There’s something delightfully simple about a recipe that you can whip up in a flash but still feel proud to serve at any gathering. Enter: these Salami Cream Cheese Roll-Ups. I remember the first time I made these—an impromptu game night with friends where I needed a snack, fast. These bite-sized, flavor-packed roll-ups were such a hit that they’ve become a regular in my “go-to” recipe book. They’re perfect for parties, appetizers, or even a midday snack (and, let’s be honest, they taste just as good when you sneak a few straight from the fridge).

Why these salami roll-ups are a must-try 🧀

What makes these salami cream cheese roll-ups so special? First, they’re the perfect marriage of salty, creamy, and savory, all in one neat little bite. With a prep time that’s minimal, and no cooking involved, they’re the definition of “easy”—but the flavor is anything but basic. Plus, they’re customizable, and you can throw them together with minimal ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want a quick snack that feels a little fancy, these roll-ups are an absolute winner.

A bite-sized blast from the past

When I was a kid, finger foods were always a big hit at our family gatherings. I vividly remember a holiday party when my aunt brought out a tray of roll-ups, and everyone circled around like it was the main event. That was my first taste of these little gems (albeit a different version), and I’ve been hooked ever since. Now, every time I make them, I’m transported back to those festive moments—filling my plate and thinking I was so fancy with my little bite-sized snacks. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it my own, and these have become my personal crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a big party or just me indulging while watching a movie.

The roll-up origin story

While salami and cream cheese may seem like an odd couple at first glance, this pairing has roots in classic deli traditions. In fact, wrapping things in deli meats (from cream cheese to pickles) is a staple of easy, on-the-go snacks and party platters. It’s a no-fuss approach to creating something that looks and tastes impressive without too much effort. Over time, people have experimented with all kinds of fillings and variations, but this creamy, herby filling encased in salty salami? That’s a timeless combo. These days, variations of salami roll-ups show up in everything from holiday spreads to keto-friendly snack lists.

Let’s talk ingredients: the good, the better, and the “oops I’m out of that”

Salami: The star of the show here! You want thin slices that are easy to roll. I usually grab a package of pre-sliced Genoa salami for that mild, slightly garlicky flavor. But if you’re a fan of spicy, hard salami or want to change it up with pepperoni, go for it. Just be sure to pick slices that are thick enough to hold together but thin enough to roll smoothly.

Cream Cheese: You’ll need a block of softened cream cheese, about 8 oz. Letting it soften will make mixing in the spices and spreading onto the salami much easier. In a pinch, whipped cream cheese works, too (it spreads like a dream!).

Dry Chives & Onion: These dried herbs bring the perfect hint of savory and oniony goodness. Fresh chives work great too if you have them, though you’ll want to use about double the amount.

Garlic Powder: This adds a subtle kick of flavor without overpowering the delicate cream cheese filling. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to throw in a little extra.

Pepper: A pinch of black pepper rounds out the flavor of the filling. For an extra punch, you can use freshly cracked pepper or even a dash of red pepper flakes.

Green Olives (optional): These are a fun little garnish if you’re feeling fancy. The briny tang of the olive plays off the richness of the cream cheese and salami. Plus, they just look cute perched on top of each roll-up!

Pretzels (optional for serving): These crunchy little guys are perfect for scooping up any extra filling. Pretzel sticks or small twists both work well and add a nice contrast to the creamy texture.

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can totally skip)

You won’t need anything too fancy for these roll-ups, but a few kitchen tools make the process smoother:

Mixing bowl: For combining the cream cheese with all those lovely herbs and spices.
Spatula or spoon: To mix and spread the cream cheese filling.
Toothpicks: These keep everything together, especially if you’re stacking the rolls. Plus, they make grabbing one off a party tray super easy.
Small knife or olive pitter (optional): If you’re using olives, this will help you neatly halve them for garnish.

No need for a cutting board or any special tools here—just a clean surface to work on and you’re good to go!

Step-by-step: My foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

Mix the filling: Start by softening your cream cheese. If it’s still a bit cold, give it 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Mix in the dried chives, onion, garlic powder, and pepper until everything is well combined. I like to taste at this point—adjust the seasonings if needed (more garlic? More pepper? Go for it!).
Spread and roll: Lay out your salami slices on a flat surface. Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on each slice—be generous but not so much that it’ll squish out the sides. Now, roll them up like a mini burrito! The first few might be a bit messy, but trust me, you’ll get the hang of it.
Secure with toothpicks: If you’re stacking two or three rolls together, secure them with a toothpick. Don’t push too hard, or they might split. I once tried using fancy cocktail picks, but honestly, the classic toothpick is your best bet here.
Garnish (optional): If you’re feeling a little extra, place half a green olive on the exposed end of each toothpick. They add a nice pop of color and a briny surprise.
Serve with pretzels: Arrange the roll-ups on a serving tray, and scatter some pretzels around the edges. Any leftover filling? Serve it in a small dish with the pretzels for dipping.

Variations I’ve tried (and loved!)

Spicy kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper into the cream cheese mixture. It gives the roll-ups a little heat without overwhelming the flavors.
Low-carb/keto: Skip the pretzels and serve with crunchy veggie sticks instead—celery or cucumber slices work great!
Herb-forward: If you love fresh herbs, swap out the dried chives and onion for finely chopped fresh parsley, dill, or basil. It gives the filling a fresh, bright flavor.
Seasonal twists: In the summer, adding a tiny slice of roasted red pepper inside the roll-ups gives them a smoky-sweet twist. For a winter holiday version, try adding a sprinkle of finely chopped dried cranberries for a festive touch.
Meat swap: I’ve also made these using prosciutto or even turkey slices. Both are delicious, though prosciutto can be a bit trickier to roll since it’s so delicate.

How to serve (and make them look like a million bucks)

For a party, arrange the roll-ups in a circular pattern on a large platter. The olives (if you’re using them) add a nice garnish, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs (like parsley) elevates the look. If you’re serving at home, pair them with a small bowl of extra cream cheese filling and pretzels. For a more casual vibe, pile them onto a cutting board and let everyone grab as they please.

What to drink with these roll-ups

For drink pairings, I’d suggest something light and refreshing to balance the richness of the cream cheese and salami. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully. If you’re more of a beer drinker, a light lager or pilsner would be just as refreshing. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lime complements the salty flavors perfectly.

Storage & reheating tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which, honestly, rarely happens), these roll-ups store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. You don’t need to reheat them—just enjoy them cold, straight from the fridge. If they’ve been sitting out at room temperature for a couple of hours (hello, party snacks), pop them back in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Scaling up or down: Here’s how to adjust

If you’re making these for a bigger crowd, it’s easy to double or triple the recipe. Just keep the ratio of cream cheese to spices the same. For smaller servings, halve the ingredients. When scaling down, I find it’s still worth making the full batch of cream cheese filling—you can always use the extra as a dip!

A few potential “uh-oh” moments

Rolls splitting apart: This usually happens if you’ve overstuffed them or your salami slices are too thin. Use a lighter hand with the cream cheese or choose thicker salami.
Too much cream cheese filling leftover: No worries! Use it as a spread on crackers, bagels, or as a dip for veggies.
Cream cheese too stiff to spread: If you forgot to soften your cream cheese, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds—it’ll be much easier to work with.

Give it a try!

These salami cream cheese roll-ups are a surefire hit, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging in a little snack time for yourself. And don’t be afraid to experiment—add your favorite flavors, switch up the meat, or get creative with garnishes. They’re so simple to make, but the possibilities are endless. I’d love to hear what twists you come up with!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like chives or parsley are fantastic in this recipe. Just use double the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups a few hours ahead. Just cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

3. What other meats can I use?
Feel free to swap the salami for prosciutto, ham, or even turkey slices. Just make sure they’re not too thin, so they hold together when rolled.

4. Can I freeze the roll-ups?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing these as the texture of the cream cheese may change when thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.

5. How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
If your cream cheese is still a bit too firm, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it up—it’ll spread much easier!

Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups Recipe