Why Make This Recipe

Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups are a delightful appetizer that anyone can whip up in no time. They bring a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them great for parties, game days, or just a snack. Their creamy filling and savory salami are a crowd-pleaser, and they look stunning on a platter. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different ingredients based on personal tastes!

How to Make Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups

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.

Directions:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups

Serve these delicious roll ups on a beautiful platter. They make a great finger food option for parties and gatherings. For extra flair, add colorful garnishes like olives, pickles, or cherry tomatoes. You can even serve them with crunchy pretzels on the side for an added texture.

How to Store Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups

Store leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days. If you prefer, you can make the cream cheese filling in advance and assemble the roll ups just before serving.

Tips to Make Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups

Use softened cream cheese for easier spreading.
Don’t skip the spices; they add essential flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different types of salami or spread additional ingredients like chopped herbs or diced peppers in the cream cheese mixture for variety.
If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-sliced salami and prepared cream cheese spreads.

Variation

You can customize these roll ups by swapping out salami for other deli meats like ham, turkey, or even roast beef. Add cheese slices for an extra layer of flavor. Additionally, you can incorporate different herbs or spices to suit your taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and assemble the roll ups right before serving for maximum freshness.

2. What can I serve with Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups?
These roll ups pair well with crunchy snacks like pretzels and fresh vegetables. A side of dipping sauces like mustard or ranch dressing also complements them nicely.

3. Can I freeze Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups?
It’s not recommended to freeze these roll ups, as the cream cheese may change texture when thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh!