Crispy Salami Cups

Name: Crispy Salami Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 12 pieces Genoa salami (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (chopped); 1/2 cup mini pearl bocconcini; 3 tbsp fresh basil (chopped); 1 tbsp olive oil

Sammy Montgoms

5 from 6 votes

Oct 25, 2023, Updated Dec 10, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Holiday season is creeping up fast, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already mentally planning the snack table. These Crispy Salami Cups are one of those perfect appetizers you can’t skip! They’re simple, flavourful, and guaranteed to disappear the second they hit the platter. Each cup gets baked until crisp and golden, then filled with a bright mix of cherry tomatoes, basil, and mini bocconcini for the perfect salty–fresh bite.

Crispy Salami Cups filled with mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze make festive Christmas appetizers, artfully arranged on a white plate.

They’re also the kind of appetizer that works well when you need something reliable and unfussy. The salami crisps up into neat little cups without much effort, and the fresh tomato basil mixture keeps the flavours light and balanced. It’s a straightforward combination that feels polished enough for any holiday party spread. Set out a tray and they’ll be gone before you know it. Need some other ideas for appetizers for Christmas? Try my Stuffed Mushrooms with Bacon and Boursin and Boursin and Roasted Veggie Spread.

😍 Why You’ll Love These Crispy Salami Cups

Effortlessly impressive: they look like something you’d find on a fancy holiday appetizer board, but they’re super easy to make.
The perfect salty–fresh balance: the crispy salami cups pair great with the juicy tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and fragrant basil, giving you a bite that’s rich, bright, and full of flavour.
Great for gatherings: they’re sturdy, easy to pick up, and hold up well on a platter, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, and Christmas appetizers.
Customizable to your taste: swap in feta, add olives or capers, drizzle with pesto — the filling options are endless, and every variation is delicious in its own way.

Fresh Italian Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Perfect for summer appetizers or light meals. — A vibrant Caprese salad featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves in a glass bowl. Ideal for healthy eating.

🥓 Ingredients To Make These Crispy Salami Cups

Genoa salami: works best because its fat content allows it to crisp evenly and mold into perfectly shaped cups.
Mini pearl bocconcini: add a creamy, delicate richness that pairs perfectly with the salty salami.
Cherry tomatoes: bring a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the salami.
Fresh basil: adds the herbal note that makes these bites taste so lively. Its aroma lifts the whole filling and gives each cup that classic, Italian-inspired finish.
Olive oil: brings the filling together, giving it a glossy, lightly dressed texture that feels effortless and elegant.
Balsamic glaze: adds a touch of tangy sweetness that brightens each bite and elevates the whole appetizer.

✔ How To Make These Crispy Salami Cups

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grab a mini or regular muffin tin.

Next, shape the salami cups. Press one slice of Genoa salami into each muffin well, making sure the edges come up the sides to form a little cup. A shot glass or small juice glass works perfectly to help press the slices neatly into place.

Once all the salami is shaped, transfer the tin to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the slices are crisp and holding their shape. Don’t worry if they look a bit soft when they first come out; they’ll firm up more as they cool.

When the baking time is up, carefully lift each salami cup out of the tin and set them on a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cups cool, prepare the filling. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mini bocconcini, and olive oil to a medium mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated and glossy.

Once the salami cups are fully cooled, it’s time to assemble. Spoon a small amount of the tomato mixture into each crisp cup, filling them just to the top without overpacking.

To finish, drizzle the assembled bites with a little balsamic glaze, then serve immediately while the cups are at their crispiest.

🗒 Variations

Add a little heat: stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, a drizzle of chilli oil, or a touch of Calabrian chilli paste to the tomato mixture.
Greek-inspired: swap the bocconcini for feta and add chopped olives and capers for a briny, savoury twist.
Caprese style: keep it simple with tomatoes, basil, bocconcini, and a balsamic glaze drizzle.
Herb-forward: add chopped parsley, chives, or oregano for an even brighter, fresher bite.

🗒 Substitutions

Cheese: swap bocconcini for feta, shaved parmesan, or small mozzarella cubes. Just be cautious of saltiness as salami is already very salty.
Tomatoes: cherry, grape, or even finely chopped Roma tomatoes work well.
Basil: use parsley or fresh oregano if basil isn’t available.
Salami: Genoa is best for crispiness!
Balsamic drizzle: use pesto, a squeeze of lemon, or a light honey drizzle if you prefer something less tangy.

Crispy Salami Cups filled with small mozzarella balls, chopped cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil make perfect appetizers for Christmas, beautifully arranged on a white plate.

🍴 Leftovers? Lucky you.

These crispy salami cups really are best enjoyed immediately. If you end up with extras, store them in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that the cups will soften over time.

🤔 FAQ’S

Can I use turkey salami or a lower-fat option?

You can, but the results won’t be as crisp. Regular Genoa salami works best because the fat helps it firm into a sturdy cup.

Can I use a mini muffin tin instead of a standard size?

Yes, you absolutely can use a mini-sized muffin tin instead of a standard one for making your crispy salami cups.

While it works perfectly fine and results in smaller, bite-sized appetizers, I generally find using a standard-sized muffin tin is easier, especially when it comes to adding the filling. This is because after the salami crisps up in a mini muffin tin, the cup size shrinks a bit, making it slightly more challenging to spoon the ingredients into the smaller opening without spilling.

How do I keep the cups from getting too salty?

Salami is naturally salty, so if you’re adding feta, olives, or capers, use them sparingly. Keeping the filling fresh and tomato-forward helps balance everything out.

My cups didn’t crisp enough. What should I do?

Simply return them to the oven for a few more minutes. They firm up quickly, and they’ll continue to crisp slightly as they cool on a wire rack.

Can I change the filling completely?

Yes. These cups are basically a blank canvas. You can go Greek (feta, olives, capers), Caprese (tomatoes, bocconcini, basil), or keep it ultra-simple with just tomatoes and herbs. Just avoid anything too wet so the cups stay crisp.

👩🏻‍🍳 Hungry For More?

If you loved this recipe and are looking for more Christmas appetizers, then make sure to check out a few of my other favourite appetizers you may also love:

💌 Let’s Stay Connected

Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest! If you do make these Crispy Salami Cups (or any recipe of mine) don’t forget to leave a review.

5 from 6 votes