Salami Christmas Tree Appetizers
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 28 slices salami
- 1 1/2 ounce cheddar cheese
- 1 slice Gouda for snowflakes
- 1/2 pickle
Instructions
- Cut the pickle in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 4 equal pieces and press out any excess brine.
- Cut 4 stars from the cheddar cheese. Use a cookie cutter to form snowflakes from the Gouda slice for serving.
- Assemble a skewer. Slice the pickle. Fold the salami in half. Leave a 1/10-inch margin and prick. Prick the second salami in the same way to create a bottom tier.
- Make the next tier in the same way, but leave a 1/5-inch margin to make the branches slightly shorter. Then simply roll the salami and prick the center, repeating. The final tier of salami is folded in quarters. Finish with a cheddar star.
- Place the appetizer on a board and decorate with snowflakes and Christmas tree branches. Happy holidays!
Notes
If you're looking for an appetizer that comes together faster than a kettle boils, these Salami Christmas Tree Appetizers are just the thing. Just three main ingredients, a few skewers, and you've got a mini forest of savory, meaty Christmas trees on your plate. This appetizer is perfect for when guests are just around the corner and time is short.
The base is salami. Choose one that holds its shape and folds easily like an accordion. For example, Genoa, Pepperoni, or any thinly sliced deli salami. For the "trunk," a pickled cucumber or gherkin is traditionally used. It adds crunch and balances the fattiness of the sausage. You can also use fresh cucumber. The "stars" can be cut from Cheddar, Colby Jack, Gouda, or even Babybel. For a milder flavor, use Mozzarella or Provolone, but make sure the cheese is firm enough for the cutters. For a more upscale version, replace the salami with prosciutto or Spanish chorizo. You can even make vegetarian "Christmas trees" with cucumber, cheese slices, and paprika.
Serve the appetizer on a wooden board with sprigs of rosemary or fir, and your trees will look like they're from a winter forest. Add a few snowflakes made of cheese or crackers, and enjoy the holiday season.
The base is salami. Choose one that holds its shape and folds easily like an accordion. For example, Genoa, Pepperoni, or any thinly sliced deli salami. For the "trunk," a pickled cucumber or gherkin is traditionally used. It adds crunch and balances the fattiness of the sausage. You can also use fresh cucumber. The "stars" can be cut from Cheddar, Colby Jack, Gouda, or even Babybel. For a milder flavor, use Mozzarella or Provolone, but make sure the cheese is firm enough for the cutters. For a more upscale version, replace the salami with prosciutto or Spanish chorizo. You can even make vegetarian "Christmas trees" with cucumber, cheese slices, and paprika.
Serve the appetizer on a wooden board with sprigs of rosemary or fir, and your trees will look like they're from a winter forest. Add a few snowflakes made of cheese or crackers, and enjoy the holiday season.