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Turn plain cream cheese into a showstopping Italian-inspired starter that packs all the punchy flavors you'd find on a classic antipasto board. This tasty cheese log blends spicy salami, zesty sun-dried tomatoes, and flavorful olives in a smooth, eye-catching form that'll wow your guests at any get-together.
The first time I brought this to a Christmas bash, nobody thought I'd made it myself. They figured it came from some fancy food shop! The trick? Let it sit in the fridge overnight. That extra time lets all those Mediterranean flavors mix together into something that'll blow your mind.
Key Components
- Cream Cheese: Don't go low-fat here and make sure it's totally soft before mixing
- Salami: Splurge on a nice dry-cured type for way better taste
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Get the kind swimming in oil for juicier flavor and texture
- Green Olives: Cut them up by hand instead of using a machine for better chunks
- Fresh Herbs: These really lift the whole thing and make it taste alive
- Roasted Peppers: Blot them super dry so they don't make everything soggy
Straightforward Steps
- Step 1:
- Set out your dairy stuff so it gets totally room temp and soft
- Step 2:
- Chop everything small before you start mixing so it spreads out nicely
- Step 3:
- Whip that cream cheese till there's not a lump in sight
- Step 4:
- Stir your herbs and spices into the smooth cheese base
- Step 5:
- Slowly add shredded cheese bit by bit to keep things fluffy
- Step 6:
- Mix in your chopped goodies a little at a time with gentle folding
- Step 7:
- Push everything down good and tight to get rid of air bubbles
- Step 8:
- Use a flat knife to make the top nice and even
- Step 9:
- Cover it with plastic wrap touching the cheese so it doesn't dry out
- Step 10:
- Let it get really cold before you take it out of the container
Stunning Presentation Ideas
Put some leafy herbs, tiny tomatoes, and different olive types all around your cheese log to make a gorgeous food platter.
Do-Ahead Wonder
This starter actually tastes better after sitting a while, which is awesome when you've got tons of hosting duties.
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My nonna always told me good antipasto needs time for all the tastes to "become friends with each other." This recipe totally proves her point - it's way tastier after it sits overnight.
I've become known for bringing this antipasto cheese log to parties. It's so easy to make ahead but looks like I spent hours on it. The best part? Everyone always asks me how I made it - and isn't that what we're really after when we cook for others?
Great Foods To Serve Alongside
- All kinds of crunchy and soft crackers in different shapes
- Crisp veggies like baby tomatoes and sliced cucumbers
- Jarred artichoke hearts and flame-roasted peppers
- More fancy meats like paper-thin prosciutto or spicy capicola
- Bunches of fresh basil and sprigs of rosemary
Tweak It For Any Party
You can change this recipe to fit whatever gathering you're hosting:
- Roll tiny logs for a small dinner with friends
- Make twice as much when the whole family comes over
- Shape it into a circle for Christmas or holiday parties
- Form little cheese balls for casual snacking
Getting The Right Texture
- Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before people arrive so it's easy to spread
- Put the dish on some ice if you're serving outdoors in warm weather
- Stick it back in the fridge between servings at long parties
Drinks That Go Great With It
- A nice Chianti or other not-too-heavy Italian red wine
- Fresh, light Pinot Grigio or Vermentino for white wine fans
- Bubbly Prosecco to make it feel extra fancy
- For non-drinkers, try fizzy water with lemon or lime
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Every year at our holiday open house, this cheese log is always front and center. We've learned to make a backup because people always want to take leftovers home with them!
This cheese log has become our go-to party food for good reason. It works just as well at casual family gatherings as it does at fancy dinner parties. The fact you can make it days ahead is a total lifesaver when you're busy setting up for guests. Whether you're feeding a few friends or hosting the whole neighborhood, this appetizer looks impressive and tastes even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this cheese log days before my party?
- You can prep it up to a week early and keep it wrapped up in your fridge.
- → What crackers work best with this appetizer?
- Let it warm up slightly and grab some hearty crackers like Ritz or Triscuits for serving.
- → Is it okay to freeze this cheese log?
- We don't suggest it since cream cheese gets crumbly after freezing and thawing.
- → What if I don't want to use salami?
- You can swap in diced ham or skip the meat completely for a veggie-friendly option.
- → Why shouldn't I use bagged shredded cheese?
- Cheese you grate yourself mixes in smoothly without the powdery stuff they add to packaged shredded kinds.