These low carb 4-ingredient salami Kensington bites are the kind of retro snack that feels right at home on a game day table: simple, salty, crisp around the edges, and easy to make in big batches. The combination has that old-school cocktail party spirit, built from pantry and deli staples, and it makes perfect sense that a version of it might have been passed around on an index card long before anyone started calling food “low carb.”
Serve these bites warm with a bowl of olives, crisp celery sticks, pickles, or a tangy mustard dip to balance the richness of the salami and cheese. They also fit nicely alongside other casual appetizers like deviled eggs, wings, or a crunchy salad, and they pair especially well with light beer, sparkling water with lemon, or a dry red wine.
Low Carb 4-Ingredient Salami Kensington Bites
Servings: 6
Ingredients
24 thin salami slices
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons sliced pickled banana peppers, drained and chopped
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet or small rimmed tray with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the salami slices in a single layer on the prepared tray, leaving a little space between them so the edges can crisp.
3. Top each salami slice with a small pinch of mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a few chopped banana pepper pieces.
4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the salami edges are starting to curl and crisp. Let the bites cool for 2 minutes so they firm up slightly before serving.
Variations & Tips
Spicier version: Swap the banana peppers for finely chopped pickled jalapeños or add a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking if you want a little more heat.
Cheese balance: Mozzarella gives you the soft melt, while Parmesan helps create that lacy, crisp underside. If you want an even deeper flavor, try part provolone in place of some of the mozzarella.
Crispier bites: For extra crisp edges, use thin salami rather than thick slices, and avoid overloading each piece with cheese. A little restraint gives the best texture.
Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the bites on the tray a few hours ahead and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving so they arrive hot and at their crispiest.
Serving tray note: These are best enjoyed warm, but they also hold up surprisingly well at room temperature, which makes them handy for potlucks, card parties, and snack tables.