Pin it
Turn plain cream cheese into a show-stopping Italian-style starter that brings together all the punchy flavors you'd find on a traditional antipasto board. This tasty cheese log mixes zesty salami, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and salty olives in a smooth, eye-catching form that's sure to wow your guests.
The first time I brought this to a Christmas get-together, everyone thought I'd bought it from some fancy food shop. My trick? I let it sit in the fridge overnight. That extra time lets all those Mediterranean flavors get friendly and turn into something really amazing.
Key Components
- Cream Cheese: Go for the full-fat kind and make sure it's totally soft before you start mixing
- Salami: Spend a bit more on high-quality, dry-cured stuff for much better taste
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Get the ones sitting in oil for juicier bits and deeper flavor
- Green Olives: Cut them by hand instead of using a food processor for better chunks
- Fresh Herbs: Don't skip these - they add that pop of freshness you can't get any other way
- Roasted Peppers: Make sure they're totally dry or they'll make your mix watery
Step-By-Step Directions
- Step 1:
- Take out your cream cheese and sour cream so they can warm up completely
- Step 2:
- Cut everything into tiny pieces first so you'll get flavor in every bite
- Step 3:
- Whip the cream cheese until it's totally lump-free before you add anything else
- Step 4:
- Mix in your herbs and spices to the cream cheese first thing
- Step 5:
- Slowly add your shredded cheese bit by bit to keep things fluffy
- Step 6:
- Gently stir in your chopped goodies a little at a time
- Step 7:
- Push the mixture down hard in your container so there aren't any air bubbles
- Step 8:
- Use a flat knife to make the top nice and even
- Step 9:
- Cover it tight with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the cheese
- Step 10:
- Let it get really cold before you take it out of the container
Setting Up a Gorgeous Platter
Put some fresh herbs, little tomatoes, and different kinds of olives all around the log to make a really pretty antipasto spread.
Prep It Way Ahead
This app actually tastes better after a day in the fridge, which is great news if you're running around getting ready for company.
Pin it
My nonna always told me a good antipasto needs time for all the flavors to blend together properly. This recipe shows she was totally right - it tastes way better the day after you make it.
This antipasto cheese log has become the thing I'm known for bringing to parties. I love that I can make it ahead of time but it still looks super impressive when I serve it. Whenever I bring it somewhere, everyone wants to know how I made it - and isn't that the best feeling ever?
What to Serve With It
- All sorts of crackers with different crunch and taste
- Raw veggies like baby tomatoes and cucumber rounds
- Jarred artichoke hearts and red peppers
- More cured meats such as prosciutto or capicola
- Sprigs of fresh basil and rosemary
Switching It Up For Different Events
You can change this recipe to fit whatever party you're having:
- Roll smaller logs for dinner with just a few friends
- Make twice as much for big family holiday parties
- Shape it into a ring for Christmas or other celebrations
- Do tiny cheese balls for casual snacking setups
Tricks For Perfect Texture
- Pull it from the fridge 30 minutes early so it's soft enough to spread
- Set the dish on ice if your party's outside
- Pop it back in the fridge between servings at long parties
Drinks That Go Great With It
- Chianti Classico or other not-too-heavy Italian reds
- Cold Pinot Grigio or Vermentino
- Bubbly Prosecco for something festive
- For non-drinkers, try fizzy water with lemon or lime
Pin it
In my family, we always serve this cheese log during our yearly holiday open house. We've started making backup batches because our guests always beg to take leftovers home!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long in advance can it be prepped?
- Prepare up to seven days ahead. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped and refrigerated.
- → What’s the best way to serve it?
- Let it sit out to warm a bit, then pair with firm crackers like Triscuits or Ritz for easy dipping.
- → Can it be stored in the freezer?
- Freezing isn’t ideal since cream cheese texture changes when thawed, making it crumbly.
- → Can I skip the salami?
- Definitely! Replace it with diced ham or keep it vegetarian by leaving it out entirely.
- → Why is freshly grated cheese better?
- Freshly grated cheese blends better and skips the additives found in pre-shredded varieties.