Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles Recipe
This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is a flavorful and visually appealing starter that’s perfect for gatherings. Sharp cheddar and spicy pepper jack cheeses are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian seasoning, then paired with savory salami and tangy pickles for a delightful contrast of tastes and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including 30 minutes marination)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 oz block of sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
- 8 oz block of pepper jack cheese, cut into cubes
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Accompaniments
- 1/2 cup sliced salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup small pickles, like cornichons or dill pickles, sliced
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well-combined. Taste the marinade and adjust salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Marinate the Cheese: Add the cubed cheddar and pepper jack cheese into the marinade, making sure every piece is coated thoroughly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or ideally for two hours in the refrigerator to develop richer flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even marination.
- Assemble the Platter: Once the cheese has marinated, remove it from the marinade and arrange the cubes artfully on a serving platter. Scatter the bite-sized salami pieces and sliced pickles around the cheese, alternating shapes and colors to make the presentation visually appealing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the top for a burst of color and subtle herbal aroma. Serve immediately with crackers or crusty bread for added crunch, making this an irresistible appetizer.
Notes
- Marinate the cheese for at least 30 minutes; longer marination (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor.
- Use either white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar based on your taste preference.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil are optional but add a nice fresh touch and color.
- Serve with your favorite crackers or crusty bread to complement the textures.
- Adjust salt carefully because the salami and pickles can add saltiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of total recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: marinated cheese appetizer, salami cheese platter, easy appetizer, party snacks, pickles and cheese
