When I first made these Salami Cup Appetizer Bites, it was one of those “what’s in the fridge” moments that turned into a party favorite. I had a few slices of salami left from making sandwiches and decided to crisp them up in the oven just to see what would happen. The result? Perfect little cups, salty, savory, and ready to hold almost any filling I could dream up.
The smell of the warming salami filled my kitchen with that irresistible smoky aroma, and I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. These bite-sized cups have been my go-to ever since for quick entertaining, whether it’s a game night or a cozy family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These salami cups are everything I love about easy appetizers: minimal prep, big flavor, and endless possibilities. The salty crunch of baked salami gives way to creamy, flavorful fillings that make each bite irresistible. You can fill them with sausage gravy for a breakfast-style snack, tuck in a creamy cheese mix, or even pair them with something sweet and tangy like roasted red peppers.
If you’re a fan of recipes like my Smoked Salmon Bites or Cheese and Grape Skewers, you’ll love how these salami cups bring the same touch of elegance with half the effort.
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Salami slices – Go for thin but sturdy slices, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Genoa or peppered salami both work beautifully.
- Cream cheese or soft cheese spread – I love a garlic and herb version for a creamy contrast.
- Fresh herbs – Chopped parsley, dill, or chives add a bright finish.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sausage gravy – For a hearty twist, spoon in a bit of homemade sausage gravy or your favorite sausage gravy recipe. It’s like a mini brunch bite in one crisp shell.
- Mini mozzarella balls – Perfect for an Italian-inspired bite.
- Cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers – For color and tang.
- Crumbled cooked sausage – Especially good if you have leftovers from making sausage rigatoni, smoked sausage pasta, or kelbeisa sausage recipes.
- Honey drizzle or fig jam – A touch of sweetness pairs perfectly with the salty salami.
Recipe Card
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Salami Cup Appetizer Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy baked salami cups filled with creamy or savory fillings, perfect for parties, brunches, or easy entertaining.
Ingredients
24 thin slices salami
4 oz cream cheese (garlic and herb or plain)
1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill)
Optional: ½ cup sausage gravy or crumbled cooked sausage
Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, honey, or fig jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Press salami slices into mini muffin tin cups.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, until crisp and browned.
- Cool in pan, then transfer to paper towels.
- Fill with cream cheese mixture, sausage gravy, or desired fillings.
- Garnish with herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
You can make the cups ahead and fill just before serving. Store baked cups in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Use leftover sausage rigatoni or smoked sausage pasta as filling for a flavorful twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 86
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 20mg
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C). Then I grab a mini muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Each cup will hold one slice of salami, so plan accordingly.
Step 2: Shape the Cups
Gently press each slice of salami into the muffin tin cavities, forming little cup shapes. Don’t worry if they wrinkle slightly; that’s part of their charm. The edges will crisp beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Bake Until Crisp
Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the salami looks firm and slightly darkened around the edges. The kitchen will smell incredible, salty, smoky, and just a little spicy.
Step 4: Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, I let the cups cool right in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. As they cool, they’ll firm up into perfect little edible shells.
Step 5: Fill and Garnish
Now for the fun part. You can fill the cooled cups with whatever you like. A creamy cheese mixture is my classic go-to, but sausage gravy or crumbled sausage with a touch of homemade gravy turns them into something heartier. Sprinkle fresh herbs or microgreens on top for a pop of color.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
I usually serve these on a small wooden board or platter. They look beautiful arranged alongside other small bites like my Mini Cheese Ball Bites and Prosciutto-Wrapped Stuffed Dates.
Variations and Customization Ideas
Breakfast Style
Fill your salami cups with sausage gravy and biscuits mixture for a bite-sized breakfast version. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and a small pinch of black pepper.
Italian-Inspired
Add a spoonful of ricotta, a small basil leaf, and a cherry tomato half. You can even drizzle with balsamic glaze for that tangy-sweet finish.
Cheesy and Savory
Try mixing cream cheese with shredded smoked gouda or sharp cheddar. The creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the crispy salami shell.
Smoked Sausage Flavor
Use diced smoked sausage pasta leftovers mixed with creamy sauce to fill your cups. It’s rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
Party Platter Mix
If I’m serving these for a crowd, I make a few versions: some creamy, some meaty, and a few with sweet fillings like fig jam and goat cheese. It keeps everyone reaching for more.
Make-Ahead Tip
You can bake the salami cups up to two days ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and fill them just before serving.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Every time I serve these Salami Cup Appetizer Bites, they disappear faster than anything else on the table. They’re crisp, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you fill them with creamy cheese, savory sausage gravy, or a touch of sweetness, they’re sure to impress.
If you love easy entertaining recipes like this, be sure to check out my Smoked Salmon Bites or Prosciutto-Wrapped Stuffed Dates next. Both pair beautifully with these savory little cups. And as always, let me know in the comments how you filled yours. I love hearing the creative combinations from your kitchens.
