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Turn bland cream cheese into a show-stopping Italian appetizer that packs all the punchy flavors you'd find on a classic antipasto plate. This tasty cheese log mixes spicy salami, zesty sun-dried tomatoes, and salty olives in a smooth, eye-catching form that'll wow your guests at any party.
The first time I brought this to a Christmas gathering, everyone thought I'd bought it from a fancy shop. My trick? Let it sit in the fridge overnight - this gives all those Mediterranean ingredients time to blend into something amazing.
Key Components
- Cream Cheese: Go with regular full-fat that's completely soft for easy mixing
- Salami: Spend a bit more on top-notch dry-cured stuff for real flavor impact
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Get the ones sitting in oil for juicier texture and deeper taste
- Green Olives: Cut them up by hand for better bits throughout
- Fresh Herbs: They really pump up the freshness and overall taste
- Roasted Peppers: Make sure they're totally dry so they don't make things soggy
Step-By-Step Guidance
- Step 1:
- Set out your cream cheese and sour cream so they get completely soft
- Step 2:
- Cut everything into tiny pieces first so they mix in evenly
- Step 3:
- Whip the cream cheese until it's silky smooth before adding anything else
- Step 4:
- Stir the herbs and spices into your cream cheese base to start
- Step 5:
- Slowly add shredded cheese bit by bit to keep things fluffy
- Step 6:
- Mix in your chopped stuff little by little with gentle folding
- Step 7:
- Pack the mixture down tight to get rid of air bubbles
- Step 8:
- Use a flat knife to make the top nice and even
- Step 9:
- Wrap it up snugly with plastic touching all over the surface
- Step 10:
- Let it chill completely before taking it out of the mold
Stunning Presentation Ideas
Put some fresh herbs, small tomatoes, and different olives around the log to create a gorgeous antipasto spread.
Prep-Ahead Wonder
This starter actually tastes better the longer it sits, which is great news when you've got tons to do as host.
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My Nonna always told me great antipasto needs time for the flavors to "become friends." This recipe shows she was right - it's way tastier the day after you make it.
This antipasto log has become the thing people expect me to bring to parties. It's so easy to make beforehand but looks like I spent hours on it. Whenever I bring it somewhere, everyone wants to know how I made it - and isn't that the best feeling ever?
Great Foods To Serve With It
- All kinds of crackers with different crunch levels and tastes
- Crisp veggies like baby tomatoes and sliced cucumbers
- Tangy artichoke hearts and sweet roasted peppers
- More meats such as prosciutto or capicola
- Fragrant basil and sprigs of rosemary
Changing It Up For Different Events
You can switch this recipe up depending on what you're hosting:
- Create tiny individual logs for small dinner parties
- Make twice as much for big holiday crowds
- Shape it like a circle for Christmas or other holidays
- Roll into small balls for casual snacking events
Serving Temperature Advice
- Pull it from the fridge half an hour before eating so it's soft enough to spread
- For outdoor parties, set the dish on some ice to keep it cool
- Put it back in the fridge between servings at longer events
Drinks That Go Well With It
- Medium-bodied Italian reds like Chianti Classico
- Light, refreshing whites such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino
- Bubbly Prosecco for special moments
- For non-drinkers, try fizzy water with lemon or lime
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In our family, this cheese log shows up at our yearly holiday open house without fail. We've started making extras because guests always try to sneak some home!
This antipasto cheese log has earned its spot as a must-have at our parties. It works just as well for fancy dinner parties as it does for casual get-togethers, and you can make it ahead of time so you're not rushing around when guests arrive. Whether you're having a few friends over or throwing a big bash, this appetizer brings both looks and flavor to your table.
FAQ sur la recette
- → How much in advance can I prep this cheese log?
- You can make it up to 7 days ahead and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge.
- → What should I serve along with the cheese log?
- Let it sit for a bit to lose the chill, then pair with sturdy crackers like Triscuits or Ritz.
- → Is it alright to freeze this cheese log?
- Freezing isn't advised since cream cheese tends to get grainy after thawing.
- → Can I skip the salami for a meat-free version?
- Sure, try diced ham instead, or just leave it out for a vegetarian option.
- → Why do I need freshly grated cheese?
- It melts and combines better without the anti-caking additives in pre-grated cheese.