Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and utterly crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups are about to become your best friend. Whether it’s game day, a casual family gathering, or just a snack to munch on while you binge-watch your favorite show, these little bites hit the spot every time. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put these out at a gathering, and within minutes, the platter is empty—everyone’s hooked! The combo of savory salami and creamy filling is just too good to resist.

I’ll admit, I first stumbled upon this recipe out of sheer laziness (as with many of my best discoveries). I was throwing a last-minute party, had some leftover salami, and whipped up some cream cheese with whatever dried herbs I had on hand. The result? Pure snack magic! Not only is this recipe super adaptable, but it’s also a great make-ahead option, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Plus, no cooking required. What more could you ask for?

this RECIPE

How this recipe became a party staple

The first time I made these Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups was for an impromptu movie night. I had a few friends over, and honestly, I hadn’t planned snacks beyond popcorn. I scrambled to the fridge and found a lonely pack of salami and some cream cheese. Luckily, I’m the type of person who always has a stash of dried herbs in my pantry, so I quickly mixed up the filling, rolled up the salami, and voilà! My friends raved about them for days, and now I can’t host any sort of gathering without them. It’s become our little inside joke—no Salami Roll Ups, no party!

The best part is how versatile this recipe can be. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner or just having a casual hangout, these roll ups fit right in. They look cute on a platter, but they’re also no-fuss enough that you can just serve them straight from the kitchen counter, and they’ll still disappear just as fast.

A quick look at the history of salami

Salami has been around for centuries, originally as a way to preserve meat in Italy and other European countries. What started as a method of curing meat for long-term storage has now become a beloved ingredient in cuisines around the world. Today, we think of salami as more of a charcuterie board staple or sandwich filler, but its versatility shines in recipes like these roll ups. Over time, different variations of salami have emerged—beef, turkey, and more—making it an even more accessible and flavorful ingredient in everyday cooking. For this recipe, I like to use beef salami for its rich, savory taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy, herby filling.

Let’s talk ingredients: flavor-packed and simple

Beef salami

The star of the show! Beef salami gives these roll ups a hearty, savory flavor that balances beautifully with the cream cheese filling. If you’re out of salami, turkey salami works just as well. Just make sure to pick slices that aren’t too thick—they need to be flexible enough to roll up easily.

Cream cheese

Cream cheese is the perfect base for the filling. Its smooth texture and mild flavor let the herbs and spices really shine. I always use full-fat cream cheese for that extra creaminess, but if you want to lighten things up a bit, you can definitely use a lower-fat version. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing, or you’ll end up with a lumpy filling (trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way).

Dried chives, onion, and garlic powder

These dried herbs and spices add a burst of flavor without overpowering the dish. If you’re out of chives or onion, feel free to sub in fresh green onions or even parsley. Fresh herbs will give the filling a slightly different texture, but the flavor will still be spot-on. I love garlic powder in this because it blends seamlessly into the cream cheese, but if you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add a touch of freshly minced garlic instead.

Green olives

These are totally optional but highly recommended for a little salty pop. I love the way they complement the salami and creamy filling. Plus, they look cute perched on top of the roll ups! If olives aren’t your thing, you could swap them out for small pickles or even cherry tomatoes.

Pretzels

Serving these roll ups with pretzels is a no-brainer. The crunch of the pretzels alongside the soft, creamy filling is a match made in snack heaven. You can use any type of pretzel you like—traditional twists, rods, or even the flat pretzel crisps work great here.

Essential tools for rolling success

The best part of this recipe? You hardly need any fancy tools to pull it off. But there are a few things that’ll make the process a breeze:

• Toothpicks: These are essential for keeping your roll ups secure. If you want to get a little fancy, you can even find decorative toothpicks that’ll add a touch of flair to your platter. I once tried skipping the toothpicks, thinking the rolls would stay put on their own—not a great idea.
• A good mixing bowl: You’ll want a medium-sized bowl to mix up your cream cheese filling. If you’re doubling the recipe, opt for something bigger to avoid making a mess when stirring.
• Spatula or butter knife: Spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly over each salami slice is key. I find a small spatula or butter knife works best for this—it gives you more control than a spoon.

