Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about gathering with family and friends, isn’t there? I can still remember the first time I served my festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log at a cozy Christmas party. As soon as I placed it on the table, the room filled with excited chatter and the delightful aroma of fresh herbs and roasted peppers. This log is seriously a showstopper! It’s so vibrant and colorful, it practically shouts “celebration!” Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which means I can spend more time enjoying the company of my loved ones. Trust me, this creamy, flavorful delight is sure to impress your guests and elevate any holiday gathering!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for easy mixing!)
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped (these add a sweet, smoky flavor that’s just divine)
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (for that briny kick—trust me, it’s a must!)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (they bring a burst of concentrated flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of freshness and color)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (a little sprinkle of that herb magic)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (these will give your log a delightful crunch)
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (this drizzle adds a tangy sweetness that ties it all together)
How to Prepare the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Making this festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log is as fun as it is delicious! Let’s dive into each step so you can impress your guests with minimal effort.
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to add your softened cream cheese first—make sure it’s nice and soft so it blends easily! Then, toss in the chopped roasted red peppers, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Don’t forget the garlic powder and Italian seasoning! Use a spatula or a fork to mix everything together until it’s all well combined and creamy. It should look like a colorful, chunky spread that’s practically begging to be tasted!
Step 2: Shape the Log
Now comes the fun part! With clean hands, scoop the mixture out of the bowl and form it into a log shape. I like to roll it a bit to get smooth edges, but don’t worry about perfection. It’s going to be delicious no matter what! Just ensure it’s compact enough so it holds together nicely.
Step 3: Coat with Walnuts
Time to add some crunch! Pour the chopped walnuts onto a plate. Carefully roll your log in the walnuts, pressing gently so they stick to the surface. This adds such a great texture and flavor—trust me, you’ll love the contrast!
Step 4: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
Once your log is all coated, place it on a serving platter. Now, grab that balsamic glaze and drizzle it generously over the top. It’s like the cherry on top of this savory creation! The sweet tang of the glaze enhances all those rich flavors, making it look even more appetizing.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Finally, you’ll want to chill your masterpiece in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully together. Just imagine how amazing it’ll taste when you finally serve it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Stunning presentation that adds a festive flair to your holiday table.
- Rich and creamy texture balanced with crunchy walnuts and tangy glaze.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch.
- Great for sharing; it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!
Tips for Success
To ensure your festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. It’ll blend much easier and create a smoother texture. If you want to add more flavor, consider mixing in some crumbled feta or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Also, don’t be shy with the walnuts—coating your log generously gives it that delightful crunch! And remember, chilling is key; it not only helps the log hold its shape but also enhances the flavors. Trust me, your guests will be singing your praises!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in this tasty festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log? Here’s a typical breakdown per serving, but keep in mind these values are estimates based on the ingredients used:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
This is a delightful, savory treat that fits nicely into a vegetarian diet while still being rich and satisfying. Enjoy every creamy bite without the guilt!
Serving Suggestions
To take your festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log to the next level, I love to serve it with a beautiful array of crackers or slices of crusty bread. The crunch of the crackers pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the log! You could also include some fresh veggie sticks like carrots and bell peppers for a colorful, healthy option. And don’t forget a few slices of prosciutto or salami on the side for those who enjoy a little meat with their cheese! A light drizzle of extra balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving can really elevate the presentation and flavor. Enjoy the deliciousness!
FAQ Section
Can I make the festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log ahead of time?
Absolutely! This log can be made a day in advance, which actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
What can I substitute if I don’t have walnuts?
No worries! You can use pecans or even almonds for a different crunch. If you want to skip the nuts altogether, just roll the log in some extra herbs for a fresh look!
How should I serve it?
I love serving this log with an assortment of crackers, bread, or fresh veggies. It’s such a versatile appetizer that pairs well with many options!
Can I add more ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite antipasto ingredients. Artichokes, feta cheese, or even spicy peppers can add an extra kick!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log is entirely vegetarian, making it a fantastic choice for your meat-free friends and family.
For more delicious recipes, check out this chicken and broccoli salad or this beetroot and goat cheese salad for a fresh side dish!
Z nadrukami
Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log: 2 Steps to Joyful Delights
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log that’s perfect for gatherings.
Składniki
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
Instrukcje
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, roasted red peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Shape the mixture into a log.
- Roll the log in chopped walnuts until coated.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve with crackers or bread.
- You can add other ingredients based on your preference.
- This can be made a day in advance.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 0 minutes
- Kategoria: Appetizer
- Sposób: No-cook
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 200
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 18g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 6g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Słowa kluczowe: festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log
