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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
Creating delicious holiday snacks brings immense joy and anticipation in the kitchen. The experience of blending vibrant flavors with a creamy texture becomes memorable not just for the taste but also for the company gathered around to enjoy it. The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log embodies this spirit, combining savory ingredients to create a delightful centerpiece for any festive gathering.
Imagine setting this stunning log before your friends and family, the anticipation building as they scoop up generous portions with crispy crackers. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary spread that appeals to everyone. Each bite offers a taste of celebration, invoking feelings of warmth and satisfaction.
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Developing this cream cheese log takes little time and allows for creativity to shine through. No need for complicated techniques or unusual itemsโjust quality ingredients that deliver robust flavors. This recipe showcases how easy it is to impress your guests with minimal effort. Whether you prepare this dish for a holiday party or a cozy family gathering, it becomes an instant favorite.
So roll up your sleeves and letโs explore how to create this memorable Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log that celebrates the joy of gathering and sharing great food.
Fundamentals
Creating the perfect Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log starts with understanding the ingredients. Each component contributes unique flavors and textures, resulting in a harmonious blend.
Preparation/setup
Gather all your ingredients to streamline your preparation process. Position your mixing bowl, plastic wrap, and serving platter within easy reach. This organization will save you time and help keep your workspace tidy.
First, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature, making it much easier to mix with other components. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness, while olives offer a briny kick to counterbalance the creaminess. Roasted red peppers contribute a smoky flavor that complements the rich notes of salami or pepperoni.
Ingredients
The following ingredients will create your fantastic log:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ยฝ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- ยฝ cup black or green olives, finely chopped
- ยฝ cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped
- โ cup salami or pepperoni, finely chopped
- ยผ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
- ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
- ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- ยผ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ยผ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted red peppers
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional, for crunch)
Directions
To start, combine the softened cream cheese with the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, and the finely chopped salami or pepperoni in a large bowl. Add the Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if youโre feeling adventurous), black pepper, and salt into the mix.
Stir everything together until fully combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the mixture. Next, lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Scoop the combined mixture onto the plastic wrap, shaping it into a log. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least two hours or overnight.
Once it has set, prepare the garnish by rolling the chilled log in a mixture of chopped parsley, roasted red peppers, olives, and optional nuts. This gives the log a festive appearance and adds a delightful crunch. Press gently to adhere the garnishes before transferring it to a serving platter.
Technique
Understanding technique is critical in achieving the best possible flavor and texture profile. The key to this cream cheese log lies in proper mixing and chilling. Make sure to mix all ingredients thoroughly, as an undermixed log may lead to uneven flavors.
Consider using room temperature cream cheese to achieve the creamy consistency that easily blends with the other components. Additionally, chilling the log allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when served.
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Tips/tricks
Get creative with your garnishes! Incorporating more variety in textures and colors will make your dish visually appealing. Experiment with different olives, add more herbs, or include spices based on your preferences. Customizing the log can help make it feel special for your event.
If you find that the mixture is too thick to combine easily, you can slightly warm the cream cheese before mixing. This approach should only be temporary to avoid losing its intended state.
Perfecting results
Achieving a delightful holiday antipasto cream cheese log takes practice, but a few tips can ensure consistent success. For the best results, finely chop all ingredients to maintain a pleasing texture and appearance. Large chunks can disrupt the overall formation of the log and detract from the experience.
Troubleshooting/variations
Donโt hesitate to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. If you prefer a bit more heat, amping up the red pepper flakes will give your cream cheese log that extra kick. Alternatively, if you want a milder flavor, reduce or omit the spicy elements entirely.
Furthermore, feel free to substitute ingredients based on availability or personal preference. If salami isnโt your thing, switch it out for another savory element you enjoy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility!
Serving/presentation
Presenting your Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log beautifully makes it even more enticing. Place it on a large platter surrounded by colorful crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables. This combination promises to please everyoneโs palate and invites guests to indulge.
When ready to serve, slice the log into rounds to showcase the beautifully mixed ingredients. This visual appeal adds to the experience and encourages everyone to enjoy this delightful feast.
Pairings/storage
Serve this log with an array of items for dipping. Fresh veggies, assorted crackers, and toasted bread work wonderfully. They offer a perfect contrast to the creamy log, further enhancing the overall flavor experience.
As for storage, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. The cream cheese log can be enjoyed for several days, maintaining its delightful flavors for your snacking pleasure.
Conclusion
The Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log stands as a beautiful representation of ease and elegance during the holiday season. By combining a few simple ingredients, you craft an extraordinary centerpiece filled with memories and flavors. The joy of sharing this dish with others elevates any occasion, inviting warmth and conversation around the table. Let this log become part of your culinary tradition, embraced for years to come.
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Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and savory antipasto log is perfect for holiday gatherings, combining flavors that evoke festive cheer.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ยฝ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- ยฝ cup black or green olives, finely chopped
- ยฝ cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped
- โ cup salami or pepperoni, finely chopped
- ยผ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
- ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
- ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- ยผ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ยผ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted red peppers
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, and salami or pepperoni.
- Add Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir until fully combined.
- On a large piece of plastic wrap, scoop the mixture and shape it into a log.
- Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Once set, roll the log in chopped parsley, roasted red peppers, olives, and optional nuts for garnish.
- Transfer to a serving platter and slice into rounds to serve.
Notes
Get creative with your garnishes by incorporating various textures and colors for a visually appealing dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: holiday, appetizer, cream cheese log, antipasto, festive snack
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