Mortadella Roll Ups With Salami and Cream Cheese Filling: An Italian-Inspired Delight

The first time I had something similar to these mortadella roll-ups, I was a wide-eyed kid at an Italian deli, mesmerized by the sheer abundance of cured meats. My Nonna, sensing my enthusiasm, pointed to a platter piled high with delicate pink slices, each one rolled around a savory filling. She smiled, her eyes twinkling, and said, “Here, cara. Try this. It’s a little taste of Italy.” That simple roll-up, bursting with flavor, sparked a lifelong love affair with Italian antipasti. Now, I’m excited to share my own version of that cherished childhood memory with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 30 Roll-ups
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained
• 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 lb genoa salami, thinly sliced at your deli and rough chopped at home
• 1/2 lb mortadella, very thinly sliced

Equipment Needed

• Food processor
• Cutting board
• Knife

Instructions

1. In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine the cream cheese, horseradish, capers, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped salami.
2. Process the ingredients until smooth and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
3. Lay out a slice of mortadella on a clean surface.
4. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese and salami mixture evenly over the surface of the mortadella slice. Don’t overfill, or the roll-ups will be difficult to manage.
5. Carefully roll the mortadella slice tightly around the filling, starting from one end and working your way to the other.
6. Once rolled, cut the mortadella roll into one-inch pieces using a sharp knife. This will create individual bite-sized roll-ups.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining mortadella slices and filling.
8. Arrange the mortadella roll-ups on a platter and serve immediately, or chill for later.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Room temperature cream cheese is key! This ensures that the filling is smooth and easy to process. If your cream cheese is cold, microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds) until softened, but be careful not to melt it.
• Don’t skimp on the salami. Genoa salami provides a robust, savory flavor that complements the creamy mortadella. Ask your deli counter for thinly sliced salami and then give it a rough chop at home to ensure a good texture in the filling.
• Mortadella thickness matters. The mortadella should be very thinly sliced so that it rolls easily and doesn’t become too chewy. Ask your deli counter to slice it as thinly as possible.
• Adjust the horseradish to taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with 1/2 tablespoon of horseradish and add more as needed.
• For a smoother filling, you can pulse the ingredients in the food processor for a longer period. However, be careful not to over-process, as this can make the mixture too liquid.
• Make-ahead tip: Prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together. Roll the mortadella just before serving to prevent it from drying out.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these mortadella roll-ups as part of an antipasto platter alongside olives, marinated vegetables, cheeses, and crusty bread. They also make a delicious and easy appetizer for parties or gatherings.

Leftover roll-ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mortadella may become slightly drier over time, but the flavor will still be excellent. It is not recommended to freeze these roll-ups, as the texture of the cream cheese may change upon thawing. It is best to enjoy them cold, straight from the refrigerator. I don’t recommend leaving these at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	324 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	261g	81%
Total Fat	29.1 g	44%
Saturated Fat	14.2 g	70%
Cholesterol	82 mg	27%
Sodium	979.1 mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate	2.8 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	0.3 g	1%
Protein	13 g	26%

Variations & Substitutions

• Different cold cuts: While mortadella is the star of this recipe, you can substitute other thinly sliced deli meats such as cappacola, turkey, roast beef, pastrami, or chicken. Avoid ham, as it can be too salty in combination with the salami.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a little heat.
• Herbaceous twist: Incorporate fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, basil, or oregano into the filling for added flavor and freshness.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Try using goat cheese, ricotta cheese, or even a flavored cream cheese.
• Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, use thinly sliced roasted red peppers or zucchini in place of the mortadella.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it is best to roll the mortadella just before serving to prevent it from drying out.

Q: What if I don’t have a food processor?
A: If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the salami and mix it with the cream cheese and other ingredients by hand.

Q: Can I use a different type of salami?
A: Yes, you can substitute other types of salami for the Genoa salami. However, keep in mind that different types of salami will have different flavors and textures.

Q: What can I serve these roll-ups with?
A: These roll-ups are delicious served as part of an antipasto platter with olives, marinated vegetables, cheeses, and crusty bread. They also make a great appetizer for parties or gatherings. Consider serving them with slices of whole wheat pita bread and heads of roasted garlic.

Q: How do I prevent the roll-ups from drying out?
A: To prevent the roll-ups from drying out, roll them just before serving and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

These mortadella roll-ups with salami and cream cheese filling are a delightful and easy way to bring a taste of Italy to your table. They are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a light lunch. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own unique twist. And most importantly, enjoy the process and savor the delicious flavors. Buon appetito! Let me know what you think and if you made any delicious alterations!