How to Make Salami Roses For Your Charcuterie Boards

While you could simply serve slices of salami on a charcuterie board, turning them into Salami Roses makes them extra special. Basically, salami slices are intricately layered into rose shapes that can be placed on a charcuterie board for an appetizer or snack. Then, the slices can be pulled apart to eat on their own or on top of bread or crackers. While you may think that these salami roses are complicated to put together, it is actually very easy to make them.

Basically, you start by arranging slices of salami around the edges of a glass and then you continue layering the salami slices inward. Finally, you invert the glass to remove the salami rose. Placed on a platter with sliced cheese, olives, and crackers, bread, or taralli, these salami roses are a beautiful way to serve spicy salami.

What are Salami Roses?

Salami roses involve only one ingredient, salami! Basically, they are salami slices that have been assembled into rose shapes, which can add an elegant touch to charcuterie boards with cheese, bread, crackers, taralli, fruit, olives, nuts, and more.

Pro Tips

• The size of glass you use will determine the size of the salami roses.
• If you would like to make small salami roses, you can use shot glasses rather than full-sized glasses. Simply cut the salami slices to size so you can arrange them around the smaller glasses.
• Feel free to use your favorite thinly sliced salami such as Genoa salami or Sopressata.

What to Serve with Salami Roses?

These salami roses can be served as part of a charcuterie board with various cheeses, olives, dried fruit, nuts, and bread or crackers.

What Type of Salami Should Be Used in Salami Roses?

You can use almost any type of thinly sliced salami for this recipe including Genoa salami, Sopressata, cacciatore salami, or pepper salami.

What is Salami?

Salami is a type of sausage that is fermented and dry-cured. It usually is made of pork along with different spices, herbs, garlic, wine, or vinegar. While people globally might be most familiar with Genoa salami or peppered salami, there are many types of salami all over Europe including Italy, Hungary, and Germany. Salami doesn’t generally have to be refrigerated until it is cut open, making it good for long-term storage.

How Many Slices of Salami Will I Need to Make a Rose?

For our rose, you're going to need about 15/20 slices of salami.

Can I Use Other Types of Cured Meat for Roses?

Yes, you definitely could! If you prefer not to use salami, you could use other types of meat like mortadella, prosciutto, deli-style turkey or chicken, or deli-style roast beef. Just make sure the slices of meat aren’t too thick as they may be difficult to shape.

Can I Make Salami Roses Ahead of Time?

Yes, salami roses can be made ahead of time! To keep them fresh, assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If placing them on a charcuterie board, add them just before serving to prevent moisture from affecting other ingredients. For best results, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor.

How Do I Keep The Salami Roses Intact Before Serving Them?

To keep salami roses intact before serving, gently wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If they start to lose shape, secure them with a toothpick or keep them inside the rim of a small glass until ready to plate. Avoid stacking them, as too much pressure can flatten their delicate folds.

How to Store Salami Roses

If you don’t plan to eat the salami roses immediately after you have made them, you can place them in an airtight container in the fridge. Since they include sliced salami, they will spoil more quickly than a whole salami, and should generally be consumed within 1 to 3 weeks depending on the brand of salami you purchased.

How to Make Salami Roses

Step 1

Step 1

Arrange some of the salami slices around the rim of a glass. Continue layering salami slices until you have a thick layer of salami.

Arrange some of the salami slices around the rim of a glass. Continue layering salami slices until you have a thick layer of salami.

Invert the glass so you can remove the salami rose and the bottom becomes the top.

Serve the salami roses on a charcuterie platter.