Salami Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe

Author:
Carolyn Kaye
Updated:
Nov 15, 2018

A delicious and easy recipe for Salami Pinwheels.
carolynkaye

Salami Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are always a big hit when I serve them at parties or get-togethers. They’re cute, super tasty and loved by adults and kids alike.

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can customize it to your taste (or diet) by using regular, reduced-fat or flavored cream cheese. You can even make it vegetarian or vegan by using vegetarian salami slices and non-dairy cream cheese.

Though I used chopped parsley in the demonstration photos, this recipe can also be made with fresh chopped basil, chives, cilantro or oregano.

If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, use dried chives, basil or oregano instead.

Here’s the recipe for Salami Pinwheels with Cream Cheese along with photos that demonstrate how easy these are to make.

This recipe makes approximately 18 to 20 pinwheels.

Ingredients

18 Slices of Salami, (or Vegetarian Salami)
16 oz. Plain Cream Cheese, (Regular, Reduced-Fat, or Dairy-Free)
Approx. 3 TBS Finely Chopped Fresh Basil, (You can substitute chopped parsley, chives, oregano or cilantro)
Coarsely Ground Black Pepper
Parsley, (Optional for garnish)

Try experimenting with different tastes. Finely chopped parsley, chives, basil or cilantro taste great with this recipe. You can also use dried oregano or dried chives.
carolynkaye

You'll Also Need

Plastic wrap or wax paper
A sharp, finely serrated knife for cutting the pinwheels
A butter knife for spreading the cream cheese
A cutting board
A large plate or serving tray
Regular or cocktail toothpicks for serving

If you're watching fat calories, try using a reduced fat cream cheese. It tastes just as yummy.
carolynkaye

Instructions

Step 1

Line a tray or counter top with some plastic wrap or wax paper.

Step 2

Spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese onto one slice of salami. Reduced-fat cream cheese works just as well as regular cream cheese in this recipe.

Don't spread the cream cheese too thickly or you might run out before you finish the rest of the batch.

Tip: Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator twenty minutes before starting so it's easier to spread.

Step 3

Sprinkle the cream cheese layer with a little coarsely ground black pepper (to taste) and some finely chopped basil, parsley, chives or cilantro as shown below.

Step 4

Place another slice of salami on top of the first, about 1/3 of the way down as shown. Press down lightly to help it ‘stick’ to the first slice.

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese onto that slice as well. Then, add black pepper and your choice of herbs, just like the first one.

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Step 5

Repeat this process until you have a vertical row of six slices of salami covered with cream cheese, herbs and black pepper.

Salami Pinwheels Poll

Try to spread approximately the same amount of cream cheese on each slice of salami so the pinwheels look nice and even when cut.
carolynkaye

Step 6

Starting from the very bottom, begin rolling up the salami as neatly and tightly as possible. Be sure to catch the loose bottom edges as you roll.

Keep the roll nice and tight for the best looking salami pinwheels.
carolynkaye

Step 7

Once it’s completely rolled up into a log shape, wrap it in plastic wrap or wax paper and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Don't forget to refrigerate your rolls for at least an hour before cutting. This will make the pinwheels hold their shape as you cut slices.
carolynkaye

Step 8

Repeat this process with the rest of your salami slices, cream cheese and herbs.

Step 9

After the rolls have been refrigerated, put them one at a time on a cutting board and slice them into approximately 1/2 inch slices with a sharp, finely serrated knife.

Tip: The ends of the rolls won't have a nice pinwheel shape, so just cut these off to have as samples.

Let's Make Some Pinwheels

Take your time and make neat slices with a sharp, finely serrated knife.
carolynkaye

Step 10

Re-shape each pinwheel into a circle (if necessary) and arrange them on your serving tray. Garnish the edges of your tray with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Stick a toothpick in each for serving. You can make them even more interesting by adding cocktail or decorative toothpicks.

Keep the pinwheels loosely covered and refrigerated until you serve them.

Salami Pinwheels Recipe Variations

If you'd like to get creative with your pinwheels or need to accommodate dietary restrictions, here are some options you may want to try:

Use a flavored cream cheese instead of plain.
Use hummus instead of cream cheese. (This will only work if you have a thick style of hummus)
Use another type of round lunch meat slices instead of salami. Try turkey, pastrami or ham.
Make the recipe with vegetarian lunch meat slices. Many grocery stores carry veggie salami, turkey or ham slices. For vegans, find a non-dairy cream cheese.