Every holiday season, I like to have one no-fuss, visually stunning appetizer that feels like it came straight off a catering tray—but without the price tag or the stress. That’s exactly what the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is for me. It’s savory, creamy, packed with zesty olives, sweet roasted peppers, and fresh herbs. Each slice is bursting with flavor, and let’s be honest, it looks gorgeous on a holiday table.

I’ve made this for everything from cozy family Christmas dinners to New Year’s Eve parties, and without fail, someone always asks for the recipe. It’s quick to prepare (no cooking required!) but tastes like it took hours. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or crunchy veggie sticks, and you’ve got yourself the star of the appetizer spread.

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

No cooking needed – just mix, mold, and chill.
Customizable – use your favorite antipasto ingredients.
Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes better when made ahead!
Stunning presentation – holiday colors and textures make it a showstopper.
Crowd-pleaser – creamy, salty, tangy, and perfect with wine.

What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

When it comes to the base of this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log, full-fat cream cheese is the way to go. The richness adds structure and keeps the log firm enough to slice without falling apart. You can use block-style cream cheese for the best results—avoid whipped varieties, which tend to be too airy and soft.

If you’re trying to keep things lighter, a good-quality reduced-fat cream cheese will work, but the texture will be a bit softer. Just make sure to let it soften at room temperature before mixing so it blends smoothly with your antipasto add-ins.

Options for Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Don’t have a certain ingredient? Swap it out with what you do have or prefer.

Cream Cheese Alternatives: Goat cheese or Boursin can be used instead of cream cheese for a more tangy flavor.
Olives: Use any mix of green, black, or kalamata olives—just make sure they’re pitted and chopped.
Roasted Red Peppers: Sun-dried tomatoes are a great sub if you’re looking for a more intense, chewy texture.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness, but rosemary, thyme, or basil also pair beautifully.
Add-ins: Diced salami, artichoke hearts, or pepperoncini slices bring in even more antipasto flavor.

Let your taste and pantry guide you—you really can’t go wrong.

Ingredients for This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Cream Cheese
This is the creamy, rich base that holds all the delicious ingredients together. Use full-fat for the best structure and flavor.
Mixed Olives (green and black)
They add briny, salty bursts of flavor and vibrant color throughout the log. Be sure to pit and chop them.
Roasted Red Peppers
Sweet and smoky, these give a pop of red color and balance the saltiness of the olives.
Fresh Parsley
Adds a fresh, herby brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Garlic (minced)
Just a touch for a subtle kick of savory depth.
Chopped Artichoke Hearts
They bring a tangy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the olives beautifully.
Diced Sharp Cheddar or Mozzarella
Small cubes give you tiny pockets of creamy or sharp contrast within each bite.
Fresh Rosemary (for garnish)
It’s optional but adds incredible aroma and a festive look when sprinkled on top.
Cranberries (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cranberries add holiday color and flair without affecting the flavor.

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese

Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes, until it’s soft and easy to mix. This will make blending the ingredients a breeze and help everything stick together evenly.

Step 2: Prep the Mix-Ins

While the cream cheese softens, chop your olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and cheese into small, even pieces. Finely mince the garlic and parsley.

Step 3: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, stir the softened cream cheese until smooth. Then fold in the chopped olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, diced cheese, garlic, and parsley. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape the Log

Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center and gently form it into a log shape. Roll it up tightly in the plastic wrap and twist the ends. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once chilled and firm, unwrap the log and place it on a serving board. Press extra chopped olives, herbs, diced peppers, and optional cranberries into the top for a festive finish. Garnish with rosemary sprigs around the base for presentation.

How Long to Cook the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

No cooking required! That’s one of the best things about this recipe. Once everything is mixed and shaped into a log, it just needs time to chill and firm up in the fridge. Give it at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better if you want the flavors to really blend and deepen.

