How to Make Meat Roses for a Charcuterie Board
Learn how to fold salami roses & pepperoni roses for an impressive charcuterie board (or try making deli meat flowers)! Use a wider-brim glass like a wine glass for larger meat roses, or try a champagne flute or shot glass for smaller 'rosebuds.'
Equipment
- wide-brim glass (~3-4" diameter) for larger meat roses
- champagne flute (2.5") or shot glass (1.5") for smaller meat roses
Ingredients
Salami Roses
- 3 oz thinly sliced salami (+/-20 slices, for a large rose)
Pepperoni Roses
- 3 oz large uncured pepperoni (3") (+/-12 slices, for a large rose)
Smaller Meat Rosebuds
- 1 oz thinly sliced salami (+/-6 slices, for a small rosebud)
- -or-
- 1 oz regular pepperoni (1.75") (+/-8 slices, for a small rosebud)
Instructions
- First Layer: Fold a slice of salami (or pepperoni) in half over the rim of your glass and press firmly to crease. Half of the slice should be inside the glass, the other half outside. Add the next slice so ~¼ -½” overlaps the first and press to crease. Repeat with 1-2 more slices to complete the first layer, until the rim of the glass is covered.
- Second Layer: Place the next meat slice anywhere 2 slices overlap and press firmly to crease. Then add 2-4 more overlapping slices to complete the second layer.
- Layers 3-5+: Continue layering salami (or pepperoni) slices until the meat rose is as full as you’d like. Monitor the hole in the middle of the glass as you fold—the smaller that hole is, the fuller your meat flower will look. (You can stop at 3 layers to keep it simple. Or for a more intricate design, go up to 4-5+ layers, or just continue until the hole in the middle closes!)
- Flip & Reveal: When you’re done, palm the top of your glass and carefully flip it over onto a charcuterie board or flat surface. Press the glass down gently to help set the flower set, then lift the glass to reveal your gorgeous salami or pepperoni rose!
- To Store or Make Ahead: If you’re making meat roses for a charcuterie board ahead of time, leave the glass in place after you flip the flower over, then wrap it in plastic and keep it in the fridge.