Published: by Lee-Ann · 4 Comments
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Today I am sharing with you a great technique to create pepperoni roses for your next charcuterie or grazing board.
What are pepperoni roses? They are slices of pepperoni salami (or other sliced deli meats), folded in half then layered around the rim of a glass to form the shape of a rose. In my simple version you won't even need toothpicks.
![Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (1) Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (1)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.chefnotrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pepperoni-blog-hero-take-2.jpg?resize=720%2C720&ssl=1)
This easy tutorial (with video) shows you how to use a glass to make an ordinary old stack of pepperoni into a beautiful blooming rose.
They are also known by lots of different names such as salami roses, salami flowers, meat flowers or meat roses (which sound like the perfect valentine gift for my husband). It just depends on your choice of meat.
These easy little charcuterie roses are a great way to add some extra wow factor to your already amazing grazing board or platter.
If you are looking for more ideas for creating a show-stopping, mike-drop-worthy grazing board for your next party, this Grazing Board How To post has all the answers. Full of helpful hints and tips that will make you the charcuterie queen (or king).
Table of Contents
- Why you will love these pepperoni roses
- What you need to make pepperoni roses
- Step by step photos
- Top tips
- Watch how to make pepperoni roses
- Variations
- Other recipes you may enjoy
- 📖 Recipe
- How To Make Pepperoni Roses (With Video)
Why you will love these pepperoni roses
- They look spectacular!
- But they are so easy!
- Can be made ahead.
- No toothpicks, so they are easy to eat.
What you need to make pepperoni roses
- pepperoni - or other deli meat such as ham, mortadella, pastrami as long as it's round and thinly (and evenly) sliced
- a glass for assembling the roses - the top opening of mine is 6 ½ cm (2 ½ ") in diameter
- fresh basil leaves for decoration (optional)
*Please see the recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions
Step by step photos
- Fold three slices of pepperoni in half, and place the center of each slice over the rim of a glass. They should slightly overlap each other.
- Keep layering folded slices, overlapping each time as you go.
![Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (2) Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (2)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.chefnotrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pepperoni-process-12.jpg?resize=720%2C360&ssl=1)
- This example uses 11 slices.
- Then place one hand on top of the glass (the base of our finished flower).
![Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (3) Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (3)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.chefnotrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pepperoni-process-34.jpg?resize=720%2C360&ssl=1)
- With your other hand, grasp the base of the glass and flip it over onto your serving board.
- Decorate your rose with small basil leaves (if using).
![Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (4) Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (4)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.chefnotrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pepperoni-process-56.jpg?resize=720%2C360&ssl=1)
Top tips
- These salami roses can be made ahead, just cover them (glass and all) with cling wrap and keep them in the fridge until you need them.
- I find the sliced meat is easier to work with if it's not straight out of the fridge. It is easier to separate the slices without tearing them.
- The more you push the inside of the first layer of meat towards the sides of the glass, the more "open" your rose petals will be.
- The more slices you use, the bigger your rose. Feel free to keep going until the glass is full.
- Don't like how your pepperoni rose turned out? Just pull it apart and have another go!
Watch how to make pepperoni roses
Variations
I've put together a little cheat sheet with matching numbered images so you can get a feel for what some different deli meats will look like.
Different diameter meats and glass sizes will give you different size roses too.
![Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (5) Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (5)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.chefnotrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pepperoni-blog-hero2.jpg?resize=720%2C720&ssl=1)
Other options can include
- pastrami (1)
- mortadella (2)
- ham (3)
![Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (6) Easy Pepperoni Roses (With Video) · Chef Not Required... (6)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/www.chefnotrequired.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pepperoni-blog-hero2-with-numbers.jpg?resize=720%2C720&ssl=1)
How do you eat meat roses?
Guests can lift off and eat one "petal" at a time from the center of the meat roses.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Seasoned Sour Cream - a great dip made from pantry staples.
Bread Bowl Dip - a party tradition, the bread bowl dip made with a hollowed out cob loaf filled with creamy dip.
📖 Recipe
How To Make Pepperoni Roses (With Video)
Pepperoni Roses - take your charcuterie board or grazing platter to the next level with these super easy pepperoni roses made with folded slices of pepperoni salami.
Print Pin Rate
Total Time: 3 minutes minutes
Serving: 2 roses
Calories: 70kcal
Author: Lee-Ann Grace
Ingredients
- 22 slices pepperoni salami
- basil leaves optional - to decorate
- a glass for construction mine is 6½cm (2½") in diameter
Instructions
Fold three slices of pepperoni in half, and place the folded center of each slice over the rim of a glass. They should slightly overlap each other.
Keep layering folded slices, overlapping each as you go. This example uses 11 slices.
To turn out your rose, place one hand on top of the glass (the base of our finished flower), and with your other hand, grasp the base of the glass and flip it over onto your serving board.
Decorate your rose with small basil leaves (if using).
Notes
- These salami roses can be made ahead, just cover them (glass and all) with cling wrap and keep them in the fridge until you need them.
- I find the sliced meat is easier to work with if it's not straight out of the fridge. It is easier to separate the slices without tearing them.
- The more you push the inside of the first layer of meat towards the sides of the glass, the more "open" your rose petals will be.
- The more slices you use, the bigger your rose. Feel free to keep going until the glass is full.
- Don't like how your pepperoni rose turned out? Just pull it apart and have another go!
*Please note that the amount of calories per serve is provided as a guide only, as ingredients and cooking methods can vary greatly*
Calories: 70kcal
Reader Interactions
Comments
Lori
So easy to make!! Great instructions and pictures ❤️Reply
Lee-Ann
My pleasure, Lori!
Reply
Marion
These were so easy and looked great on my cheese board. Heaps of compliments. Thanks.Reply
Lee-Ann
That’s great Marion!
Reply