Italian Salami Cheese Roll (Print Version)

# 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:

01 - Spray oil on your pan, then line it with plastic wrap so it hangs over the sides for easier removal.
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.
03 - Taste the mix and, if it needs more salt, stir some in. Keep in mind your crackers might be salty too!
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.
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.
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:

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