Tips for Perfect Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps all the mix-ins blend in smoothly and evenly.
Chop Ingredients Small: The smaller the pieces, the easier the log will hold together and slice cleanly.
Drain Well: Make sure roasted red peppers, olives, and artichokes are well-drained to avoid excess moisture that could make the log soggy.
Wrap Tightly: Roll the log firmly in plastic wrap to help it set into a uniform shape.
Chill Long Enough: Don’t rush the chilling step—it’s what gives the log its structure.
Garnish Just Before Serving: Add the decorative toppings and rosemary garnish at the end to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe doesn’t require cooking, there are a few easy-to-make mistakes that can affect the final result:

Skipping the Chill Time: If you try to serve it too soon, the log won’t be firm and may fall apart. Chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Using Watery Ingredients: Not draining your olives, peppers, or artichokes properly can lead to a watery mixture that won’t hold its shape.
Overmixing: Stir gently once you add the mix-ins—overmixing can make the cream cheese too soft.
Poor Ingredient Balance: Using too much of one ingredient (like olives) can overpower everything else. Keep a balance of flavors.
Using Warm Cream Cheese for Shaping: If it’s too soft when you shape the log, it won’t hold its form during chilling. Let it soften, but not melt.
Cutting Too Soon: Give the log a few minutes to rest after taking it out of the fridge before slicing—it makes neater cuts.

What to Serve With Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?

Crackers

Go for a mix of plain and seeded crackers to add texture variety. The salt and crunch pair perfectly with the creamy spread.

Crostini

Toasted baguette slices provide a sturdy and elegant base that won’t crumble when spreading.

Pita Chips

Thicker and heartier than regular chips, they offer great crunch and hold up well with the cheese.

Fresh Veggies

Cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or celery add a fresh and crisp balance.

Breadsticks

Long, crispy breadsticks can be dipped or spread and offer a fun presentation.

Pretzel Crisps

The salty snap of pretzels pairs well with the tangy, savory mix in the cheese log.

Sliced Salami or Prosciutto

Lay out some cured meats on the same platter to turn this into a full-on antipasto board.

Wine or Sparkling Water

Pairing with a drink rounds out the serving experience. A crisp white wine or fizzy water with citrus is lovely alongside.

Storage Instructions

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log stores beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead appetizer. Once it’s shaped and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

If you have leftovers after serving, just rewrap the remaining portion tightly and refrigerate. To maintain its texture and flavor, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Freezing is not recommended—cream cheese can become grainy and watery once thawed, which ruins the smooth texture of the log.

Estimated Nutrition

These values are based on one serving (about 2 tablespoons of the log):

Calories: ~110
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 3g

Note: Nutritional content will vary depending on the exact mix-ins and garnish used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheese log ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when made a day ahead. The flavors have time to meld, and the log becomes firmer and easier to slice.

Can I freeze the antipasto cream cheese log?

Freezing isn’t recommended. The cream cheese can separate and become grainy once thawed, which affects both texture and appearance.

What if I don’t like olives?

You can omit them or replace with chopped pickles, capers, or even chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a different salty element.

Can I make this into a ball instead of a log?

Absolutely! If you prefer a round shape, simply form the mixture into a ball instead of a log before chilling and garnishing.

How long can this sit out during a party?

Try to keep it out no longer than 2 hours. After that, pop it back in the fridge to stay fresh and food-safe.

Can I add meat like salami or prosciutto?

Yes! Finely diced salami or prosciutto make great additions. Just keep the pieces small so they blend well into the mixture.

Is this gluten-free?

The log itself is gluten-free as long as your mix-ins are (always double-check labels). Just pair it with gluten-free crackers or veggies.

What type of cheese works best besides cream cheese?

Goat cheese, ricotta (for a softer version), or Boursin make tasty substitutes or additions if you want to switch things up.

Conclusion

The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is proof that a show-stopping holiday appetizer doesn’t need to be complicated. With bold flavors, creamy texture, and eye-catching color, this easy, no-bake dish is sure to impress guests at any gathering. Whether you’re preparing for a big holiday feast or just need something quick and classy to bring to a party, this recipe delivers every time. It’s make-ahead friendly, endlessly customizable, and always the first thing to disappear from the table.

Make it once, and it’ll become a holiday tradition in your kitchen too.