Salami Roll-Ups

Cream cheese wrapped in salami creates Salami Roll-Ups and makes one of the best low-carb and keto snack recipes we’ve eaten!

Perfect for grazing at a family holiday meal or enjoying at a party these snacks can be made a couple days ahead of time and are very easy to transport over a long distance. 

Salami Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe

Hard salami is one of my favorite cold meats because a single thin slice of meat that is already packed with so much flavor. We’ve wrapped salami around a mozzarella cheese stick or rolled it up with a thin slice of provolone cheese, but we had never spread cream cheese over a slice of salami.

There’s something fun about finger food with a frilly toothpick that is easy to eat in just a few bites. Spreading cream cheese inside each slice of salami or Dried Beef helps all of it stick together as it is rolled. Folding the salami also creates a neat and tidy presentation.

These roll-ups add a savory component to an appetizer table that also features a Vegetable Tray, Cranberry and Jalapeno Salsa, Bell Pepper Dip, or Black Bean & Corn Dip.

This salami cream cheese rollup recipe inspiration came from a 4-H contest I participated in many years ago. Another 4-H member made salami roll-ups and then created a sour cream and yogurt dip with mustard and honey. The combination sounds interesting, but after trying a few versions we decided a plain roll-up is superior in taste and ease than dipping them in a sauce.

Using the spreadable cream cheese in a tub makes the job easier much easier than a traditional block. Herbs and other finely chopped onions or veggies easily mix into the cream cheese. The tubs of preflavored cream cheese with herbs already mixed in can be used OR mixed into some plain cheese before spreading.

Our family loves how these work for a party or holiday since they can be kept cold in the refrigerator and enjoyed as a snack throughout the day.

Salami Roll-Ups or Fold-Ups?

The first time I made these my 4 year old daughter wanted to help. I thought roll-ups look really pretty, so I was spreading cream cheese and rolling away. She took some slices of salami, folded them and put a toothpick in the center. Some folds were more uniform than others.

The roll-ups are definitely a 2 to 3 bite snack where the fold-ups can be eaten in one big bite.

Folding salami is a little bit quicker than rolling. The biggest difference I notice is difference in appearance. Rolls can be neatly lined-up and stacked up in a uniform way. Folded salami is typically served in a more random way.

Both types of salami with cream cheese last up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Ingredients Needed:

• Thin slices of hard salami
• Softened cream cheese

What Can You Add To Salami Roll-Ups?

We like to serve salami and cream cheese roll-ups with crackers and baby pickles. But several items can be mixed into the cream cheese before spreading on salami if desired.

• Chopped chives
• Chopped green onions
• Sliced pepperoncini peppers
• Pickles
• Sliced jalapeños
• Herbed or other flavored cream cheese can be mixed in half and half with regular cream cheese
• Mixing horseradish in with the cream cheese and wrapping around a pickle is popular if you like stronger flavors

How to Make Low-Carb Salami Roll-Ups

Set a tub of spreadable cream cheese out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before using to soften even more.

Locate a serving dish and prepare a work station.

I like to open my package of salami on a wooden board and work right off the top of the stack.

We found that there are about 20 slices of salami in a 6 ounce package and 25 slices in a 7 ounce package.

Spread about 1 to 2 teaspoons of cream cheese on each slice of salami. Make an even layer that goes almost to each edge. Using more than two teaspoons of cream cheese will give a much heavier cream cheese flavor in proportion to the salami.

Since it is so easy to sample a roll-up adjust the ratio of ingredients as your taste buds prefer.

Roll or fold salami as desired and secure with a toothpick.

Store the salami and cheese snack in an airtight bag or container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy!

If toothpicks are used a bigger box is necessary to allow room. Also thin plastic wrap is tricky to use over top of toothpicks, so choose foil or a firmer material.

More Appetizer Ideas using Deli Meats

• Ham & Cheese Roll-Ups
• Italian BMT Sliders
• Ham & Turkey Melt Sliders
• Deli Meat and Cheese Tray
• Roast Beef Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
• Turkey, Cheddar & Bacon Sliders
• Ham & Cheese Sliders

Printable Recipe for Low-Carb Salami Roll-Ups

Originally published on December 24, 2020 with updates made on May 19, 2022.