Step-by-step: making salami cream cheese roll ups

1. Make the filling
   In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, dried chives, dried onion, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir until everything is well-combined and smooth. You want the filling to be creamy and easy to spread—if it’s too thick, you can add a small splash of milk to loosen it up.Tip: Don’t skimp on the herbs and spices! They really bring the filling to life.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture
   Lay out your salami slices on a flat surface (I like to use a large cutting board for easy cleanup). Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each slice of salami. Be careful not to overfill—just enough to coat the surface is perfect.
3. Roll it up
   Starting at one end of the salami slice, gently roll it up into a little tube. The cream cheese will help hold everything together. Once rolled, secure the salami with a toothpick. You can stack two or three rolls per toothpick if you want to make mini skewers.Mistake alert: Make sure you roll the salami snugly, but not so tight that the filling squeezes out. I’ve made that mistake before, and it’s a messy fix!
4. Garnish with olives
   If you’re adding olives, now’s the time! Place one green olive on the end of each toothpick for a fun garnish.
5. Serve with pretzels
   Arrange the salami roll ups on a platter alongside some crunchy pretzels. You can even use any leftover cream cheese mixture as a dip for the pretzels—double the fun!

Variations and creative twists

These Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups are endlessly adaptable, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations I’ve tried and loved:

• Gluten-free: Swap out the pretzels for gluten-free crackers, or serve the roll ups on their own as a bite-sized snack.
• Vegetarian: If you’re looking for a meatless version, try using large cucumber slices or bell pepper strips in place of the salami. The crunch of the veggies pairs surprisingly well with the creamy filling!
• Spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a bit of heat.
• Seasonal twist: In the summer, add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a brighter, fresher flavor.

Presentation and serving ideas

When it comes to serving these roll ups, I like to keep it simple but stylish. Arrange the roll ups in neat rows on a white platter for a clean look, or scatter them casually on a rustic wooden board for a more relaxed vibe. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra dried chives over the top for a pop of color. Serve alongside a small bowl of pretzels and maybe even some extra olives or pickles for garnish. Trust me, they’ll look as good as they taste.

Drinks to pair

For a refreshing combination, I recommend serving it with:

• Sparkling water with lemon or lime: The citrus cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and complements the salami perfectly.
• Iced tea: A lightly sweetened black or green iced tea balances the salty-sweet flavors of the roll ups.
• Fruit juice spritzers: Mix your favorite juice (orange, cranberry, or apple) with some club soda for a fun, fizzy drink.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (which rarely happens in my experience), store the roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 2 days, but after that, the salami can start to lose its texture. I wouldn’t recommend reheating these, as the cream cheese doesn’t fare well with heat. But, if you do need to freshen them up, just bring them to room temperature before serving.

Adjusting the recipe for different serving sizes

This recipe is incredibly easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re feeding. If you’re making it for a larger crowd, just double or triple the ingredients. One thing to watch out for when scaling is the amount of cream cheese filling—you may need to adjust the seasoning as you increase the quantities to make sure the flavors stay balanced. I’ve found that when making a larger batch, it’s better to mix the filling in stages to avoid ending up with too much of one flavor.

Wrapping it up: give this recipe a try!

These Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups are the perfect balance of flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Whether you’re making them for a party or just as a snack for yourself, they’re sure to be a hit. The best part? You can customize them to fit your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves (pun intended) and give these a try—you won’t regret it!

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare these roll ups a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

2. What if I don’t have dried chives?
Fresh chives or green onions work as a great substitute. Just chop them finely before mixing into the cream cheese.

3. Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Absolutely! A garlic and herb or veggie-flavored cream cheese would add even more depth to the filling.

4. How do I prevent the rolls from unwrapping?
Be sure to roll them snugly and use toothpicks to hold everything together. If you’re still having trouble, try chilling the rolls for 10 minutes before serving.

5. Can I freeze the roll ups?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing them as the texture of the cream cheese can change once thawed.

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