Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups Appetizer is the perfect five-ingredient party snack. It comes together in minutes with no cooking required, offering a savory, creamy bite every time. For more simple recipes featuring cream cheese, try the Ultimate Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins – Family Favorite Recipe or the Delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe Guide.

Ingredients

These Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups combine the savory, salty snap of cured meat with a rich, herby, and perfectly seasoned cream cheese filling for an irresistible bite.

• 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.

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This no-cook appetizer is ready in about 15 minutes, making it roughly 30% faster than similar recipes that require baking or chilling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Tools

Gather your salami slices, softened cream cheese, and any mix-ins like green onions or spices. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading. You’ll also need a small bowl, a butter knife or offset spatula, and a serving platter.

Step 2 — Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

Place the softened cream cheese in a bowl. For extra flavor, fold in your chosen additions, such as finely chopped chives, everything bagel seasoning, or a dash of garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the filling is smooth.

Step 3 — Assemble the Roll Ups

Lay a salami slice flat on your work surface. Using your knife, spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the slice. Aim for just enough to cover it without being so thick it squeezes out.

Step 4 — Roll Them Tightly

Starting at one end, gently but firmly roll the salami slice into a tight cylinder. Apply even pressure as you roll to prevent air pockets and ensure the cream cheese adheres to itself, sealing the roll.

Tip: If the salami is particularly stiff, you can briefly microwave a few slices for 5-10 seconds to make them more pliable and less likely to crack.

Step 5 — Secure and Chill

Place each completed roll seam-side down on your platter or a baking sheet. For best results, cover the platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the cream cheese, making the rolls much easier to slice.

Step 6 — Slice and Serve

Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice each roll into ½-inch to 1-inch pinwheels. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat presentation. Arrange the pinwheels on your serving dish and enjoy immediately.

Serving Suggestion: For a party platter, pair these roll ups with other easy appetizers like pickles, olives, and crackers.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~85 kcal
Protein	~4 g
Carbohydrates	~1 g
Fat	~7 g
Fiber	~0 g
Sodium	~280 mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Values are per roll-up and can vary with specific brands of salami and cream cheese.

Healthier Alternatives

These Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple ingredient swaps to tailor them to different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Lower-Fat Cream Cheese — Use a light or Neufchâtel cream cheese to reduce calories and saturated fat while keeping the classic creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Cream Cheese — A plant-based cream cheese alternative makes these roll ups completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
• Turkey or Chicken Salami — Swap the traditional salami for a leaner poultry-based version to lower the fat content significantly.
• Low-Sodium Salami or Ham — Opt for a low-sodium deli meat to better manage salt intake without sacrificing the savory, salty punch.
• Gluten-Free Tortillas or Lettuce Wraps — For a gluten-free or lower-carb option, use gluten-free wraps or large, sturdy lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce instead of flour tortillas.
• Greek Yogurt Blend — Mix plain Greek yogurt with a portion of the cream cheese for added protein and a tangier flavor profile.
• Added Veggies — Incorporate very thin slices of cucumber, bell pepper, or spinach leaves inside the roll for extra crunch, fiber, and nutrients.
• Seed Crackers or Cucumber Rounds — For a completely carb-conscious version, skip the wrap and serve the cream cheese and salami mixture as a dip with crackers or on cucumber rounds.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups with a tangy dill pickle dip or a grainy mustard for a delightful contrast in flavors.
• Create a stunning charcuterie board centerpiece by arranging a spiral of roll ups alongside crackers, olives, and fresh vegetables.
• For a heartier appetizer, spear each roll up with a pretzel stick or a mini breadstick before serving.
• Perfect for game day, pack them in a bento-style box for easy, mess-free snacking right out of the fridge.
• Elevate your brunch spread by adding these roll ups to a platter with fresh fruit, pastries, and smoked salmon.
• For a colorful presentation, use a mix of Genoa, hard salami, and pepperoni to create visual variety on the plate.

These Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups are incredibly versatile. Keep them simple for a quick snack or dress them up with elegant garnishes like fresh herbs or cracked black pepper for your next party.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold, stiff cream cheese straight from the fridge. Fix: Let it soften at room temperature for 30–60 minutes for a smooth, spreadable texture.
• Mistake: Overfilling the salami slices, causing the cream cheese to squeeze out. Fix: Use just a teaspoon of filling per slice and spread it thinly to the edges.
• Mistake: Choosing thick-cut salami that won’t roll easily. Fix: Opt for thinly sliced deli salami, which is more pliable and creates tighter rolls.
• Mistake: Rolling them too loosely so they unfurl on the platter. Fix: Roll snugly and place seam-side down; chilling for 30 minutes helps them set.
• Mistake: Skipping the seasoning in the cream cheese filling. Fix: Always mix in herbs, spices, or garlic powder to elevate the flavor beyond plain cheese.
• Mistake: Making them hours ahead but leaving them out, risking food safety. Fix: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate until serving; they hold up well for 24 hours.
• Mistake: Using wet ingredients like fresh tomatoes inside, which make the rolls soggy. Fix: Pat all add-ins dry or use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained well.
• Mistake: Cutting the rolls with a dull knife, which mashes the shape. Fix: Use a very sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion for clean pinwheels.
• Mistake: Not blotting the salami slices if they’re greasy. Fix: Gently pat slices with a paper towel to improve the cream cheese adhesion.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) for food safety.
• Freezer: For longer storage, arrange the roll-ups in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: For best texture, thaw frozen roll-ups overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in an air fryer or conventional oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through, about 5-8 minutes.

Always allow your Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. For food safety, do not leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

These Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups are the perfect, fuss-free appetizer for any occasion. We hope you love this simple recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments. For more delicious cream cheese ideas, check out our Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry or Best Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe Online. Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them up to a day in advance. Store the assembled roll ups in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes them a perfect, quick appetizer for parties.

What can I add to the cream cheese filling for more flavor?

You can easily customize the filling. Try mixing in finely chopped green onions, fresh herbs like dill, or a dash of garlic powder. These additions complement the savory salami in your Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups beautifully.

What type of salami works best for this recipe?

Thinly sliced, large-diameter hard salami works best, as it rolls easily without cracking. Genoa salami is a popular choice. The larger slices create perfect, bite-sized Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups.