Festive Cheese Herb Roll

Turn plain cream cheese into a standout Italian-style starter that packs all the punchy flavors you'd find on a traditional 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 get-together.

The first time I brought this to a Christmas bash, nobody thought I'd made it myself. My trick? Let it sit in the fridge overnight - that extra time lets all those Mediterranean flavors get friendly and turn into something amazing.

Key Components

• Cream Cheese: Go for the full-fat stuff and make sure it's totally soft for easy mixing
• Salami: Spend a bit more on fancy dry-cured stuff for way better taste
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: The ones swimming in oil work best for juicier flavor
• Green Olives: Cut them up yourself for better bits throughout
• Fresh Herbs: Don't skip these - they add life and amazing flavor
• Roasted Peppers: Dry them off completely so they won't make things soggy

Step-By-Step Walkthrough

Step 1:

Set out cream cheese and sour cream till they're completely room temp

Step 2:

Cut everything into tiny pieces first so they'll mix in evenly

Step 3:

Whip the cream cheese until it's super smooth before adding anything else

Step 4:

Stir in herbs and spices to the cream cheese first

Step 5:

Mix in the shredded cheese bit by bit to keep things fluffy

Step 6:

Fold in your chopped goodies little by little with gentle stirring

Step 7:

Pack the mix down tight in your pan so there's no air bubbles

Step 8:

Use a flat knife to make the top nice and level

Step 9:

Cover it with plastic wrap right against the surface

Step 10:

Let it get really cold before you take it out of the mold

Building a Gorgeous Platter

Surround your cheese log with sprigs of herbs, baby tomatoes, and different olives for a stunning antipasto spread that'll impress everyone.

Plan-Ahead Perfection

This app actually tastes better after sitting a while, which is great news when you've got a million things to do before guests arrive.

Pin it

My nonna always told me good antipasto needs time for the flavors to mix and mingle. This dish totally backs her up - it's way tastier the day after you make it.

I've become known for bringing this antipasto cheese log to parties. It's so easy to make beforehand but looks like I spent hours on it. The best part? Everyone always asks me how I made it - and isn't that what every cook loves to hear?

Best Foods to Serve Alongside

• All kinds of crackers with different shapes and tastes
• Crunchy veggies like tiny tomatoes and cucumber rounds
• Marinated artichoke hearts and fire-roasted bell peppers
• More fancy meats like paper-thin prosciutto or spicy capicola
• Bunches of fresh basil and sprigs of rosemary

Tweaking for Different Events

You can switch things up based on what kind of party you're having:

• Make tiny individual logs for smaller dinner parties
• Go big with twice the recipe for family holiday bashes
• Shape it like a ring for Christmas or New Year's
• Roll into bite-sized balls for casual snacking

Getting the Right Texture

• Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes early so it spreads nicely
• Put the dish on some ice if you're serving outside in hot weather
• Stick it back in the fridge between snack times at longer parties

Drinks That Go Great With It

• A glass of Chianti Classico or other medium Italian red wines
• Something light like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino
• Bubbling Prosecco for fancy occasions
• For non-drinkers, try fizzy water with lemon or lime

Pin it

Every year at our holiday open house, this cheese log is the star. We've learned to make a couple extras because people always want to take leftovers home!

This antipasto cheese log has become our family's go-to party food. It works just as well for fancy dinner parties as it does for watching the game. The fact you can make it ahead is a lifesaver when you're busy, and it never fails to get compliments on both looks and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How early can I prepare this cheese roll?

Make it up to 7 days in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge.

→ What's the easiest way to serve this roll?

Let it warm slightly before serving with crunchy crackers like Triscuits or Ritz.

→ Can you freeze this cheese roll?

Not a good idea—cream cheese tends to lose its texture after freezing.

→ What if I don't eat salami?

You can swap salami with diced ham or skip it entirely for a vegetarian option.

→ Why shred cheese at home?

Fresh shredded cheese spreads better and avoids additives in store-bought shredded cheese.