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A close-up view showing the texture and ingredients of the Italian cheese log, including bits of salami, pepperoni, and roasted red pepper.

Antipasto Cheese Log: The Ultimate Easy Holiday Appetizer

This Antipasto Cheese Log is the ultimate easy holiday appetizer! A savory cream cheese base is packed with salami, provolone, roasted peppers, and olives, then rolled in pecans and parsley. Perfect for making ahead for any party or gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 oz salami finely chopped
  • 4 oz pepperoni finely chopped
  • 4 oz provolone cheese finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers drained and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed green olives finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup pecans toasted and finely chopped, for coating
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped, for coating

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Spatula
  • 1 Plastic Wrap

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise with a hand mixer or spatula until smooth.
  2. Add the chopped salami, pepperoni, provolone, roasted red peppers, olives, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until evenly distributed.
  3. Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and use the wrap to form it into a log approximately 10-12 inches long.
  4. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  5. In a shallow dish, combine the chopped toasted pecans and fresh parsley. Unwrap the chilled log and roll it in the nut mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.
  6. Transfer the cheese log to a serving platter and serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

Make-Ahead: The cheese log can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Wait to add the pecan and parsley coating until just before serving for the best texture.
Ingredient Tip: Ensure all chopped ingredients are well-drained to prevent the cheese log from becoming watery.