Name: Holiday Non-Alcoholic Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped; 1/3 cup black olives, pitted and chopped; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped; 1/4 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped (such as parsley, basil, or chives); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1/2 cup toasted nuts, finely chopped (such as walnuts or pecans); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Festive Holiday Non-alcoholic Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is my absolute secret weapon for stress-free entertaining during the bustling holiday season. I’ve discovered that creating a truly memorable appetizer doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen, and this recipe perfectly embodies that ethos. Imagine a beautifully presented, incredibly flavorful dish that practically makes itself, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests and the festive atmosphere.

Antipasto platters have long been cherished for their vibrant array of flavors and textures, traditionally signaling the start of a delightful meal. This cream cheese log takes that beloved tradition and transforms it into a convenient, shareable format that’s ideal for any gathering. People adore this dish not just for its stunning visual appeal, but also for the delightful combination of savory antipasto ingredients—sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers—all harmoniously blended with creamy cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that caters to everyone, ensuring a delicious and inclusive start to your celebration.

I promise you, once you try preparing this incredible appetizer, it will become your most requested holiday creation. It’s surprisingly simple to assemble, yet delivers such a sophisticated punch of flavor and festive charm. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this spectacular Festive Holiday Non-alcoholic Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, making your holiday entertaining both elegant and effortless.

Ingredients:

2 (8-ounce) packages full-fat cream cheese, softened at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Using full-fat cream cheese is absolutely essential for that rich, decadent texture we’re aiming for with our Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log. Trust me on this, you don’t want to skimp here!
1/4 cup good quality mayonnaise. I find a full-flavored mayo adds an extra layer of richness and helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
1/4 cup sour cream, full-fat is preferred. This adds a lovely tang that balances the richness of the cream cheese beautifully.
2 cloves garlic, minced very finely, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Fresh garlic offers a more vibrant flavor, but powder is a convenient substitute.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder. This provides a subtle, sweet onion undertone without the crunch of fresh onion.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Its earthy, slightly peppery notes are classic in antipasto preparations.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for the best flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste. Remember to adjust based on the saltiness of your other ingredients like olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained well and finely chopped. These bring a concentrated burst of sweet and savory flavor that is just divine. Make sure they are patted dry to avoid adding excess moisture.
1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained well and finely chopped. Their slightly tangy, earthy flavor is a cornerstone of antipasto. Again, thorough draining is key!
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and finely chopped. These provide a briny, salty counterpoint that really elevates the whole dish.
1/4 cup roasted red peppers (from a jar), drained well and finely chopped. Their sweetness and smoky flavor are simply irresistible.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped. This adds a vibrant freshness and a touch of color.
2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped. Its aromatic, slightly peppery notes are quintessential Italian.
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (scallions), white and light green parts only. These offer a mild oniony bite and a beautiful pop of green.

For the Coating/Garnish (Optional but highly recommended for a truly Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log):

1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, very finely chopped. A toasted nut coating adds an amazing textural contrast and nutty flavor.
1/4 cup fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped. For a final flourish of fresh color.
Optional additions for coating: finely diced red bell pepper, finely crumbled crispy bacon bits (if not strictly vegetarian), or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for an extra flavor kick.

Serving Suggestions:

Assorted crackers, pita bread, bagel chips, crostini.
Fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, celery.

Preparing Your Creamy Base:

Ensure your cream cheese is perfectly softened: This is a crucial first step for achieving that wonderfully smooth, lump-free base for your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log. If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, you’ll end up with a lumpy mixture that’s difficult to work with. I usually leave my cream cheese blocks on the counter for at least an hour, sometimes two, especially if my kitchen is cool. You should be able to press a finger into it easily. If you’re in a hurry, you can unwrap the cream cheese and microwave it in a safe bowl for about 15-20 seconds on low power, checking frequently to ensure it doesn’t melt, just softens. You want it pliable, not warm or runny.
Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream: In a large mixing bowl, scoop in the softened cream cheese. Add the mayonnaise and sour cream. Now, using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer), beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is incredibly smooth and light. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated. You’re looking for a homogenous, airy, and creamy consistency – this is the foundation of our magnificent Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, so take your time here!
Infuse with initial seasonings: Once your creamy base is velvety smooth, it’s time to add our foundational seasonings. Sprinkle in the minced garlic (or garlic powder), onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Continue to beat on low speed for another minute or so, just until these spices are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture. It’s important not to overmix at this stage once the spices are added; we just want them integrated. This initial seasoning provides a wonderful aromatic backbone to the entire log, ensuring every bite is flavorful, even before we add our star antipasto elements.

