Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups: A Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion
When it comes to appetizers, we all want something quick, easy, and above all, delicious. But it’s also important that the food not only tastes amazing but also looks appealing. Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups fit this description perfectly. These bite-sized snacks are a great addition to any party, holiday gathering, or even a cozy family night in. The combination of savory salami and creamy, flavorful cream cheese wrapped together in a neat little package is not only satisfying but also versatile enough to please various tastes. What makes these roll ups stand out is their simplicity, yet they feel indulgent with each bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes (Prep + Cook time)
- Yield: 12 Roll Ups
- Category: Appetizers and Dips, Snack
- Method: No-Bake, Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Salami slices (12 slices): Salami is the primary ingredient in this recipe. Its rich, slightly salty flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling. You can choose from a variety of salamis like Genoa, pepperoni, or even a milder turkey or chicken salami. The size and shape of the slices are important; they should be large enough to wrap around the cream cheese mixture easily but not too thick that they overwhelm the filling.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): The cream cheese acts as the base for the filling, providing a rich and smooth texture. It’s the ingredient that ties everything together. Be sure to use softened cream cheese, as it will make it much easier to mix with the other ingredients.
- Dry chives (2 teaspoons): Chives offer a subtle oniony flavor that complements both the cream cheese and salami. They also bring a pop of green color that enhances the visual appeal of the roll ups.
- Dry onion (2 teaspoons): The dry onion powder adds a savory, umami-rich flavor to the cream cheese mixture. It enhances the overall depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Garlic powder adds an aromatic, savory flavor that gives the filling a little extra kick. It’s a must-have in this recipe to balance out the richness of the cream cheese and salami.
- Pepper (to taste): A pinch of black pepper is all you need to elevate the flavors. It adds a mild heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Green olives (optional for garnish): Green olives are optional but make a fantastic garnish. The briny flavor of the olives adds a nice contrast to the creamy filling. If you’re not an olive fan, pickles or cherry tomatoes can be used instead.
- Pretzels (optional for serving): If you’re serving these roll ups on a platter, pretzels make for a great accompaniment. The crunchiness of pretzels contrasts nicely with the creamy roll ups, making them even more enjoyable.
Instructions
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: Begin by softening the cream cheese. Once softened, place it in a small mixing bowl. Add the dry chives, dry onion, garlic powder, and pepper to the cream cheese and mix until everything is well combined. The result should be a smooth, creamy mixture that’s ready to spread.
- Prepare the Salami: Lay the slices of salami out on a clean surface, such as a cutting board. You can arrange the slices in a single layer to ensure they are all ready for the next step.
- Spread the Cream Cheese: Take a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over each slice of salami. Be sure to cover the entire slice, leaving no empty spots. You want the cream cheese mixture to be generous but not overly thick.
- Roll Up the Salami: Starting from one end, carefully roll up each salami slice, making sure the cream cheese filling is securely wrapped inside. You’ll want to roll the salami tightly but without over-stretching it.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Insert a toothpick into each roll to hold it together. If you prefer, you can stack two or three rolls per toothpick for easier serving.
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the toothpicks with green olives or pickles for a tangy touch. This also adds a bit of visual flair to your roll ups.
- Serve: Arrange the roll ups on a serving platter and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. These roll ups can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Notes
- Change the Meat: If you don’t like salami, feel free to use other deli meats. Roast beef, turkey, or even pepperoni are great alternatives. You can even try a mix of different meats to create a more complex flavor profile.
- Add Spice: For those who like a bit of heat, adding finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture will give the roll ups a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: While chives and dry onion work wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other herbs like fresh parsley, dill, or basil. These herbs will add a fresh, aromatic flavor that pairs nicely with the salami.
- Switch the Garnish: If you’re not a fan of olives, you can use pickles, cherry tomatoes, or even a slice of cucumber as a garnish. Each option will offer a unique flavor contrast to the creamy roll ups.
- Substitute Cream Cheese: If you want a lighter option, you can swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or a low-fat cheese spread. Alternatively, try using flavored cream cheese spreads like garlic, herb, or sun-dried tomato for an added flavor boost.