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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Create a zesty marinade by combining olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until well blended.
- Gently fold cheese cubes into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Refrigerate the marinating cheese for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate and enhance the cheese’s taste.
- Select a serving platter and artfully arrange the marinated cheese cubes as the central focal point.
- Elegantly drape salami slices around the cheese, creating a visually appealing and appetizing presentation.
- Intersperse pickles strategically between the cheese and salami to add texture and tangy contrast.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the entire appetizer, providing a vibrant color burst and additional aromatic dimension.
- 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