Do Share Recipe

Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe: Your New Favorite Appetizer

I just made this antipasto cream cheese log for a small get-together, and it was an absolute hit! It’s creamy, savory, and packed with so many delicious textures and flavors. It looks impressive on a platter but is surprisingly simple to put together.

After a success like this, I feel ready to tackle anything, maybe even something like a Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives Recipe next. For now, let’s focus on this perfect party starter.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Lineup

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this flavor-packed appetizer. Using fresh, high-quality components makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.

8 oz cream cheese, softened – Use full-fat block cream cheese for the best texture and firmness. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to mix.
1/2 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers (drained) – These add a sweet, smoky flavor. Be sure to pat them dry after draining to prevent a watery cheese log.
1/3 cup chopped green and black olives – A mix of olives provides a briny, salty bite that cuts through the creaminess.
1/4 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts – These bring a tangy, slightly firm texture to the mixture.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Grate your own from a block for superior flavor and melt-in-your-mouth quality compared to pre-shredded varieties.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A simple way to add a blend of classic Mediterranean herbs.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – This gives a subtle, savory garlic note without being overpowering.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground pepper is always best for a more pungent flavor.
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley (for coating) – Fresh flat-leaf parsley offers the best color and a clean, herbaceous flavor for the coating.
Fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries for garnish – These are optional but add a beautiful, festive touch for presentation.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it ideal for a small crowd or family gathering.

Cooking Time

Get this appetizer ready in just a couple of hours, with most of that time being hands-off chilling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.

Medium Mixing Bowl: To combine all your delicious ingredients evenly.
Spatula or Spoon: For mixing the cream cheese base until it’s smooth.
Plastic Wrap: Essential for shaping the mixture into a log and chilling it until firm.
Large Plate: To spread out the parsley for easy coating of the cheese log.
Serving Platter: To present your finished appetizer beautifully.

How to Make an Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Creating this appetizer is a straightforward process. You simply mix, shape, chill, and roll. The result is a stunning and delicious dish that looks like it took hours to prepare. Follow these simple steps to guide you from start to finish.

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, finely chopped roasted red peppers, mixed olives, artichoke hearts, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a spatula to mix everything until it is well combined.

Step 2: Shape and Chill the Log

Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic. Use the wrap to help you form the mixture into a uniform log shape, about 6-7 inches long. Wrap it tightly.

Step 3: Refrigerate Until Firm

Place the tightly wrapped log in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This chilling time is crucial for the log to firm up, which will make it easy to slice and serve without falling apart. You can also chill it overnight.

Step 4: Coat and Garnish

Once the log is firm, spread the finely chopped parsley on a large plate. Unwrap the cheese log and gently roll it in the parsley, pressing lightly so the herbs stick and create an even coating. This adds a fresh flavor and a vibrant green color.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully transfer the finished log to a serving platter. If desired, garnish with a few fresh rosemary sprigs and a sprinkle of fresh cranberries for a festive look. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggie sticks.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks to make it even better.

I find that letting the cream cheese soften for a full hour makes mixing effortless. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it in 15-second bursts, but natural softening is best.
To boost the flavor, I sometimes add a tablespoon of the marinade from the artichoke hearts or a splash of olive brine into the mix.
Make sure your chopped ingredients are very fine. This ensures you get a bit of everything in each bite and helps the log hold its shape better.
Toast your own baguette slices with a little olive oil and garlic powder. They are so much better than store-bought crackers for serving.

Variations to Try

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture.
Meat Lover’s Version: Mix in finely chopped salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni for a heartier appetizer.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a high-quality, firm, plant-based cream cheese alternative. You can also find dairy-free Parmesan substitutes.
Flavor Boosts: Consider adding a teaspoon of pesto, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or some chopped sun-dried tomatoes. You can explore our other dinner recipes for more creative ideas.

Suggest Serving Ideas

Presentation makes this simple appetizer feel extra special.

Serve it on a rustic wooden board surrounded by an assortment of crackers—try buttery, whole wheat, and seeded varieties.
Include a variety of textures for dipping, such as crunchy breadsticks, soft pita bread, and crisp vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
For a truly impressive spread, add small bowls of extra olives, nuts, and some fresh fruit like grapes or figs to the platter. And for dessert, our Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe is a perfect follow-up.

Calories Count

Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving.

Calories: 190 kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Sodium: 450mg

How to Store the Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Proper storage will keep your appetizer fresh and delicious.

Storing: Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cheese log before coating it with parsley. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to one month.
Reheating/Thawing: Thaw a frozen log in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, roll it in fresh parsley before serving for the best appearance and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this appetizer will become a go-to for you.

Incredibly Easy: It requires no cooking and comes together with just a few minutes of active prep time.
Perfect for Parties: You can make it a day ahead, saving you time on the day of your event.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of creamy, savory, and briny flavors is a proven winner with guests.
Customizable: It’s easy to adapt the recipe with different mix-ins to create your own signature version.

More Details for the Perfect Appetizer

This antipasto cream cheese log is more than just a recipe; it’s a versatile solution for any host. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and elegance. You can shape it into a ball instead of a log for a different presentation, often called a cheese ball.

When chopping your ingredients, aim for a uniform size to ensure a balanced flavor in every bite. This appetizer is naturally low in carbs, making it a great keto-friendly option when served with low-carb vegetables or crackers.

The vibrant colors from the red peppers and green parsley make it a visually stunning centerpiece for any holiday or party spread.

Ben Carraoli