Description
This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is a flavorful and visually stunning addition to any gathering. It combines the richness of marinated cheese cubes, the savory taste of salami, and the tangy crunch of pickles for an appetizer that pleases the palate and impresses guests. Perfect for holiday parties, casual get-togethers, or as part of a charcuterie board, this dish is simple to prepare and offers a delicious mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cheese & Marinade:
- Cheddar Cheese – 8 oz, cubed 🟧
- Monterey Jack Cheese – 8 oz, cubed
- Marinated Mozzarella Balls – 1 cup (or plain mozzarella balls)
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – ½ cup 🫒
- Red Wine Vinegar – 2 tablespoons 🍷
- Fresh Rosemary – 1 sprig, chopped 🌿
- Fresh Thyme – 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Oregano – 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Minced Garlic – 2 cloves 🧄
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – 1 teaspoon 🌶️
- Black Pepper – Freshly cracked, to taste
- Salt – To taste 🧂
For the Accompaniments:
- Salami – About 12 thin slices 🍖
- Dill Pickles – 1 cup, sliced or whole gherkins 🥒
- Cherry Tomatoes – 1 cup 🍅
- Fresh Basil Leaves – For garnish 🌿
- Optional Toppings: Olives 🫒, honey 🍯, breadsticks 🥖
Instructions
- Prep the Cheese:
- Cut the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a shallow dish with enough space to spread out.
- Make the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano), crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Cheese:
- Pour the marinade over the cheese cubes. Gently toss to coat each piece. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Accompaniments:
- Arrange the salami slices into decorative rolls and slice the dill pickles.
- Assemble the Platter:
- Remove the marinated cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Arrange it on a platter alongside the salami, pickles, and cherry tomatoes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve:
- Present with breadsticks, crostini, or crackers for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- Marinating Tip: For a richer flavor, marinate the cheese overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Substitutions: Feel free to swap red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cheese fully submerged in the marinade to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg