Description
Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log packed with flavorful Italian ingredients perfect for easy entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 8 oz (225g) goat cheese or additional cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (75g) finely chopped roasted red peppers, patted dry
- ⅓ cup (50g) pitted Kalamata olives, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (40g) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, chopped
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 2 tablespoons finely diced salami or prosciutto (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and goat cheese. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cheeses together until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing.
- Step 2: Add the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt to the cheese mixture. Beat again until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Step 3: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap in a rough log shape. Use the plastic wrap to help shape the mixture into a compact log about 8-10 inches long and 2-3 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Step 4: While the cheese log chills, prepare your antipasto coating.
- Step 5: Remove the cheese log from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Carefully roll the log in the antipasto mixture, pressing gently to adhere the ingredients to the surface. Use your hands to press any loose pieces into the log. For areas that don’t get covered, sprinkle additional mixture and press in place.
- Step 6: Wrap the coated Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log in a fresh piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, unwrap the log and transfer it to a serving platter. Let it stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 2 oz)
- Calories: 220 calories
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg