What’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gathering? This festive antipasto cream cheese log with olives and rosemary sprigs is an easy and impressive homemade appetizer that’s sure to please, featuring a delicious blend of creamy cheese and fresh herbs, save this idea for your next family favorite weeknight dinner party.

festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log with olives and rosemary sprigs

Introduction

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of gathering with loved ones and sharing delicious meals together. One of the highlights of any holiday party is the antipasto platter, filled with an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. This year, why not take your antipasto game to the next level with a festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log with olives and rosemary sprigs? This easy-to-make, yet impressive dish is perfect for the holidays, and can be prepared with everyday ingredients. The combination of creamy cream cheese, savory olives, and fragrant rosemary sprigs is sure to delight your guests and leave them wanting more.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The key to this dish is the balance of flavors and textures, which can be achieved with easily accessible ingredients. The cream cheese provides a rich and creamy base, while the olives add a salty and savory element, and the rosemary sprigs provide a fragrant and herbaceous note.
• Ease of preparation: This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients and some simple assembly. The cream cheese can be softened and mixed with the olives and rosemary sprigs, then shaped into a log and chilled until firm.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its elegant presentation and delicious flavors. The log shape makes it easy to slice and serve, and the combination of colors and textures adds a pop of visual interest to the platter.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this dish are cream cheese, olives, and rosemary sprigs. The cream cheese provides the base of the log, and can be softened and mixed with the olives and rosemary sprigs to create a uniform flavor and texture. The olives add a salty and savory element, and can be pitted and chopped to release their flavors. The rosemary sprigs provide a fragrant and herbaceous note, and can be chopped and added to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor. Some practical substitutions for these ingredients include using different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, or adding other herbs and spices to the mixture.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by softening the cream cheese to room temperature. This will make it easier to mix with the olives and rosemary sprigs. Once the cream cheese is softened, mix in the chopped olives and rosemary sprigs until well combined.
2. Step 2: Shape the cream cheese mixture into a log shape, using a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap to help hold its shape. Chill the log in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
3. Step 3: Once the log is firm, slice it into rounds and serve on a platter or individual plates. You can garnish the log with additional rosemary sprigs and olives, if desired, for extra flavor and visual interest.
4. Step 4: To add a final touch to the dish, consider serving the log with a variety of accompaniments, such as crackers, breadsticks, or crostini. This will provide a nice textural contrast to the creamy log, and add to the overall visual appeal of the dish.

Handy Tips

• When mixing the cream cheese with the olives and rosemary sprigs, be sure to mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause the cream cheese to become too soft and difficult to shape.
• To add extra flavor to the log, consider mixing in some grated garlic or lemon zest. This will add a nice depth of flavor to the dish, and complement the other ingredients nicely.
• When slicing the log, be sure to use a sharp knife to get clean, even slices. This will help the log to hold its shape, and prevent it from crumbling or breaking apart.

Heat Control

This dish does not require any heat, as it is served chilled. However, if you are looking to add a warm element to the dish, consider serving the log with a variety of warm accompaniments, such as toasted bread or roasted meats. This will provide a nice contrast in temperature and texture, and add to the overall visual appeal of the dish.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the olives and rosemary sprigs, which add a nice textural contrast to the creamy log. To enhance the crunch factor, consider adding some chopped nuts or seeds to the cream cheese mixture, such as almonds or sesame seeds. This will provide a nice crunch and added flavor to the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make the log more stable and easier to slice, consider adding a layer of parchment paper or plastic wrap to the bottom of the log. This will help to prevent it from sticking to the plate or platter, and make it easier to slice and serve.
• To add extra flavor to the log, consider mixing in some dried herbs or spices, such as thyme or paprika. This will add a nice depth of flavor to the dish, and complement the other ingredients nicely.
• To make the log more visually appealing, consider garnishing it with a variety of edible flowers or herbs, such as rose petals or fresh thyme. This will add a nice pop of color and visual interest to the dish, and make it more appealing to your guests.

Storage Tips

• The log can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• To reheat the log, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or thaw it quickly by submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, the log can be served chilled, or warmed slightly in the microwave or oven.
• To keep the log fresh and prevent it from drying out, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and storing it in an airtight container. This will help to keep the log moist and fresh, and prevent it from absorbing any odors or flavors from the refrigerator.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for gift-giving, and can be packaged in a variety of creative ways. Consider wrapping the log in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and placing it in a decorative tin or container. You can also add a variety of accompaniments, such as crackers or breadsticks, to make the gift more complete. To add a personal touch, consider including a handwritten note or card with the gift, or decorating the container with ribbons or bows.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding a variety of spices to the cream cheese mixture, such as garlic powder or onion powder, to give the log a unique flavor.
• Creative toppings: Consider topping the log with a variety of creative ingredients, such as chopped nuts or seeds, dried herbs, or edible flowers.
• Ingredient swaps: Consider swapping out the cream cheese for a different type of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, or adding other ingredients to the mixture, such as chopped meats or vegetables.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the log is too soft or too hard, consider adjusting the amount of cream cheese or adding other ingredients to the mixture to achieve the right texture.
• Ingredient replacements: If you are unable to find a particular ingredient, consider substituting it with a similar ingredient. For example, you can substitute the olives with chopped nuts or seeds, or the rosemary sprigs with other herbs.
• Over/undercooking signs: Since this dish is served chilled, there is no risk of overcooking. However, if you are looking to add a warm element to the dish, be sure to cook the accompaniments until they are heated through and crispy.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the log can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, this dish is gluten-free, making it a great option for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and follow the same instructions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the festive holiday antipasto cream cheese log with olives and rosemary sprigs is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for the holiday season. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and elegant presentation, it is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Whether you are looking for a dish to serve at a holiday party, or a gift to give to a loved one, this log is a great option. So why not give it a try, and see how it can add a touch of festivity to your holiday celebrations?