Description
A creamy, savory appetizer bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log blends cream cheese with olives, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. It’s a vibrant, make-ahead party favorite that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers
1/2 cup chopped green olives
1/4 cup chopped black olives
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional for coating)
Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish
Crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, roasted red peppers, green and black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, parsley, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir until evenly mixed and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and spoon the cheese mixture into the center, shaping it roughly into a log.
- Wrap the plastic tightly around the mixture and use your hands to form a smooth, firm log.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the log to set.
- Before serving, roll the log in chopped walnuts if desired for extra texture.
- Transfer the log to a serving plate, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette.
Notes
Can be made up to 2 days ahead of time for convenience.
Skip walnuts for a nut-free version; use chopped herbs or crushed crackers instead.
Use Kalamata olives for a more intense briny flavor.
For a smoky twist, add chopped smoked mozzarella or provolone.
Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for easy spreading.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of log
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
