Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log with Roasted Red Peppers and Parmesan

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Description

This Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is a colorful, savory, and irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or any celebration. Made with a blend of cream cheese, roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, it’s rolled into a log and coated with fresh herbs and nuts for extra crunch. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks for a beautiful centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients For Festive Antipasto Cream Cheese Log with Roasted Red Peppers and Parmesan

  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened

  • 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup black olives, chopped

  • 1/4 cup green olives, chopped

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 green onions, finely chopped

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for coating)

  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts (for coating)

  • Crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

  2. Stir in roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until evenly combined.

  3. Place the mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap. Shape into a log (about 8 inches long) and tightly wrap.

  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to firm up.

  5. Just before serving, unwrap and roll the log in chopped parsley and nuts for a festive, textured coating.

  6. Serve on a platter with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.

Notes

  • For a shortcut, shape into a ball instead of a log.

  • You can substitute goat cheese or mascarpone for part of the cream cheese for extra richness.

  • Make-ahead friendly: prepare up to 2 days in advance and keep refrigerated.

  • Use different nuts (pistachios, almonds, or pecans) for variety.

Tips

  • For easier spreading, take the log out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving.

  • Use high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.

  • To make it extra festive, garnish with diced roasted peppers and olives on top after rolling.

  • If you prefer a smoky flavor, add a little smoked paprika.

Servings

  • Makes about 10–12 appetizer servings.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 180

  • Protein: 5g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Carbohydrates: 4g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 1g

  • Sodium: 260mg

Benefits

  • Rich in flavor: Combines creamy, tangy, salty, and herby notes.

  • Great for gatherings: Easy to prep and looks stunning on a party table.

  • Customizable: Swap in different cheeses, nuts, or veggies.

  • Protein & calcium: From cream cheese and Parmesan.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the log up to 2 days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Add the parsley and nut coating right before serving.

Q: What can I serve it with besides crackers?
A: Try sliced cucumbers, bell pepper strips, celery, breadsticks, or toasted pita chips.

Q: Can I freeze this cream cheese log?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze it (without coating) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add coating before serving.

Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Yes—use light cream cheese or a mix of Greek yogurt and cream cheese for a lower-fat version.

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