When you’re hosting during the holiday season, there’s nothing quite like having a showstopper appetizer that impresses guests without creating chaos in the kitchen. This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is exactly that kind of dish—a delicious, colorful, crowd-pleasing bite that comes together quickly and always gets rave reviews.

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Cream cheese becomes the perfect creamy base for a mixture of tangy, briny, and herby antipasto ingredients. Think marinated artichokes, olives, roasted red peppers, and herbs, all chopped up and folded into cheese, then rolled and chilled into a log that slices like a dream. It looks stunning on a charcuterie board or cheese platter and makes any holiday table feel extra special.

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

This appetizer hits all the right notes—it’s creamy and savory, with bursts of brightness from the pickled and roasted elements. The prep is minimal and forgiving, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings. It’s also make-ahead friendly, which makes entertaining stress-free. Best of all, it pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or even fresh veggies for a lighter touch.

Can I Customize the Mix-Ins?

Absolutely. This recipe is super versatile. Don’t like olives? Leave them out. Want to add chopped sundried tomatoes or some chopped nuts for crunch? Go for it. You can lean Mediterranean with capers and feta or make it spicy with hot peppers and salami bits. The cream cheese is a blank canvas that plays well with a range of bold, punchy flavors.

Ingredients for the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This log packs a punch of flavor thanks to the combination of savory, tangy, and creamy elements. The ingredient list might look festive on its own, with reds, greens, and rich textures. Each addition serves a purpose in both flavor and appearance, making the final result not just delicious but also stunning to look at on any holiday table.

Cream cheese
Marinated artichoke hearts
Roasted red peppers

Kalamata olives
Green olives
Fresh parsley

Fresh basil
Garlic powder
Salt

Black pepper
Plastic wrap or parchment paper (for shaping the log)
Chopped pistachios or sliced almonds (optional, for coating)

How To Make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by finely chopping the marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, green olives, parsley, and basil. The smaller the pieces, the better the mix-in texture.

Step 2: Soften and Mix

Let the cream cheese sit out until it reaches room temperature. Then in a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the chopped ingredients. Stir until fully incorporated, and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Shape the Log

Lay a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment on your work surface. Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto it, and use the wrap to help form it into a log shape. Roll it up tightly and twist the ends to seal.

Step 4: Chill to Set

Place the wrapped log in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight). This step allows the log to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Before serving, unwrap the log and roll it in chopped pistachios or sliced almonds if desired for a crunchy outer layer. Place on a serving board with crackers or bread and garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.

Serving and Storing Your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

This creamy, flavorful log serves about 10 to 12 people as an appetizer, making it perfect for a holiday party, family gathering, or festive brunch. It’s a beautiful centerpiece for a charcuterie board and holds up well on a serving platter for hours.

If you’re making it ahead of time, you can prepare the entire log and refrigerate it (wrapped well) for up to 3 days. If you’ve added a nut coating, it’s best to roll the log in the nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will keep for 3 to 4 days.

What to Serve With the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?

Crackers and Crostini

A classic pairing. Choose sturdy varieties like water crackers, multigrain, or toasted baguette slices.

Fresh Veggies

Cucumber rounds, celery sticks, and bell pepper strips all provide a nice crunchy contrast.

Cured Meats

Add prosciutto, salami, or soppressata for a more indulgent charcuterie-style presentation.

Pickles and Giardiniera

The acidity from pickled veggies enhances the rich cream cheese flavor.

Soft Pita or Flatbread

Warm, pillowy bread brings a different textural option and a heartier bite.

Apple or Pear Slices

For a sweet and savory experience, thinly sliced fruit pairs surprisingly well.

Mini Breadsticks

They’re crunchy, festive-looking, and perfect for spreading or dipping.

Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta

A tangy topping that echoes the Mediterranean vibe and plays well with the creamy log.

Want More Holiday Appetizer Ideas?

If you’re in the mood for more irresistible small bites to bring joy to your seasonal gatherings, check out these recipes from Luna Meals:

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a crowd-pleasing main with festive flavor.
Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds for a lighter, veggie-forward appetizer.

Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Deviled Eggs for a bold twist on a classic.
Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts if you’re also planning a sweet bite alongside savory snacks.
Creamy Mushroom Ravioli to bring elegance and earthy richness to your table.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or holiday board so it’s always within reach when you’re hosting next.

And let me know how it turns out! Did you go with pistachios or skip the nut coating? Did you add any fun mix-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or prosciutto?

I’d love to hear how you made this festive favorite your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is the kind of recipe that adds both beauty and bold flavor to your holiday table. It’s easy to prep, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to spark conversation around the appetizer tray. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a relaxed get-together, this dish fits right in with the celebration.

Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log