Victorian Tea Rose (Printable)

Savory salami and pepperoni folded into rose shapes, served elegantly in porcelain cups for a stylish starter.

# 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 for lining cups (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 straight line on a clean work surface, each overlapping about one third of the previous slice. Starting at one end, roll up the slices tightly into a spiral, then stand upright and gently loosen the petals to mimic a rose.
02 - Repeat the rolling and loosening process with 6 slices of pepperoni to form a pepperoni rose.
03 - Create a second set of salami and pepperoni roses, resulting in 3 salami and 3 pepperoni roses total.
04 - Optionally, place a basil leaf or a few baby arugula leaves at the bottom of each porcelain teacup.
05 - Place each salami or pepperoni rose carefully inside a teacup, adjusting the petals to appear full and natural.
06 - Optionally tuck a small edible flower into the side of each rose for added decoration.
07 - Arrange the teacups on a serving board and surround with crackers, cheeses, and fruits if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually takes just twenty-five minutes of genuine fun.
  • People genuinely stop mid-conversation to photograph it, and the roses hold their shape beautifully for hours.
  • No cooking required means you can make this while your guests are arriving, keeping your stress levels blissfully low.
02 -
  • If your salami or pepperoni is even slightly warm when you start rolling, it'll stick to itself and tear—either let it come to cool room temperature or work with it straight from the refrigerator, which honestly gives you better control anyway.
  • The thickness of your meat slices determines everything; if the deli counter hesitates or looks unsure, show them a photo or ask them to run it through the slicer at its thinnest setting, because that's the only way the petals will unfurl with grace.
03 -
  • If a rose feels fragile, it probably is—work gently and remember that slightly loose petals look more naturally beautiful than tightly controlled ones anyway, so imperfection is your friend here.
  • The deli counter staff will respect you more if you know exactly what you want; bring a photo or describe paper-thin slices meant for rolling, not eating flat, and they'll dial in exactly what you need.
Go Back