Super Easy Turkey Pastrami Appetizer

There’s something about the salty tang of pastrami that instantly transports me back to my childhood. Every year, my grandfather, a true New Yorker at heart, would make a pilgrimage to his favorite deli and return with a treasure trove of cured meats. While corned beef was always a staple, it was the pastrami that truly captured my attention. The peppery, smoky aroma filled the entire house, and I remember sneaking slices while he wasn’t looking, savoring every single bite. Recreating the flavors of pastrami in this easy appetizer brings back those cherished memories and allows me to share a taste of that heritage with others. This recipe takes that classic pastrami flavor profile and transforms it into an elegant, bite-sized treat perfect for any gathering.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: Approximately 24 appetizers
• Dietary Type: Varies, check ingredients for specific needs

Ingredients

• ½ lb turkey pastrami, sliced ¼-inch thick
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon beaver hot cream-style horseradish sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 8 leaves curly green leaf lettuce
• Toothpicks

Equipment Needed

• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Serving plate

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of beaver hot cream-style horseradish sauce, and 1 minced garlic clove.
2. Season the mixture with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. Remember that the pastrami itself is already quite salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
3. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well blended and form a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less horseradish.
4. Now, lay the ½ lb of turkey pastrami slices on a flat surface, such as a cutting board. If the pastrami slices are very large, you may want to trim them slightly to make them more manageable for rolling.
5. Using a spoon or spatula, spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture evenly onto each pastrami slice. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make the rolls difficult to assemble.
6. Next, take the 8 leaves of curly green leaf lettuce and cut a small piece to fit one side of the small end of each pastrami piece. The lettuce adds a nice crunch and visual appeal to the appetizer.
7. Place the cut piece of lettuce on the cream cheese mixture so that when rolled, a small portion of the curly leaf lettuce extends over the pastrami. This creates an attractive presentation.
8. Roll up the pastrami strip tightly from the opposite end of the lettuce, ensuring that the cream cheese mixture is fully enclosed.
9. Secure each roll with a toothpick to hold it together. Make sure the toothpick goes all the way through the roll to prevent it from unraveling.
10. Place the finished pastrami rolls on a serving plate.
11. Finally, sprinkle the rolls with freshly cracked black pepper for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
12. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Softening the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened before mixing. This will prevent lumps and create a smoother, more consistent filling. You can leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it for a few seconds, being careful not to melt it.
• Pastrami Thickness: The ¼-inch thickness of the pastrami is ideal for rolling. If your pastrami is thicker, it may be difficult to roll and secure. If it’s thinner, it may tear easily. Ask your deli to slice it to the desired thickness.
• Horseradish Adjustment: The amount of horseradish can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less. For a spicier kick, use more or opt for a stronger horseradish sauce.
• Lettuce Alternatives: If you don’t have curly green leaf lettuce, you can use other types of lettuce, such as romaine or butter lettuce. Just make sure the leaves are tender and easy to work with. Spinach leaves can also be used, but they have a different flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Tip: These appetizers can be made a few hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Be sure to cover them tightly to prevent the pastrami from drying out.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These turkey pastrami appetizers are best served chilled or at room temperature. Arrange them artfully on a platter for an elegant presentation. They make a fantastic addition to any party or gathering.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The pastrami may dry out slightly over time, so it’s best to consume them as soon as possible. Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the cream cheese and pastrami.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	88.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	57%
Total Fat	5.7 g	8%
Saturated Fat	2.5 g	12%
Cholesterol	36.1 mg	12%
Sodium	413.2 mg	17%
Total Carbohydrate	2.2 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	1%
Sugars	1.9 g	7%
Protein	7.2 g	14%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for an extra kick.
• Herbed Cream Cheese: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley to the cream cheese filling for added flavor and aroma.
• Cheese Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can use other soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
• Vegetarian Option: While this recipe is built around turkey pastrami, a similar appetizer can be made using smoked tofu or eggplant slices for a vegetarian alternative.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular pastrami instead of turkey pastrami?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for turkey pastrami for a lighter option, you can certainly use beef pastrami if you prefer. Just keep in mind that beef pastrami will have a richer, more intense flavor.

Q: Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?
A: Yes, these appetizers can be made a few hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve, and cover them tightly to prevent the pastrami from drying out.

Q: What if I don’t have horseradish sauce?
A: If you don’t have horseradish sauce, you can substitute it with a small amount of prepared horseradish or a pinch of horseradish powder. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Q: Can I use a different type of lettuce?
A: Yes, you can use other types of lettuce, such as romaine or butter lettuce. Just make sure the leaves are tender and easy to work with.

Q: Are these appetizers gluten-free?
A: Yes, these appetizers are naturally gluten-free, as they don’t contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients. However, be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe gluten intolerance.

Final Thoughts

This Super Easy Turkey Pastrami Appetizer is a delightful and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of salty pastrami, creamy horseradish filling, and crisp lettuce creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make and utterly delicious appetizer. I encourage you to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe. And don’t forget to share your feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out! Serve alongside a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir for a perfect pairing.