Infusing Flavors: The Antipasto Medley

Prepare your antipasto ingredients: This is where the magic really starts to happen, bringing the “Antipasto” part of our Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log to life! Take each ingredient and prepare it meticulously.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: If they’re oil-packed, drain them really well. I like to lay them out on a few layers of paper towels and gently press to remove any excess oil. Too much oil can make your log greasy. Then, finely chop them. You want small, consistent pieces so they distribute evenly and you get a burst of flavor in every spoonful, not a huge chewy piece.
- Marinated artichoke hearts: These too need to be drained thoroughly. Gently squeeze out any excess liquid, as moisture is the enemy of a firm cream cheese log. Then, finely chop them into small, manageable pieces.
- Kalamata olives: Ensure they are pitted! If yours aren’t, do that first. Then, chop them finely. Their briny intensity means you want small pieces so the flavor is present but not overwhelming.
- Roasted red peppers: Drain these just like the tomatoes and artichokes. Pat them dry and then finely chop. The vibrant red color they contribute is beautiful, and their sweet, smoky flavor is a perfect complement.
- Fresh herbs (parsley and basil): Give them a good wash and pat them very dry. Then, finely chop them. We’re aiming for maximum fresh flavor and visual appeal here, so a fine chop is key.
- Green onions: Trim off the root ends and any dark green, tough parts. Use the white and light green sections, slicing them very thinly. These add a mild oniony zest and a gorgeous fleck of green.
The goal for all these ingredients is uniform, small pieces. This ensures that every bite of your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a symphony of flavors, rather than an uneven experience.
Gently fold in the prepared antipasto elements: Once all your lovely ingredients are finely chopped and ready, add them to your cream cheese base. This includes the sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, fresh parsley, fresh basil, and chopped green onions. Now, switch from the electric mixer to a sturdy rubber spatula or a wooden spoon. Gently fold all these vibrant ingredients into the cream cheese mixture. The key here is “gently.” You don’t want to beat the air out of your creamy base, nor do you want to mash the delicate ingredients. Just fold until everything is beautifully and evenly distributed, creating a colorful mosaic throughout the mixture.
Taste and adjust seasonings: This is my favorite part! Grab a small spoon and take a taste of your mixture. How’s the salt level? Is there enough pepper? Do you want a little more garlic or oregano? The saltiness of olives and sun-dried tomatoes can vary, so it’s always wise to taste before serving. Adjust any seasonings as needed, mixing them in thoroughly but gently. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take away! Aim for a perfectly balanced flavor profile that sings “Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log!”

Shaping and Chilling Your Log of Delight

Prepare for shaping: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on a clean work surface. You’ll want it to be long enough to enclose your entire log with some overlap. I often use two pieces, slightly overlapping, to ensure a secure wrap.
Form the log: Spoon the entire cream cheese mixture onto the center of your prepared plastic wrap. Now, using your hands (gloves recommended for cleanliness and ease of handling) or the plastic wrap itself, begin to gently shape the mixture into a log. Aim for a log that is approximately 8-10 inches long and about 2.5-3 inches in diameter. As you shape, try to make it as even and compact as possible, pressing out any air pockets.
Tip: If you find it hard to get a perfect log shape, you can wrap the mixture loosely, then gently roll it back and forth on the counter, applying gentle pressure, to smooth out the sides and achieve that classic log appearance.
Chill thoroughly: Once shaped, wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap, ensuring it’s sealed on all sides. You can even double-wrap it for extra security. Place the wrapped Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This chilling time is absolutely essential for two main reasons:
- Firming up: It allows the cream cheese log to become firm enough to hold its shape beautifully when unwrapped and served.
- Flavor melding: More importantly, it gives all those wonderful antipasto flavors time to meld and deepen, resulting in a much more delicious and harmonious taste. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!

