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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cream cheese and all specified ingredients until smooth and uniformly combined, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed.
- Gently press the cheese mixture into the prepared pan, meticulously eliminating any trapped air pockets to create a uniform texture.
- Securely cover the pan and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the log to set completely.
- After chilling, invert the log onto a serving platter, carefully peeling away the plastic wrap.
- Artfully drizzle sun-dried tomatoes and their accompanying oil across the surface of the cheese log.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and delicate rosemary leaves as a vibrant garnish.
- Allow the antipasto log to rest at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its creamy texture and flavor profile.
- 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