Festive Antipasto Cheese (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cheesy Blend

01 - 1/2 cup of diced and drained roasted red peppers
02 - 1/4 cup of tiny marinated artichoke pieces
03 - 8 oz of cream cheese, already softened
04 - 1/3 cup of green and black olives, chopped up
05 - 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning, dried
07 - 1/4 tsp of garlic powder
08 - 1/4 tsp ground pepper

→ For Topping and Coating

09 - Cranberries to give a festive vibe
10 - Rosemary sprigs for garnish
11 - 1/2 cup of finely chopped parsley for rolling

→ Optional Pairings

12 - Toasted baguette slices
13 - Various types of crackers
14 - Fresh veggie sticks like carrots or celery

# Instructions:

01 - Grab a mixing bowl and toss in the softened cream cheese, diced artichokes, grated Parmesan, roasted peppers, garlic seasoning, Italian herbs, black pepper, and olives. Stir well until the mix becomes creamy and smooth.
02 - Spread out a big piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center. Fold it over and roll it into a log shape. Once shaped, seal it up tightly in the plastic and leave it in the fridge for 2 hours, or until it feels firm to the touch.
03 - When the log is set, pour the chopped parsley onto a plate. Remove the cheese from the plastic wrap and roll it in the parsley until it’s completely covered. Pat gently to help the parsley stick.
04 - Put the parsley-covered cheese log onto a pretty tray. Arrange fresh rosemary and a few cranberries around it so it looks festive.
05 - Place the cheese log out with crackers, veggie sticks, and slices of baguette for dipping. Enjoy snacking!

# Notes:

01 - With Mediterranean flavors, this cream cheese log doubles as a fancy, crowd-pleasing starter!
02 - Prep this ahead of time. Leave it wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days, and just roll it in parsley before serving!
03 - Mix it up! Try rolling it in nuts or dried spices instead of parsley for extra crunch or flavor.
04 - Don’t want a log? Make it into a ball shape for a fun holiday twist!