Jingle Bell Bites Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log

Jingle Bell Bites Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese

By Lucas BennettSeptember 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Jingle Bell Bites: Getting Festive with Your Cheese Log

Ever find yourself staring at a cheese platter thinking, "It needs something "? Well, get ready! This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log is your answer.

Honestly, it's been a total game changer at my holiday parties. It brings the flavor of Holiday Party Appetizers without the fuss.

This recipe is like a trip to Italy without the airfare. Imagine the best Italian appetizer platter , but deconstructed and rolled into one beautiful log.

It's incredibly simple. It takes about 20 minutes to throw together, then just chill for a couple of hours. It'll serve about 10-12 of your favourite peeps.

Why This Cream Cheese Appetizer Rocks

The big win here is the flavour. Each bite has creamy, salty, and bright fresh flavors. Plus, cream cheese has some protein.

This makes it one of the Easy holiday appetizer recipes . And it's gorgeous! It is a real showstopper and perfect to go along your Christmas cream cheese appetizer selection.

Is this Antipasto cream cheese recipe your New Years Appetizers ?

Want to impress your guests with minimum effort? This recipe is your new best friend. It can be made a day in advance, so less stress on the day.

It's visually stunning. Also, a Cheese Log is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Seriously, people go nuts for it! So, ditch the same old dips and whip up this Holiday cheese log appetizer .

Get Ready to Roll

Time to raid your fridge and pantry. You'll need two blocks of cream cheese, some olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a little kick.

For the coating, grab some parsley, roasted red peppers, and walnuts. Don't skip the walnuts. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Cream Cheese Appetizer

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to create this awesome Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese log. It's easier than putting up Christmas lights, promise! This is one of those easy holiday appetizer recipe that looks impressive.

Main Ingredients: The Flavor Foundation

Cream Cheese: 2 (8-ounce) packages , softened (that's about 450g for you metric folks). It needs to be super soft, otherwise, you will end up with lumps!
Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup , finely chopped ( 75g ). Get good quality olives for the best flavor, trust me.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup , oil-packed, drained and chopped ( 60g ). The oil-packed ones are juicier.
Artichoke Hearts: 1/2 cup , marinated, drained and chopped ( 75g ). Drain them well to avoid a soggy log.
Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup , chopped (just grab a small handful). Fresh is key here. It makes such a difference!
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup , grated ( 25g ). Adds a nice salty touch.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon . Because everything is better with olive oil.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a little kick .
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously!

Seasoning: Italian Magic

We're basically building an Italian appetizer platter inside a cheese log! Basil, garlic, and Parmesan are the base. The red pepper flakes add a little warmth.

You can totally swap out the basil for oregano if you're feeling it. Honestly, this antipasto cream cheese recipe is so versatile.

Equipment: Keep It Simple

Mixing Bowl: For, well, mixing.
Rubber Spatula: To get every last bit of cream cheese.
Plastic Wrap: This is your best friend for shaping the log.
Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping veggies.
Small Skillet (optional): For toasting the nuts. Trust me on this one: toasted nuts make this Holiday cheese log appetizer

If you don't have a skillet, you can toast the nuts in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for a few minutes.

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese is not hard at all. These are Holiday Party Appetizers perfect for your next event or to bring in the New Years Appetizers .

Okay, let's get this Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese log rollin'! Forget those boring veggie platters; we're about to level up your Holiday Party Appetizers game big time.

I remember one year, I showed up at my sister's Christmas party with just a bag of chips. Never again! This Cream Cheese Appetizer is my redemption story.

Cooking Method: Jingle Bell Bites

This Antipasto cream cheese recipe, inspired by Italian appetizer platter, is seriously the easiest way to impress. It's my go-to for New Years Appetizers too, because who wants to spend all day in the kitchen when you could be, you know, partying ?

Prep Steps: Get Your Mise On!

First things first, let's get organised. Soften 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese . Honestly, this is crucial! Pop it out on the counter a couple hours before or microwave it in short bursts.

Now, chop up 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup of marinated artichoke hearts , and a small handful ( 1/4 cup ) of fresh basil.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic and grate 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese . This Holiday cheese log appetizer is all about fresh, vibrant flavours! Safety reminder: Make sure you drain those sun-dried tomatoes well.

