Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Antipasto Add-ins
- ¼ cup chopped pepperoni or salami
- ¼ cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 2 Tbsp chopped green olives
- 2 Tbsp chopped marinated artichoke hearts
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy base.
- Fold in Antipasto Ingredients: Gently fold in the chopped pepperoni (or salami), roasted red peppers, green olives, and marinated artichoke hearts, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Shape the Log: Shape the combined mixture into a cylinder approximately 8 inches long. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to hold its shape.
- Chill to Firm Up: Place the wrapped log in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, allowing it to firm up for easy slicing and serving.
- Prepare for Serving: Before serving, unwrap the cream cheese log and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the base with fresh basil or parsley and add extra chopped antipasto toppings on top if desired. Serve the log with crackers for spreading.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with salami or omit meat for a vegetarian option.
- Make the log a day ahead to allow flavors to meld even more.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Serve chilled to maintain the log’s shape and texture.
- Pair with a variety of crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American