Zesty Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami & Pickles Recipe

Crafting a delightful marinated cheese appetizer sparks joy for anyone seeking a quick, crowd-pleasing snack.

Creamy chunks bathed in herbed olive oil create an irresistible flavor profile.

Small gatherings call for simple yet impressive bites that wow guests.

Mediterranean ingredients like salami and tangy pickles complement the soft cheese perfectly.

Sharp herbs and zesty spices dance across each delectable morsel.

Salt crystals and rich oil enhance every single bite.

Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

• Craft a No-Fuss Appetizer: Perfect for busy hosts who want a delicious starter without complicated preparation steps.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily swap herbs or seasonings to match your taste preferences or complement your main course.
• Impress Guests with Minimal Effort: Looks sophisticated and gourmet but requires simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
• Quick Party Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, game nights, or casual get-togethers where you need a tasty, shareable snack that everyone will love.

Ingredients to Make Marinated Cheese & Salami Appetizer

• Cheese Cubes: A soft, creamy base that absorbs the marinade and provides a rich, tangy flavor for the appetizer.

• Olive Oil, Vinegar: A classic combination that creates a zesty marinade to infuse the cheese with delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and traditional Italian taste to the marinated cheese.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, warm garlic flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.

• Salami Slices: A savory, cured meat that adds protein and a rich, bold taste to the appetizer.
• Pickles: Tangy and crisp pickles that provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs: A bright, colorful garnish that adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.

How to Assemble This Tasty Cheese Appetizer

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

• olive oil
• vinegar
• Italian seasoning
• garlic powder
• salt
• black pepper

Whisk everything together until the seasonings blend smoothly and create a vibrant, fragrant liquid.

Step 2: Bath the Cheese

Drop cheese cubes into the marinade.

Gently toss each cube, ensuring every surface gets coated with the delicious mixture. Let the cheese soak up all those incredible flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Create a Stunning Appetizer Platter

Select a beautiful serving plate and arrange your marinated cheese cubes as the centerpiece. Artfully tuck salami slices around the cheese, creating an inviting visual display.

Nestle pickles between the meat and cheese for extra texture and tang.

Step 4: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the platter.

The green herbs will add a burst of color and provide a bright, herbaceous note to your appetizer.

Step 5: Serve and Delight

Present your elegant appetizer with crackers or crusty bread.

Watch as your guests dive into this irresistible flavor combination of tangy cheese, spicy salami, and zesty pickles.

Tips to Marinate Cheese Perfectly

• Let the cheese marinate longer for deeper, more intense taste profiles – aim for 2 hours maximum.
• Mix fresh and dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the marinade's complexity.
• Remove cheese from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out rich, smooth textures.
• Choose tangy, crisp pickles that complement the cheese's richness – dill or garlic pickles work wonderfully.
• Keep leftover marinated cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.

Variations to Customize Your Appetizer

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired appetizer.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in chili powder, cumin, and swap pickles for jalapeños to create a zesty Mexican-style version.
• Herb Garden Blend: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage instead of dried Italian seasoning for a vibrant, aromatic option.
• Smoky Sensation: Incorporate smoked paprika into the marinade and use smoked salami for an intense, rich flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions to Serve With Cheese & Salami

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, tangy cheese and spicy salami flavors, cutting through the appetizer's richness with its bold tannins.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a crisp IPA or amber ale that balances the marinated cheese's herbal notes and provides a refreshing contrast to the salty salami and pickles.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Enhance the appetizer by adding olives, roasted red peppers, and crusty bread, creating a vibrant tapestry of Mediterranean-inspired small bites that elevate the cheese and salami experience.

Storage Tips for Leftover Appetizer

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep cheese and pickles separate to maintain their crisp texture.

Remove from fridge 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavors and soften cheese.

Warm cheese cubes briefly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or use a low-temperature oven at 200°F for 2-3 minutes to prevent melting.

Avoid freezing this appetizer as it will significantly change the texture of cheese, salami, and pickles.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap feta, mozzarella, or gouda for a unique flavor profile that works well with the marinade.

• How long can the marinated cheese stay fresh?

The marinated cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days while maintaining its delicious taste and texture.

• Is this appetizer kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild flavors and bite-sized pieces make it perfect for children, and they can easily pick up the cheese cubes and salami.

• Can I prepare this appetizer in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the cheese and prepare the platter a few hours before serving, which makes it ideal for party planning and reduces last-minute preparation stress.

Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami & Pickles Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy marinated cheese appetizer brings Mediterranean charm to your table, perfectly blending tangy pickles and savory salami. Quick, elegant, and irresistible, this simple starter promises to elevate any gathering with its bold flavors and effortless preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cheese Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) block of sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
• 8 ounces (226 grams) block of pepper jack cheese, cut into cubes

Marinating Liquid and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Accompaniments:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) sliced salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) small pickles, like cornichons or dill pickles, sliced
• Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a zesty marinade by combining olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until well blended.
2. Gently fold cheese cubes into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture.
3. Refrigerate the marinating cheese for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate and enhance the cheese’s taste.
4. Select a serving platter and artfully arrange the marinated cheese cubes as the central focal point.
5. Elegantly drape salami slices around the cheese, creating a visually appealing and appetizing presentation.
6. Intersperse pickles strategically between the cheese and salami to add texture and tangy contrast.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the entire appetizer, providing a vibrant color burst and additional aromatic dimension.
8. Serve immediately at room temperature, optionally accompanied by crisp crackers for guests to enjoy this sophisticated and flavorful appetizer.

Notes

• Adjust marinating time based on cheese type, softer cheeses absorb flavors faster than harder varieties.
• Choose high-quality olive oil and vinegar for maximum flavor depth in the marinade.
• Replace traditional dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives for vegan guests, ensuring similar texture and taste.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to create unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Marinating
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 297 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 449 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg