What’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gathering? This festive antipasto cream cheese log with olives and rosemary sprigs is an easy and impressive homemade appetizer that’s sure to delight, featuring a blend of creamy cheese and fresh herbs, Pin for later to make it a family favorite.

festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log with olives and rosemary sprigs

Introduction

The festive holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and share delicious, easy-to-make dishes that are sure to impress. One such dish is the festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log with olives and rosemary sprigs, a creative and flavorful appetizer or snack that combines the richness of cream cheese with the savory flavors of antipasto and the freshness of rosemary. This recipe is ideal for the holidays because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact, and it can be made with everyday ingredients that are easily accessible. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small, intimate dinner party, this cream cheese log is sure to be a hit with your guests.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of cream cheese, antipasto, olives, and rosemary sprigs creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is both savory and fresh, and all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: This recipe requires no cooking and can be prepared in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log with olives and rosemary sprigs looks impressive and elegant, making it perfect for special occasions.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe include cream cheese, antipasto (such as salami or ham), pitted green olives, fresh rosemary sprigs, and garlic powder. You can also customize the recipe to your taste by using different types of antipasto or adding other ingredients such as diced bell peppers or chopped fresh parsley. For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese. If you can’t find fresh rosemary, you can substitute it with dried rosemary or thyme.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Chop the antipasto into small pieces and slice the olives. Rinse the rosemary sprigs and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped antipasto, sliced olives, and garlic powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on a flat surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap or parchment paper and shape it into a log. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Just before serving, remove the log from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Place the log on a serving plate or platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. You can also serve the log with crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for a more substantial snack.

Handy Tips

To ensure that the cream cheese log holds its shape, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
If you find that the log is too soft or difficult to slice, you can refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes to firm it up.
To add some extra flavor to the log, you can mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts into the cream cheese mixture.

Heat Control

This recipe does not require any heat, as it is a no-cook dish. However, if you choose to serve the log with toasted bread or crackers, you can toast them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the sliced olives and the fresh rosemary sprigs. To add some extra crunch, you can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts or sesame seeds, over the top of the log before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

To make the log more visually appealing, you can create a pattern on top of the log using sliced olives or pimentos.
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
To make cleanup easier, you can line your serving plate or platter with parchment paper or a silicone mat before serving the log.

Storage Tips

The cream cheese log can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze the log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen logs can be stored for up to 2 months.
To reheat a frozen log, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and serve.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cream cheese log is a great gift idea for friends and family, especially during the holiday season. To package the log as a gift, you can wrap it in decorative paper or foil and place it in a gift basket or tin. You can also include some crackers or breadsticks and a few garnishes, such as fresh rosemary sprigs or pimentos, to make the gift more complete.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: You can add some dried oregano or basil to the cream cheese mixture for a more Italian-inspired flavor.
Creative toppings: You can top the log with some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, or some grated cheese, such as Parmesan or feta.
Ingredient swaps: You can substitute the antipasto with some diced ham or bacon, or use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the log is too soft or too hard, you can adjust the amount of cream cheese or add some more antipasto to achieve the right texture.
Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find some of the ingredients, such as antipasto or rosemary, you can substitute them with similar ingredients or omit them altogether.
Over/undercooking signs: Since this is a no-cook dish, you don’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking. However, if you choose to serve the log with toasted bread or crackers, you can check for doneness by looking for a crispy and golden brown texture.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese log for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, making it a great option for guests with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger log. Simply multiply the ingredients and follow the same instructions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log with olives and rosemary sprigs is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for the holiday season. With its rich and creamy texture, savory flavor, and fresh herbs, this log is sure to be a hit with your guests. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small, intimate dinner party, this recipe is a great option for a stress-free and impressive appetizer or snack. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the compliments and praise from your friends and family!

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