Seriously, nobody wants a soggy cheese log.

step-by-step: Easy Does It

Combine softened cream cheese, olives, tomatoes, artichokes, basil, garlic, Parmesan, 1 tablespoon of olive oil , 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!), salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Mix it all up! Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Lay out some plastic wrap. Plop the mixture onto the wrap and shape it into a log. Wrap it tight!
Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours . This is when the magic happens!
Prepare your coating: chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, 1/4 cup of roasted red peppers, and 1/4 cup of toasted walnuts or pecans.
Remove from the fridge, unwrap and roll that Festive Appetizers in the coating!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Log!

Want to avoid a common mistake? Don't skip toasting the nuts! It makes all the difference. You can toast them in a dry skillet for about 3- 5 minutes or until they smell amazing.

Also this Christmas cream cheese appetizer can be prepped a day or two in advance. Just wrap it well and store it in the fridge.

This Easy holiday appetizer recipe is so versatile. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences!

Recipe Notes to Jingle Your Bells!

This Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese log is so versatile. It's one of my favorite easy holiday appetizer recipe . I always get asked to bring it to holiday party appetizers .

Here are some tips, tricks and variations to make it your own holiday cheese log appetizer and keep you from having a kitchen nightmare!

Serving Suggestions that Sleigh!

Presentation is key! A simple log looks amazing on a wooden board. Arrange crackers, baguette slices, and veggie sticks around it.

I always add a sprig of rosemary or a few extra basil leaves. It makes it look super fancy. Consider serving this Italian appetizer platter with a chilled glass of Prosecco.

The bubbles complement the creamy, savory flavors perfectly.

Storage Solutions that Sparkle!

Leftovers? Unlikely! But, if you happen to have any of this cream cheese appetizer left. Wrap the Christmas cream cheese appetizer tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture of the cream cheese changes too much. To reheat, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15- 20 minutes before serving.

This makes it spreadable again.

Variations that Rock Around the Christmas Tree!

Want to mix things up? For a dietary twist, use a plant based cream cheese to make it vegan. You can use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.

For a seasonal swap, use dried cranberries and chopped pecans in the coating during the fall. The nutty and sweet combo is divine!

Nutrition Nuggets for Santa's Helpers!

Okay, let’s talk nutrition. Each serving of this Festive Appetizers log is around 250-300 calories. It's packed with protein from the cheese and healthy fats from the olives and nuts.

You know? It's also a good source of calcium and Vitamin A. Don't forget to check the label to make sure it will fit your holiday nutrition goals.

And there you have it! With these notes, you are sure to impress your family and friends at your next celebration.

This antipasto cream cheese recipe is simple enough to make and elegant enough to wow. It's like the perfect New Years appetizers .

Now go get creative and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese ahead of time? I'm hosting a party and want to get as much done as possible.

Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare the entire log, including the coating, a day or two in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

This actually helps the flavors meld together even more a win-win, like finding a fiver in your old winter coat!

I'm not a fan of Kalamata olives. What else can I use in the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese?

No worries, you can easily swap out the Kalamata olives! Green olives (pitted, of course!), or even some chopped black olives would work beautifully. If you're really not an olive fan, consider adding some roasted bell peppers for sweetness and color.

Think of it like choosing your favorite Doctor Who there are plenty of great options!

How long will the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese last in the fridge?

This cream cheese log will generally stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Ensure it's tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any other odors from the fridge.

If you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it better safe than sorry, like checking the sell-by date on your milk!

Is there a way to make this recipe a little healthier? I'm trying to watch my calorie intake during the holidays!

You bet! You can use a light cream cheese to cut down on the fat content. Also, go heavy on the vegetables and herbs, and lighter on the cheese and nuts in the coating. Serving it with crisp veggies instead of just crackers can also help balance things out.

It's all about making sensible swaps, like choosing a salad over chips at the pub!

What are some good serving suggestions for the Jingle Bell Bites: Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese Log?

Besides the obvious crackers and baguette slices, try serving it with toasted pita bread, pretzel crisps, or even apple slices for a sweet and savory twist. You can also offer a selection of crudités like carrots, celery, and bell pepper strips for a lighter, healthier option.

Think of it as creating your own grazing board something for everyone, just like a proper Sunday roast!

I'm having trouble getting the coating to stick to the Festive Holiday Antipasto Cream Cheese. Any tips?

Make sure your cream cheese log is thoroughly chilled before applying the coating. The cold surface will help the coating adhere better. You can also lightly press the coating onto the log as you roll it to ensure it sticks.

If it's still not cooperating, try lightly dampening the log's surface with a little bit of olive oil before applying the coating. It's like using hairspray to keep your 'do in place a little goes a long way!