Soft sandwich bread gets a glow-up when it’s flattened, filled, rolled, and dressed up in crunchy coatings. These bread rolls are all about contrast, that is, creamy fillings, savory cold cuts, and nutty finishes. They are easy to prepare, chill quickly, and slice beautifully, making them ideal for last-minute guests or aperitivo spreads. They are elegant finger food with a playful, DIY twist that invites mixing, matching, and experimenting.
What Are Bread Rolls?
Bread rolls are no-bake appetizers made by flattening sandwich bread, filling it with creamy spreads and savory ingredients, then rolling and slicing it into bite-sized rounds. They’re popular for parties because they require no oven, minimal prep, and endless flavor variations. Versions like these, salmon, salami, and mortadella, lean into classic deli flavors with a slightly fancy finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Bread Rolls
- Use fresh, soft sandwich bread, so it flattens easily without cracking.
- Roll the bread tightly, using the cling film to help keep the shape neat and compact
- Chilling is essential, as it firms up the rolls and makes slicing clean and precise.
- Chop nuts finely so they coat evenly and don’t overpower the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare bread rolls in advance?
You can prepare and wrap them tightly in cling film up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Slice and coat them just before serving for the freshest look and best texture. This also prevents the nuts from softening too much.
What other fillings can I use?
These bread rolls are incredibly flexible and work well with many fillings. You can try prosciutto and ricotta, tuna and cream cheese, or even roasted vegetables with hummus. Just keep the filling spreadable so the bread rolls smoothly without tearing.
Why do I need to flatten the bread?
Flattening the bread removes excess air and makes it easier to roll tightly. This helps the rolls hold their shape and prevents gaps in the filling. A flatter base also gives you more surface area, so every slice has a balanced amount of filling.
Can I make these without nuts?
The nut coating is optional. You can roll them in chopped herbs, sesame seeds, or even finely grated cheese instead. This makes them suitable for nut-free guests while still keeping them visually appealing and flavorful.
Can I Freeze Bread Rolls?
No, you can't because cream cheese and mayonnaise tend to separate once thawed, which affects both texture and appearance. So, enjoy them fresh or within a day of preparation. They’re quick enough to make that freezing isn’t really necessary.
How to Store Bread Rolls
Store whole, uncut rolls wrapped tightly in cling film in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for a day without losing structure. Once sliced, it’s best to serve them immediately, as the edges can dry out over time. If needed, cover sliced rolls lightly and refrigerate for a few hours only.
Ingredients
How to Make No-Bake Bread Rolls
;Resize,width=712;)
Place the sandwich bread slices on a cutting board and gently flatten them using a rolling pin until thin and even.
Place the sandwich bread slices on a cutting board and gently flatten them using a rolling pin until thin and even.
;Resize,width=712;)
For the salmon rolls, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over the bread, then arrange the salmon slices evenly on top. Roll it up tightly, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
For the salmon rolls, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over the bread, then arrange the salmon slices evenly on top. Roll it up tightly, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
;Resize,width=712;)
For the salami rolls, spread the mayonnaise evenly over the flattened bread and layer the salami on top. Roll it snugly, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for another 10 minutes.
For the salami rolls, spread the mayonnaise evenly over the flattened bread and layer the salami on top. Roll it snugly, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for another 10 minutes.
;Resize,width=712;)
For the mortadella rolls, spread the cream cheese over the bread and top with mortadella slices. Roll firmly, wrap well, and refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
For the mortadella rolls, spread the cream cheese over the bread and top with mortadella slices. Roll firmly, wrap well, and refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
;Resize,width=712;)
Once chilled, unwrap the salmon roll, coat the top and sides with cream cheese, and roll it in pistachio crumbs until fully covered.
Once chilled, unwrap the salmon roll, coat the top and sides with cream cheese, and roll it in pistachio crumbs until fully covered.
;Resize,width=712;)
Coat the salami roll with cream cheese and roll it in chopped almonds, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
Coat the salami roll with cream cheese and roll it in chopped almonds, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
;Resize,width=712;)
Slice each roll into even rounds and arrange them on a serving platter. Serve all three together for a colorful, irresistible appetizer spread.
Coat the mortadella roll with mayonnaise and roll it in chopped hazelnuts.
;Resize,width=712;)
Slice each roll into even rounds and arrange them on a serving platter. Serve all three together for a colorful, irresistible appetizer spread.
;Resize,width=767;)
