Salami & Cheese Stacks are a quick, bite-sized snack for parties, game nights, or a simple snack plate. You only need salami, cheese, and toothpicks, plus olives if you like them. Serve them alongside a charcuterie cup tower board for an easy party spread.
Why Make This Recipe
These stacks take just a few minutes to make, and you do not need to cook anything. The salty salami pairs well with creamy cheese, while an olive adds a little extra flavor.
You can make a small plate or a large tray. Simply use one slice of salami and one piece of cheese for each stack.
How to Make Salami & Cheese Stacks
Cut the cheese into pieces about the same size as the salami, or slightly smaller. Drain the olives if you use them. Then layer everything and secure each stack with a toothpick.
Ingredients
- Salami slices
- Cheese slices, such as cheddar or gouda
- Pitted olives, optional
- Toothpicks or small skewers
Directions
- Take a slice of salami and place a slice of cheese on top.
- Add a pitted olive on top, if using.
- Push a toothpick through the layers to secure the stack.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients to create multiple stacks.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Salami & Cheese Stacks
Place the stacks on a serving plate in a single layer so guests can grab them easily. Add crackers, sliced cucumbers, or grapes on the side.
For a party, serve a small batch first and keep the rest in the fridge. Refill the plate as needed to keep the stacks cold and fresh.
How to Store Salami & Cheese Stacks
Place leftover stacks in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. For the best taste and texture, eat them within 1 to 2 days, or sooner if the package instructions say so.
Do not leave the stacks at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Avoid freezing assembled stacks because the cheese and olives may change texture.
Tips to Make Salami & Cheese Stacks
- Use cheese slices that are thick enough to hold a toothpick without breaking.
- Fold large, thin salami slices in half to make smaller stacks.
- Pat the olives dry so they do not make the cheese wet.
- Keep the layers small enough to eat in one or two bites.
- Remove toothpicks before serving to young children, and cut the food into safe, age-appropriate pieces.
For a fun party look, try cookie-cutter cheese shapes in place of plain cheese squares.
Variation
- Spicy stacks: Use spicy salami and pepper jack cheese.
- Mild stacks: Pair mild salami with mozzarella or young gouda.
- Pickle stacks: Replace the olive with a small, well-drained pickle slice.
- Mixed cheese tray: Make some stacks with cheddar and others with gouda so guests have a choice.
FAQs
Can I make these stacks ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them up to one day ahead, cover them, and keep them in the fridge until serving.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, gouda, provolone, and mozzarella all work well. Choose cheese that you can slice neatly without it crumbling.
Do I have to use olives?
No. The stacks taste good with just salami and cheese. You can also use a small pickle slice instead.
How many stacks should I make?
Plan on 2 to 4 stacks per person when you serve them with other snacks. Make more if they are the main snack.
Can I serve them without toothpicks?
Yes. Layer the salami and cheese on a plate without toothpicks. Keep the plate flat so the stacks stay together.
Salami & Cheese Stacks
Ingredients
For the stacks
- 12 slices Salami slices
- 12 slices Cheese slices (cheddar or gouda) Choose cheese that is easy to slice.
- 12 pieces Pitted olives Optional, can be omitted.
- 12 toothpicks Toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the cheese into pieces about the same size as the salami, or slightly smaller.
- Drain the olives if you are using them.
- Layer a slice of salami, a slice of cheese, and an optional olive on top.
- Push a toothpick through the layers to secure the stack.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients to create multiple stacks.
Serving
- Place the stacks on a serving plate in a single layer for easy access.
- Serve immediately, optionally alongside crackers, sliced cucumbers, or grapes.