).
Fold in the antipasto bits: Reserve about one-third of the chopped salami, peppers, olives, and artichokes for the outside. Gently fold the rest into the cheese mixture so you get visible flecks of color and texture.
Shape the log: Spoon the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap (or parchment) and use the wrap to shape into a tight cylinder about 7–8 inches long. Press and smooth the outside so it is evenly rounded.
Chill to firm up: Wrap the log tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (2 hours is ideal).
Prepare the coating: While the log chills, finely chop the reserved antipasto mix and the toasted nuts and combine them on a flat plate.
Coat the log: Unwrap the chilled log and brush lightly with olive oil. Roll the log in the antipasto-nut mixture, pressing gently so pieces adhere and form an even crust.
Final chill and rest: Wrap again and chill for at least 30 minutes. Remove from fridge 10–15 minutes before serving so the texture is creamier and easier to scoop.
Serve and enjoy: Place on a board, drizzle a little balsamic and olive oil if desired, and surround with crackers, crostini, and veggies.
Notes
A creamy, festive antipasto cheese log studded with salami, roasted peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, herbs, and a crunchy nut-and-antipasto coating. Easy to assemble, chill, and serve for parties, potlucks, or game days.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Category:Appetizer
Cuisine:Italian
Nutrition
Calories:260 kcal
Sugar:2 g
Fat:22 g
Carbohydrates:4 g
Fiber:1 g
Protein:8 g
Keywords: antipasto, cheese log, appetizer, party food, potluck, make-ahead
