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Snack & Appetizers

Salami and Olive Canapés

Salami and olive canapés: a quick, easy recipe with cream cheese, salami and green olives. Perfect for an aperitivo, a buffet or an appetizer.
Recipe Salami and Olive Canapés
  • Difficulty Medium
  • Preparation 5 minutes
  • Servings for 4 people

These salami and olive canapés are one of those recipes I make often when I want to serve something simple that still makes a great impression right away. I like them because they come together in a few minutes, look polished and are perfect to go with an aperitivo, round out a buffet or open a dinner in a fun way. They are the classic finger food that everyone agrees on, thanks to bold yet balanced flavors and a presentation that is as easy as it is striking.

What I love about these savory canapés is the contrast between the crisp bread, the softness of the cheese cream and the more intense flavor of the salami and olives. The small decorative detail of the folded slice held in place by the olive makes them even more inviting, turning very simple ingredients into an elegant, original appetizer. They are perfect for anyone looking for quick and easy finger foods who doesn’t want to give up a recipe that looks lovely and is a pleasure to serve to guests.

Ingredients for 4 people

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Method

  1. To make the Salami and Olive Canapés, start by cutting the bread into slices that aren’t too thick: we recommend using a baguette or a small Italian loaf for a crisp base with the ideal shape for canapés.
    Salami and Olive Canapés, step 1: bread cut into slices
  2. Put the cream cheese in a small bowl and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth cream and set aside.
  3. Take the pitted green olives and make a horizontal cut in each one, taking care not to cut all the way through.
  4. Take a slice of salami and fold it like an accordion, making even pleats. Insert the olive in the center, sliding the salami slice through the cut: the olive will hold the salami in place in the shape of an elegant little bow. Repeat with all the slices.
    Salami and Olive Canapés, step 4: salami folded like an accordion and held in place by an olive
  5. Spread the seasoned cheese on each slice of bread, spreading it evenly all the way to the edges.
    Salami and Olive Canapés, step 5: cream cheese spread on the bread slices
  6. Place a salami and olive bow on top of each canapé and arrange them on the serving plate. Serve right away, or cover with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge until serving time. Finally, remember to download our App with exclusive content and fewer ads!

Variations and Alternatives

You can replace the salami with bresaola, prosciutto crudo or mortadella. The cream cheese can be flavored with herbes de Provence, paprika or turmeric for a different taste. The green olives can be replaced with black olives or capers for a bolder flavor. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free bread.

Tips

For the best result, assemble the canapés at the last minute so the bread stays crisp. If you want to get ahead, you can season the cheese and shape the salami bows in advance, assembling the canapés just before serving. For a richer version, you can add some fresh herbs such as chives or parsley to the cheese cream.

Storage

The salami and olive canapés keep in the fridge for up to 1 day, covered with plastic wrap. We recommend taking them out of the fridge a few minutes before serving. They are not suitable for freezing.

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