Victorian Tea Rose Appetizer (Printable)

Savory salami and pepperoni formed into delicate rose shapes, presented elegantly in porcelain teacups.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 18 large, thin slices salami
02 - 18 large, thin slices pepperoni

→ Garnishes

03 - 6 small porcelain teacups
04 - Fresh basil leaves or baby arugula (optional)
05 - Edible flowers, such as pansies or violets (optional)

→ Board Accompaniments (optional)

06 - Assorted crackers
07 - Mild cheeses (e.g., brie, havarti)
08 - Grapes or berries

# Directions:

01 - Arrange 6 salami slices in a slightly overlapping line on a clean surface, then roll tightly from one end to form a spiral. Stand upright and gently loosen petals to resemble a rose.
02 - Repeat the same rolling and petal loosening technique with 6 slices of pepperoni to create pepperoni roses.
03 - Make a second set of each rose, resulting in 3 salami and 3 pepperoni roses total.
04 - If desired, place a basil leaf or a few baby arugula leaves at the base of each porcelain teacup.
05 - Carefully place each rose into the teacups, arranging petals to appear full and natural.
06 - Optionally, tuck edible flowers alongside the roses for added visual appeal.
07 - Place teacups on a serving board and surround with assorted crackers, mild cheeses, and fresh fruit if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually took mere minutes to assemble.
  • Serving savory meat in delicate teacups creates a playful contrast that guests genuinely remember.
  • No cooking required means you can prepare these hours ahead and focus on enjoying your own party.
02 -
  • Ask your deli for thin slices—this is the one thing that actually matters; thicker slices won't roll smoothly and will crack at the edges.
  • If a rose feels like it's falling apart, a tiny drop of olive oil on your fingertips helps the petals hold together just long enough for you to position them.
03 -
  • Keep your fingers slightly damp when loosening petals—it gives you better grip and prevents the meat from tearing.
  • Arrange your roses on the board with teacups at varying heights using small risers or stacked napkins; it creates visual interest and prevents everything from feeling flat.
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