Home ยป Recipes ยป Appetizers ยป Crispy Salami Bites

Crispy Salami Bites

posted November 17, 2024 by
Cassandra Morris
Make these easy and flavorful Crispy Salami Bites for your next gathering! Perfectly crisp salami cups filled with a mix of feta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil create a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Quick, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Looking for a quick, no-fuss appetizer thatโ€™s packed with flavor? These Crispy Salami Bites have you covered! With a crispy, savory base topped with feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, theyโ€™re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether youโ€™re hosting a party, prepping game day snacks, or adding something unique to a holiday charcuterie board, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress!

One of the best things about this appetizer is that it takes only 20 minutes from start to finish! Itโ€™s quick, easy to make, and the perfect cute addition to any spread. I always get compliments and requests for the recipe whenever I serve these. Feel free to customize the filling with what you have on hand or what you enjoyโ€”Iโ€™ve included some fun variations below to inspire you. Get creative and make them your own!

Recipe Ingredients

  • Salami: Thinly sliced dry salami forms the crispy, savory cup. Make sure to use dry salami for a firm structure.
  • Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the salamiโ€™s saltiness.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Finely chopped for a juicy, fresh contrast.
  • Fresh Basil: Chopped to enhance the flavor with its aromatic, slightly sweet touch.
Ingredients for crispy salami bites laid out on a white surface, including slices of salami on a plate, crumbled feta in a bowl, chopped tomatoes in a bowl, and fresh basil leaves.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF.

Step Two: Place two pieces of thinly sliced dry salami into each cup of a 24-cup nonstick mini muffin pan. Press down slightly to form a cup shape. Pro Tip: Use a shot glass to help press the salami into the pan for a perfect shape.

Mini muffin pan filled with thinly sliced salami forming cups, ready to be baked for crispy appetizer bites.

Step Three: Bake the salami cups in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are crisp and the cups hold their shape.

Mini muffin pan filled with baked salami cups, crisped and ready for filling to make a savory appetizer.

Step Four: Carefully remove the salami cups from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Dab off any excess grease with a paper towel.

Crispy baked salami cups arranged on a wire cooling rack, ready to be filled for an appetizer.

Step Five: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Mix until well combined.

A glass bowl filled with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, crumbled feta, and fresh basil, with a spoon ready for scooping.

Step Six: Scoop the feta mixture into each cooled salami cup, drizzle with balsamic vinegar for an optional fancy touch, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Close-up of a hand holding a crispy salami bite filled with feta, tomato, and basil, with more salami bites on a cooling rack in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the salami cups a few hours ahead and store them at room temperature. Fill them with the feta mixture just before serving for the best texture.

What type of salami should I use?

Use a dry, thinly sliced salami to ensure the cups hold their shape when baked and donโ€™t become too greasy. I like to use German salami for this recipe

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! While feta is a great choice, you can also try blue cheese for a stronger flavor or opt for goat cheese or bocconcini for a milder taste.

Expert Tips & Tricks

  • Get Extra Crisp: For extra crispy salami cups, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent over-browning.
  • Donโ€™t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on the salami while baking to avoid overly crispy or burnt edges.
  • Dab Off Grease: Gently pat the baked salami cups with a paper towel to remove excess grease for a cleaner bite.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and tomatoes make a big difference in tasteโ€”donโ€™t skimp on quality!

Variations & Pairings

The options are endlessโ€”be creative and use your favorite ingredients for these easy appetizer variations! For a twist, swap feta for bocconcini or goat cheese for a mild, creamy flavor, and consider drizzling with balsamic vinegar for added depth. You can also mix in diced kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts, or capers to bring a briny, Mediterranean-inspired touch. Here are a few more delicious options:

  • Goat Cheese, Pistachio, and Date Cups: Fill the cups with creamy goat cheese, chopped dates for a hint of sweetness, and crushed pistachios for a nutty crunchโ€”perfect for a mix of textures in one bite.
  • Mediterranean Salami Cups with Tzatziki and Veggies: Add a blend of feta cheese, black olives, quartered cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber to each cup. Top with a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
  • Sundried Tomato, Caramelized Onion, Honey, and Feta Cups: Mix sundried tomatoes, caramelized onions, and crumbled feta, then drizzle with honey for a sweet and savory twist.
  • Cheesy Salami Bites: For a rich, cheesy variation, add shredded mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan to the salami cups before baking to create a melted, gooey center. Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs, and add a dollop of fig or red pepper jellyโ€”or any jelly you likeโ€”for a touch of sweetness and contrast.
  • Pairings: These bites pair beautifully with sparkling wine or a light rosรฉ to balance the savory flavors.
Crispy salami bites filled with a mixture of tomato, feta, and basil arranged on a wire cooling rack with fresh basil leaves.

Making Ahead, Storing & Freezing

Make Ahead: You can bake the salami cups and prepare the filling ahead of time. For the best results, wait to fill the cups until just before serving to keep them crispy.

To Refrigerate: Once the cups have been baked and cooled, and the filling prepared, store each separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one day. This allows for quick assembly when youโ€™re ready to serve.

Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as it can affect the texture of the salami and the filling.

Looking for more easy appetizers? Check out my Easy Bruschetta Recipe or Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce for more party favorites.

If you enjoyed this recipe, Iโ€™d love to hear from you! Leaving a 5-star rating and a quick review not only means the world to me but also helps other home cooks find and trust my recipes. Thank you so much for being here!

Crispy salami bites filled with feta, tomato, and basil arranged on a cooling rack, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Crispy Salami Bites Recipe

Make these easy and flavorful Crispy Salami Bites for your next gathering! Perfectly crisp salami cups filled with a mix of feta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil create a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Quick, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings 24

Ingredients

  • 48 very thin slices of dry salami 2 slices per mini muffin cup
  • 1 cup feta crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup fresh basil finely chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400ยฐF.
  • Prepare the Salami Cups: Place two slices of thinly sliced salami into each cup of a 24-cup nonstick mini muffin pan, pressing down gently to form a cup shape. Pro Tip: Use a shot glass to help press the salami into the cups for even shaping.
  • Bake the Salami Cups: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salami is crisp and holds its shape.
  • Cool the Salami Cups: Once baked, remove the salami cups from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Dab off any excess grease with a paper towel.
  • Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and basil.
  • Assemble and Serve: Scoop the mixture into the cooled salami cups and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Cassandra | Cooking With Cassandra

Hi, I’m Cassandra!

ย Iโ€™m so happy youโ€™re here! Iโ€™m here to spill the beans (and maybe some wine) on the best, tested-till-perfect recipes for every occasion. Whether youโ€™re a beginner or a seasoned pro, all of my recipes come with clear, easy-to-follow step-by-step directions, plus helpful tips and tricks to make cooking delicious meals easy for everyone. Letโ€™s get cooking and make every meal a success!

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Cassandra | Cooking With Cassandra

Hi, I'm Cassandra!

ย Iโ€™m so happy youโ€™re here! Iโ€™m here to spill the beans (and maybe some wine) on the best, tested-till-perfect recipes for every occasion. Whether youโ€™re a beginner or a seasoned pro, all of my recipes come with clear, easy-to-follow step-by-step directions, plus helpful tips and tricks to make cooking delicious meals easy for everyone. Letโ€™s get cooking and make every meal a success!

More about me

Never miss a recipe!

Sign up for free recipes straight to your inbox:

Unsubscribe at any time.

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