1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Italian Salami Cheese Roll

Festive Cheese Log Dish

Featured in Nibbles and bites when hunger strikes.

Prepare this vibrant make-ahead cheese roll packed with creamy cheese, salami, and roasted peppers. A decorative topper of sun-dried tomatoes makes it party-ready.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Fri, 02 May 2025 17:40:33 GMT
Cheese Roll with Italian Topping Pin it
Cheese Roll with Italian Topping | tasteofsavor.com

Turn plain cream cheese into a fancy Italian-style starter that's packed with all the punchy flavors you'd find on a traditional antipasto board. This tasty cheese log mixes spicy salami, zingy sun-dried tomatoes, and salty olives in a smooth, eye-catching form that'll wow your guests.

The first time I brought this to a Christmas gathering, nobody thought I'd made it myself. They were sure it came from a fancy food shop. My secret? Let it sit in the fridge overnight - this gives those Mediterranean ingredients time to blend into something amazing.

Key Components

  • Cream Cheese: Go for full-fat and make sure it's totally soft for easy mixing
  • Salami: Spend a little extra on good dry-cured stuff for better taste
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes: Get the ones in oil for juicier flavor and softer texture
  • Green Olives: Cut them up by hand for the right bite and spread
  • Fresh Herbs: Don't skip these - they add so much pop and freshness
  • Roasted Peppers: Make sure they're totally dry to keep your mix from getting soggy

Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1:
Set out your cream cheese and sour cream so they get completely soft
Step 2:
Cut everything into tiny bits before you start for better mixing
Step 3:
Whip the cream cheese until it's super smooth before adding anything else
Step 4:
Start by mixing in your herbs and spices to the cream cheese base
Step 5:
Slowly add the grated cheese bit by bit to keep things fluffy
Step 6:
Mix in your chopped stuff a little at a time with gentle folding
Step 7:
Pack the mixture down tight in your pan to get rid of air bubbles
Step 8:
Use a flat knife to make the top nice and even
Step 9:
Wrap it up snug with plastic wrap touching the top
Step 10:
Let it get really cold before you take it out

Stunning Presentation Ideas

Put fresh herbs, little tomatoes, and different kinds of olives around your cheese log to make a gorgeous antipasto spread.

Prep-Ahead Convenience

This starter actually tastes better when it sits a while, which is great news if you're busy planning a party.

Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Pin it
Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log | tasteofsavor.com

My Nonna always told me good antipasto needs time for the flavors to become friends with each other. This recipe shows she was right - it's way tastier the day after you make it.

This antipasto cheese log has become my go-to party food. I love that I can make it ahead and still impress everyone. Whenever I bring it out, people start asking me how I made it - and isn't that what every home cook wants to hear?

Tasty Serving Companions

  • Different kinds of crackers with various crunch levels
  • Raw veggies like baby tomatoes and cucumber rounds
  • Pickled artichoke hearts and fire-roasted red peppers
  • More cured meats such as prosciutto or capicola
  • Sprigs of fresh basil and rosemary

Switching It Up For Any Event

You can change this recipe to fit whatever party you're throwing:

  • Make tiny individual logs for small dinner groups
  • Make twice as much for big holiday crowds
  • Shape it like a ring for Christmas or special events
  • Roll into small balls for casual snacking

Getting The Right Texture

  • Take it out 30 minutes before eating so it's easy to spread
  • For outdoor parties, set the dish on some ice to keep it fresh
  • Pop it back in the fridge between servings at long parties

Drinks That Go Well

  • Chianti Classico or other medium Italian red wines
  • Fresh Pinot Grigio or Vermentino
  • Bubbly Prosecco for special moments
  • For non-drinkers, try sparkling water with lemon or lime
Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Pin it
Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log | tasteofsavor.com

In our family, we always serve this cheese log during our yearly holiday open house. We've learned to make extra batches because guests always want to take leftovers home!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How early can I make this dish?
It keeps fresh if made a week in advance, wrapped well in the fridge.
→ What’s the best way to serve it?
Bring it closer to room temperature and pair with sturdy crackers like Triscuits or Ritz.
→ Can I freeze it for later?
Freezing isn't ideal since cream cheese changes texture during thawing.
→ Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Skip the salami or replace it with diced ham or more veggies.
→ Why grate cheese fresh at home?
Freshly grated blends better and avoids additives used in pre-packaged options.

Italian Salami Cheese Roll

A delicious cheese roll filled with roasted peppers, salami, olives, and flavorful Italian herbs. Topped with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh greenery.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 cheese log)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Cheese Blend

01 500g (16 ounces) softened cream cheese
02 Freshly grated cheese, about 2 cups, like cheddar or a sharp option
03 1/3 cup sour cream to make it softer and easier to spread

→ Flavor Boosters

04 1 teaspoon chili or red pepper flakes for a little heat
05 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder for flavor
07 A teaspoon of kosher salt
08 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
09 Dried rosemary, about 1/2 teaspoon
10 A dash of black pepper, around 1/2 teaspoon
11 Use 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning instead of separate herbs if preferred

→ Add-Ins

12 180g (6 ounces) finely chopped salami
13 3 to 4 stalks of green onions, chopped finely, about 1/3 cup
14 Finely chopped roasted peppers, drained well, about 280g (9 ounces)
15 Olives of your choice, green and chopped, roughly 3/4 cup

→ Toppings

16 Fresh parsley, chopped into tiny bits, about 1/4 cup
17 Sun-dried tomato strips in oil, roughly chopped, around 220g (7 ounces)
18 Sprigs of fresh rosemary for a nice final look
19 Serve with crackers such as Ritz or Triscuit

Instructions

Step 01

Spray oil on your pan, then line it with plastic wrap so it hangs over the sides for easier removal.

Step 02

In a big bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, all cheeses, herbs, spices, roasted peppers, salami, olives, and onions until it's all combined.

Step 03

Taste the mix and, if it needs more salt, stir some in. Keep in mind your crackers might be salty too!

Step 04

Place the mixture into the lined pan, pressing down to squash out air bubbles. Cover the top using the hanging plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least four hours.

Step 05

Carefully take the cheese mix out of the pan by lifting the wrap, then flip it onto a plate. Add chopped parsley, some sun-dried tomato strips with their oil, and set a few rosemary sprigs on top.

Step 06

Let the spread soften a little before serving. It's easier to spread when it's closer to room temp. Pair it with plenty of crackers!

Notes

  1. Great for prepping in advance – make it up to a week before your event!
  2. If using spreadable cream cheese, don't add sour cream.
  3. Freshly grated cheese is smoother; pre-shredded often clumps.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl (large enough for all ingredients)
  • Plastic wrap to line the pan
  • Cheese grater for fresh shredding
  • Pan, preferably a loaf-sized one
  • Knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy products like cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 205
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 8 g