Roasted Red Pepper Antipasto Cheese Spread Appetizer (Simple Gourmet)

This festive, tasty & creamy cheese spread is simple to make
and  perfect to serve at parties & holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

8 iunces gream cheese, at room temperature

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper

1/4 cup chopped green olives

1/4 cup chopped black olives

1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts**

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley

fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional)

Method:

Add the cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, roasted pepper, olives and artichoke hearts to a medium/large bowl. Mix with an electric mixer on low speed until all of the ingredients are evenly mixed.

Cover and chill the mixture for 1 hour.

Sprinkle the cilantro on a piece of waxed paper. Transfer the cheese mixture on top of the cilantro sprinkled waxed paper and form into a "loaf" or "log". 

Wrap the waxed paper around the loaf, pressing the cilantro into the sides of the cheese. Return to the refrigerator and chill one hour or overnight.

Unwrap and transfer to a serving platter. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary springs. Serve with crackers, vegetables and or sliced baguettes. Serves 10.

**I used canned artichoke hearts, Canned or marinated artichoke hearts may be used.

Notes: 

This delicious and creamy appetizer is very simple to make. 

Even people who won't normally eat olives liked this vegetable filled cheese log appetizer. 🥰