The Festive Finishing Touches

Prepare your coating ingredients: While your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is chilling, you can get your coating ingredients ready. If you’re using pecans or walnuts, finely chop them. You want them almost crumb-like, but still with some texture, so they adhere well to the log. If you choose to toast them lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes, stirring constantly, it will really bring out their nutty flavor. Let them cool completely before using. Finely chop your fresh parsley or chives for garnish, and prepare any other decorative elements you plan to use.
Coat the log: When you’re ready to serve (or a couple of hours before), carefully unwrap the chilled cream cheese log. On a clean plate or cutting board, scatter your chosen coating mixture (e.g., finely chopped nuts, herbs, or a combination). Gently roll the cream cheese log through the coating, pressing lightly with your hands to ensure the nuts and herbs adhere evenly to all sides. You want a generous, beautiful coating that completely encases the log, making it visually appealing and adding a delightful crunch.
Final garnishing and presentation: Transfer your beautifully coated Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log to your serving platter. You can further garnish it with a light sprinkle of fresh herbs down the center, a few whole olives at the ends, or some finely diced red bell pepper for extra holiday color. Arrange an assortment of crackers, pita bread, and fresh vegetable sticks around the log. Think about creating a festive spread that invites guests to dive in!
Serve and enjoy: Allow the log to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This takes the chill off slightly, making it easier to spread and ensuring the flavors are at their peak. Encourage your guests to spread generous amounts onto their chosen dipper. This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is truly a showstopper, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss. It’s incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser, delivering a burst of vibrant, savory flavor in every bite. Enjoy watching it disappear!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! We’ve journeyed through the creation of what I truly believe is one of the most delightful, effortlessly elegant, and utterly crowd-pleasing appetizers you can bring to any gathering. If you’re looking for a recipe that combines convenience with an explosion of fresh, savory flavors, then this is absolutely your go-to. It’s not just a dish; it’s a conversation starter, a vibrant centerpiece, and a testament to how incredible simple ingredients can be when brought together with a little love and creativity. I’m always amazed by how something so straightforward can elicit such strong positive reactions, making everyone feel special and well-cared for.

What makes this recipe a true must-try is its incredible versatility and the sheer joy it brings to the table. It’s perfect for last-minute entertaining, as much of the prep can be done ahead of time, allowing you to relax and enjoy your guests when the big day arrives. You won’t be slaving away in the kitchen while everyone else is socializing; instead, you’ll be right there, enjoying the fruits of your minimal labor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce a burst of fresh vegetables and herbs, balancing out richer holiday fare. This recipe truly shines, offering a refreshing counterpoint to heavier dishes, ensuring your guests have a diverse and enjoyable culinary experience. The bright, tangy notes of the cream cheese, perfectly complemented by the savory mix-ins, create a harmony that is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, so be warned – you might want to make extra!

Now, for serving suggestions and ways to make this even more “you.” While it’s utterly delicious on its own, served simply with a variety of sturdy crackers – think artisanal multi-grain, crispy rye, or even gluten-free options – you can elevate the experience even further. Imagine crisp vegetable crudités like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or even blanched asparagus spears, perfect for dipping. Pretzel crisps offer a fantastic salty crunch that beautifully complements the creamy texture. For a slightly sweeter, yet still savory, twist, apple or pear slices can be a delightful pairing, adding a touch of fruitiness.

Feeling adventurous and want to put your own stamp on it? The possibilities for variations are practically endless! For a bolder flavor profile, consider incorporating a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce into the cream cheese mixture for a subtle kick. Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed and finely minced) can add a wonderfully concentrated umami depth, while toasted pecans or walnuts would introduce a satisfying nutty crunch. If you’re catering to different dietary needs, this recipe adapts beautifully. You can easily swap out regular cream cheese for a plant-based vegan cream cheese alternative, ensuring everyone can partake in this delightful appetizer. Experiment with different fresh herbs too: dill would offer a bright, almost lemony note, while chives would add a gentle oniony flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix and match; that’s where the real fun begins! Perhaps a touch of finely grated lemon zest for an extra zing, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese for added tang and complexity. I’ve personally tried adding a layer of finely chopped roasted red peppers, and the result was absolutely spectacular, both in flavor and visual appeal. This adaptability is what makes the Festive Holiday Antnon-alcoholic ipasto Cream Cheese Log such a cherished recipe in my collection.

So, my friends, I genuinely hope I’ve convinced you to give this amazing recipe a try. It’s more than just an appetizer; it’s an experience waiting to happen, a way to add a touch of homemade warmth and festive spirit to your table without any stress. When you do make it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, tell me about your favorite variations, or just let me know how much your friends and family enjoyed it. Your feedback truly brightens my day and inspires me to keep sharing delicious, approachable recipes. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!