Quick Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe for Gatherings

Cool appetizers always spark conversation at parties, and this incredible Italian antipasto cream cheese log recipe brings pure magic to any gathering.

Packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this creamy spread combines rich textures and zesty ingredients.

Tangy herbs and savory olives dance through each delectable bite.

Guests will devour this stunning appetizer faster than you can slice a baguette.

The combination of cream cheese and robust antipasto ingredients creates an irresistible starter that feels both elegant and effortless.

Serve this crowd-pleasing log alongside crisp crackers or fresh bread, and watch your friends ask for the recipe.

Prepare to become the ultimate party hero with this simple yet impressive dish.

Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Savory Highlights

• Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. This cream cheese log comes together in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
• Adaptable for various occasions from casual game nights to elegant dinner parties. Its impressive presentation and rich flavors will wow guests and make you look like a culinary expert.
• Skip the complicated cooking process with this refrigerator-set recipe. No oven required means less stress and more enjoyment, perfect for those who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Flexible recipe allows you to swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences. Play with different herbs, mix in extra ingredients, or change toppings to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Italian Antipasto Cheese Log

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and tangy base that provides rich texture and creamy consistency for the antipasto log.
• Goat Cheese: Adds a distinctive tangy flavor and contributes to the creamy texture of the cheese log.

• Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary: Fresh herbs that bring authentic Italian flavor and aromatic depth to the cheese log.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Provide a sweet and intense tomato flavor with a vibrant color contrast to the white cheese log.
• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Rosemary: Adds a bright, fresh garnish and additional herbal notes to the final presentation.

Tools to Prep Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Loaf Pan (9×5): Essential for shaping and chilling the cheese log.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps line pan and ensures easy removal of cheese log.
• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to combine and mix all ingredients thoroughly.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for mixing cheese and seasonings smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping herbs and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop parsley and rosemary for final garnish.
• Platter: Serves as the final presentation surface for the antipasto log.

Crafting an Italian Antipasto Cheese Log

Step 1: Prepare Loaf Pan

Grab a 9×5 loaf pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil.

Line the pan with plastic wrap, letting the edges hang over the sides.

This will make removing the cheese log super easy later.

Step 2: Create Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend all the cheese log ingredients until they’re perfectly smooth and combined.

Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasonings until you’re totally happy with the flavor.

Trust your taste buds!

Step 3: Chill and Set

Carefully press the cheese mixture into the prepared pan, making sure to smooth out any air bubbles.

Cover the pan and tuck it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

This resting time helps the flavors meld and the log firm up.

Step 4: Unmold and Decorate

When ready, flip the pan onto a serving platter.

Gently pull away the plastic wrap.

Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes over the top and drizzle with a bit of olive oil for extra pizzazz.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Add a beautiful garnish of fresh parsley and rosemary.

Let the cheese log sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

Serve alongside crispy crackers and watch your guests dive in with excitement!

Tips to Master Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Use parchment paper instead of plastic wrap for easier removal and a cleaner presentation.
• Taste the cheese mixture before chilling and adjust herbs or spices to match your flavor preference.
• This antipasto log can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, allowing flavors to develop and saving time before serving.
• Let the cheese log sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the creamy texture.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of olive oil in the recipe.

Fresh Ideas for Italian Antipasto Cheese Log

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace cream cheese with goat cheese, add fresh dill, chopped mint, and za'atar spice blend for a tangy Mediterranean profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix in jalapeños, chipotle powder, and cilantro, then coat with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Vegan Cashew Alternative: Substitute dairy cream cheese with blended cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based probiotics, topped with roasted red pepper strips.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use full-fat cream cheese, incorporate crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, and serve with cucumber rounds instead of traditional crackers.

Bringing Out the Best in Antipasto Cheese Log

• Rustic Charcuterie Partner: Slice the cheese log and arrange on a wooden board with an assortment of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and capicola for an authentic Italian appetizer experience.
• Mediterranean Dip Delight: Serve alongside warm pita chips, crisp vegetable sticks, or crusty Italian bread for a versatile and crowd-pleasing spread that encourages interactive dining.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy, herb-infused log with a crisp pinot grigio or a light-bodied chianti to enhance the flavors and create a sophisticated appetizer moment.
• Salad Topping Twist: Crumble small pieces over mixed greens with kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes for a gourmet salad that transforms the cheese log into a vibrant, protein-rich topping.

Storing Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

• Store leftover cheese log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Wrap log securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut remaining log into individual portions, separating with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep in airtight container for easy grab-and-go snacking.
• Remove from refrigerator 20-30 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor profile, ensuring smooth spreadability on crackers.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this antipasto log its Italian flavor?

Sundried tomatoes, herbs like rosemary and parsley, and Italian-style cheeses create the authentic Mediterranean taste profile.

• Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese log up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator, which actually helps develop deeper flavors.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cream cheese provides a smooth base, while adding sharp provolone or aged parmesan increases the authentic Italian cheese complexity.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian guests?

This antipasto log is vegetarian-friendly, making it an excellent option for gatherings with mixed dietary preferences.

Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy italian antipasto cream cheese log combines tangy olives, roasted peppers, and herbs in a delightful appetizer. Guests will savor each bite of this Mediterranean-inspired party starter that brings zesty flavors to any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 6 ounces (170 grams) salami, finely chopped
• 9 ounces (255 grams) roasted peppers, drained and chopped
• 7 ounces (198 grams) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

Herbs and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) basil
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) red pepper flakes

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) sour cream
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) green olives, chopped
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) green onion, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) parsley, chopped
• Rosemary sprigs for garnish

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Instructions

1. Lightly coat a 9×5 loaf pan with cooking spray, then carefully line with plastic wrap, ensuring excess hangs over the edges for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cream cheese and all specified ingredients until smooth and uniformly combined, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed.
3. Gently press the cheese mixture into the prepared pan, meticulously eliminating any trapped air pockets to create a uniform texture.
4. Securely cover the pan and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the log to set completely.
5. After chilling, invert the log onto a serving platter, carefully peeling away the plastic wrap.
6. Artfully drizzle sun-dried tomatoes and their accompanying oil across the surface of the cheese log.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and delicate rosemary leaves as a vibrant garnish.
8. Allow the antipasto log to rest at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its creamy texture and flavor profile.
9. Present alongside crisp crackers or artisan bread for an elegant appetizer experience.

Notes

• Line the loaf pan carefully to ensure easy removal of the cheese log without sticking.
• Drain sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess oil from making the log soggy.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, easier mixing and better blending of ingredients.
• For a lighter version, substitute part-skim cream cheese and reduce the amount of olive oil.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg