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Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups are a trusty snack you can whip up for a get-together or even just a casual family movie night. Tangy cream cheese gets snuggled inside slices of salty salami and in only a few minutes you'll have bites that look way fancier than the effort you put in. People always snatch them up fast at my parties. I always have folks asking how I made them before the plate is empty.
These first happened when I had surprise guests and now my kiddo begs for them whenever his buddies show up for game night. I never have leftovers—someone always sneaks the last piece.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Pretzels: Totally optional but their salty crunch with the creamy and chewy roll ups? Can't beat it Mini twists or little sticks both work
- Green olives: They're optional but if you like a pop of saltiness these briny bites make everything look fancy and taste even better—just make sure you grab the pitted kind for easy topping
- Pepper: Fresh cracked black pepper is the way to go if you have a grinder because it brings a punchier taste
- Garlic powder: Toss in a tiny shake for mellow, toasty garlic flavor that doesn't smack you in the face
- Dry onion: Sprinkle a little for extra depth—just make sure it's powdery and not stuck in sad clumps
- Dry chives: Little green flakes bring a kick of onion and some color; stick to what looks fresh in the store
- Cream cheese: Let it soften so it mixes smooth. Take it out half an hour ahead or microwave it low for a few seconds so it's blendable
- Salami slices: Grab round slices that won't fall apart when you roll them up—aim for ones that aren't greasy or super thick
Simple How-To Steps
- Arrange to Serve:
- Place your roll ups side by side on a serving plate. Enjoy them right away for peak chill and freshness or pop them in the fridge under plastic for up to a day until you're ready.
- Add Your Decoration:
- Stick an olive or anything you like on top of each roll for some color and an extra punch of flavor. Press gently so it stays put.
- Hold Them Together:
- Poke a toothpick through each one so they don't unravel and people can grab them easily. No toothpicks? Just serve them as is—kids love grabbing these with their fingers anyway.
- Roll Up the Salami:
- Start at one side and carefully roll up each salami slice around the cheese mix. If it tries to unroll, just keep a light pressure and make a neat little roll.
- Coat the Salami Slices:
- Use a butter knife or spoon to slather a tablespoon of the cheese mix onto every slice. Cover the whole thing edge to edge for flavor in every bite. Thin and even is best.
- Lay Out the Salami:
- Space all your slices on a cutting board or big plate so you can work fast and don't make a mess. Put a bit of space between each so it's easy to grab and roll them.
- Make the Filling:
- Dump the cream cheese, chives, onion, garlic powder, and pepper into a bowl. Stir with a fork or spatula until everything's creamy and speckled with herbs with no dry spots left.
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The best part of this dish for me is definitely the cream cheese—it’s the perfect smooth canvas for salty meat and zingy herbs. My daughter loves topping them with olives and insists on being my helper every time. When she starts getting creative with decorations, it always feels extra fun to serve these.
Handy Storage Ideas
Stash any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Put wax paper or parchment between layers so they don’t get stuck together. Don’t let them sit out—cold straight from the fridge is the way to go for best texture.
Swap Options
Want it different? Try turkey, pepperoni, or even roast beef if you don’t have salami. No cream cheese handy? Use Greek yogurt, goat cheese, or any spreadable cheese you like. You can swap chives for another fresh herb like dill or parsley without losing that hit of freshness.
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Fun Serving Ideas
Set out your roll ups with some fresh crunchy veggies or a pile of pretzels for contrast. They’re perfect tucked on a snack board with pickles, grapes, or roasted nuts too—anything that balances salty and sweet works.
Party Food Origins
Bite-size roll ups have been a classic American party favorite since at least the 1950s when everyone was throwing cocktail parties. They blend easy-to-eat snack size with bold deli counter flavors that kinda make you think of your favorite sandwich but way more festive.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I swap in other meats instead of salami?
You sure can! Try pepperoni, turkey, or roast beef for new flavors and a slightly different texture.
- → How do I keep these from coming apart?
Stick a toothpick in each roll to lock it down. Makes them simple to pick up and enjoy.
- → Should I serve them cold or let them sit out?
Both ways work. They’re a bit firmer from the fridge but taste super creamy at room temp.
- → Is it possible to make them ahead?
Absolutely. Put them together a few hours early, stash in the fridge, and save garnishes for last-minute freshness.
- → Don’t have cream cheese—what else can I use?
Switch it up with Greek yogurt, low-fat spreads, or even a zingy flavored cheese spread for something lighter or different.
- → Got any good topping ideas?
Cucumber slices, olives, little tomatoes, or pickles all add a fresh crunch to balance the cheesy, salty roll up.