Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks with Salami and Pesto

These delicious Cheese Stuffed Bread Sticks with Salami and Pesto is a sponsored recipe and written by me on behalf of Gallo Salame Company. All opinions on enjoying savory treats are totally my own.

It’s almost time for the big game and, while some folks are excited for their teams to play, I’m all about the food! Don’t football parties always have a great spread? Bite-sized deliciousness wrapped in various tools that deliver savory and sweet yumminess straight into your mouth like a Hail Mary. Touchdown!!!

This year, I’m considering throwing a GameDay party for my husband’s side of the family in our new home and have been tinkering with different menu ideas. Delicious recipes that can be made before kickoff, yet power packed with flavor are at the top of my GameDay PlayBook.

With these objectives in mind, this Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks with Salami and Pesto recipe came to mind as I was doing my shopping at Walmart this week. They’re hand held, savory and oh-so-delicious! A perfect recipe to enjoy during game time.

Using End Zone Ingredients!

The key to making really delicious recipes is quality ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. I try to balance high quality items with less expensive alternatives, keeping the budget low and the flavor high.

I like to use Walmart’s Great Value cheeses to keep costs low, but since my family loves savory salami, I opted for Gallo® Salame for these salami breadsticks. Gallo Salame also comes thinly sliced – perfect for elaborate anti-pasta platters or an everyday snack – but for this time I opted for their family sized log made with quality pork, a secret spice blend and sauterne wine. Gallo Salame is naturally aged (just like cheese) and gives a distinctive, tangy taste.

How to Make Salami and Pesto Breadsticks

Making cheese-stuffed breadsticks is super easy! They’re definitely not the one pot, 30 minute meal I’m used to making, but we’re pulling all the stops for the Big Game.

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• ½ log of Gallo Salame salami, found in Walmart’s refrigerated section, sliced and chopped into bite sized pieces
• 1 package of Walmart’s Great Value Provolone Cheese
• 1 package of puff pastry sheets
• ½ cup pre-made basil pesto

Make sure your puff pastry is thoroughly thawed, letting it come to room temperature for about 40 minutes before handling it. I ended up using a rolling pin to elongate the dough a bit, but be sure not to stretch it too far.

Once your puff pastry is spread out over a floured surface, spread a thin layer of basil pesto from corner to corner. Cut the provolone cheese slices in half and arrange over the pesto. It doesn’t have to cover the entire surface.

Then sprinkle on that savory salami goodness. YUM!

Using a sharp knife, cut the breadsticks. To keep things even, I first cut along the creases of the puff pastry and then in half, lengthwise, again. This method produced 6 breadsticks per puff pastry sheet and 12 breadsticks per package.

Now comes the tricky part: use both hands on either side of the breadsticks and twist the ends gently. Pinch each end of the dough together first, and along the sides as you twist, trying to enclose the salami.

Some will fall out, but don’t fret! You can stuff those yummy pieces back in once the breadstick is formed.

In a 400 degree preheated oven, cook the breadsticks for 18-20 minutes on a greased pan, ensuring that each stick has plenty of room to cook. Allow to cool and harden before adding to your game day spread.

This season of football fandom always surprises me with the amount of fun memories we make. I’ve never been all that into the sport itself, but I do love the culture and excitement around the way it’s celebrated. The big game is truly unlike any other sporting event and I’m happy to gives me a chance to create delicious recipe for the ones I love.