Name: American Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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.; 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.; 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.; 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 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.; 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 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.; 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.

If you’re hunting for the ultimate party-starter that disappears in seconds, let me introduce you to Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups. With their smooth, flavorful filling wrapped up in savory salami slices, these classic American bite-sized appetizers strike that magical balance of effortless prep and real crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether you’re planning a big gathering, need a quick snack, or just want a make-ahead solution for busy days, this American favorite checks all the boxes, promising delicious simplicity and bold taste in every joyful little roll.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of ingredients can come together to create something so memorable. Each one has a starring role—either boosting the creamy, tangy filling or adding a satisfying bite. Here’s what you’ll need for the best American roll ups:

Salami slices: Choose 12 sturdy, generously sized slices—Genoa, pepperoni, or even turkey salami all work—to provide the deliciously salty, meaty wrap.
Cream cheese (8 ounces): Let it soften first; it’s the base for our filling and keeps everything rich and spreadable.
Dry chives (2 teaspoons): These add a gentle onion flavor and a pretty pop of green, making your roll ups beautiful and tasty.
Dry onion (2 teaspoons): Just a bit brings in savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle punch and rounds out the creamy filling with a delicious hint of garlic.
Pepper (to taste): Freshly ground black pepper helps tie all the flavors together and brings a gentle warmth.
Green olives (optional for garnish): Briny olives are classic for garnish, but you can easily swap in sliced pickles, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber.
Pretzels (optional for serving): Their salty crunch is a fun contrast to the creamy, soft American roll ups—perfect for a party platter.

How to Make Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups: A Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion

Step 1: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

Start off by ensuring your cream cheese is soft—trust me, this makes everything easier. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with dry chives, dry onion, garlic powder, and a good sprinkle of black pepper. Mix it all together until it’s creamy and beautifully blended, setting the foundation for that irresistible American filling you’ll crave again and again.

Step 2: Prepare the Salami

Lay all your salami slices out flat on a clean board or countertop. Arranging them in a single layer not only makes assembly a breeze, but it also keeps things tidy and helps you organize as you go.

Step 3: Spread the Cream Cheese

Take a spoonful of the luscious filling and smooth it across each slice of salami, reaching out to the edges but not so much that it spills out during rolling. The more evenly you spread, the more balanced each American bite will be.

Step 4: Roll Up the Salami

Carefully roll each salami slice starting from one end, snugly wrapping the creamy filling inside. Don’t squeeze too hard—think gentle but tight—so your roll ups hold together without the filling oozing out.

Step 5: Secure with Toothpicks

For easy serving, slide a toothpick straight through the center of each rolled up slice. Need a fun display? Stack two or three roll ups per toothpick, and you’ve got a festive take on this American party snack.

Step 6: Garnish (Optional)

If you want to wow your guests just a bit more, press a green olive or a slice of pickle or cherry tomato onto each toothpick. This simple step adds color, flair, and a touch of tang to make your American roll ups pop on any platter.

Step 7: Serve

Stack them up on a pretty tray and either serve right away or chill until your guests arrive. These roll ups are delicious straight from the fridge or just a little cool—they really do fit any occasion!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups: A Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion

Garnishes

Garnishing your American roll ups is half the fun. Try classic pimento-stuffed green olives, or get playful with halved cherry tomatoes, mini gherkins, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Not only do these finishing touches brighten up your platter, they add extra zesty flavor and a pop of color to every bite.

Side Dishes

These crave-worthy bites pair beautifully with crisp veggie sticks, a bowl of mixed nuts, or a stack of crunchy pretzels. Want to lean into the classic American party vibe? Serve them alongside deviled eggs, potato chips, or a simple tossed salad for a picnic-inspired platter that’ll please every palate.

Creative Ways to Present

You can arrange your roll ups into neat rows or circles on a decorative tray, or for an extra-festive presentation, fan them out around a dip bowl or stack them with alternating colors for vibrant visual appeal. Use colorful toothpicks to add instant party energy or layer the American roll ups on skewers with pickles and cheese cubes for snazzy, build-your-own snack sticks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any left (rare, but possible), simply pop the roll ups into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack or quick lunchbox favorite.

Freezing

Technically, you can freeze American roll ups, but the texture of cream cheese can sometimes change and become a bit grainy. If you do freeze them, wrap each roll tightly in plastic and then place in a sealed bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy soon after for best results.

Reheating

No need to reheat! These are meant to be enjoyed cool or at room temperature. If you’ve chilled them, just set out for 10–15 minutes before serving to let the flavors bloom and the texture soften perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make American roll ups ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These appetizers are ideally suited for advance prep. Assemble them a day ahead, cover tightly, and pop in the fridge. Add garnishes just before serving to keep everything pretty and fresh.

Is it possible to use flavored cream cheese instead of plain?

Yes, and it’s a fantastic way to switch things up. Garlic and herb or sun-dried tomato cream cheese blends give your American roll ups a unique twist and richer taste, with zero extra work.

What other meats can I use besides salami?

Feel free to be creative! Turkey, pepperoni, roast beef, or even ham all work beautifully. Choose whatever is your favorite or mix and match for an eye-catching, savory American party platter.

Are these roll ups keto-friendly or low carb?

They absolutely are—just skip the pretzels and watch for sugar in your salami brand. The combination of creamy filling and protein-rich salami makes these roll ups a perfect fit for American low-carb or keto diets.

What’s the best way to transport these for a picnic?

Line a container with wax paper and layer the roll ups so they don’t stick together. Keep them chilled during travel, and add the garnishes and toothpicks when you arrive for the freshest party-perfect American snack.

Final Thoughts

If you need a dish that will wow your guests, travel well, and make you look like an American entertaining hero with minimal effort, these cream cheese salami roll ups are ready and waiting. Have fun mixing and matching flavors, and don’t be surprised when these delicious bites vanish in a flash—everyone loves a great American appetizer!

American Recipe

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5.3 from 13 reviews

Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for any occasion. These savory bites feature a creamy and flavorful filling wrapped in slices of salami, offering a delicious blend of textures and tastes that are sure to please your guests.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 12 Roll Ups
Category: Appetizers and Dips, Snack
Method: No-Bake, Rolling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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 like roast beef or turkey. You can even mix different meats for a varied flavor.
Add Spice: For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for different flavor profiles.
Switch the Garnish: Use pickles, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber slices as alternative garnishes if you’re not a fan of olives.
Substitute Cream Cheese: Try Greek yogurt or low-fat cheese spread as lighter alternatives to cream cheese.