Quick & Zesty Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami & Pickles Recipe

Crafting an irresistible marinated cheese appetizer can spark instant excitement at any gathering.

Cheese lovers appreciate simple yet stunning combinations that surprise their taste buds.

Small bites packed with robust flavors always draw curious appetites.

Salami and pickles create a delightful contrast against creamy, tangy cheese cubes.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients promise a quick, elegant starter anyone can master.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich and zesty notes.

Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

• Customize with Ease: Mix and match ingredients to create your own unique flavor profile, making this appetizer adaptable to your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• No-Stress Prep: Minimal cooking required, with simple marinating and arranging steps that even beginner cooks can master confidently and quickly.
• Party-Perfect Platter: Designed to impress guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious combination of tangy cheese, savory salami, and crisp pickles that spark conversation.
• Versatile Snacking: Suitable for multiple occasions like game day, potlucks, happy hour, or casual gatherings, offering a crowd-pleasing option that suits different social settings.

Ingredients for Marinated Cheese & Salami Platter

• Cheese Cubes: A creamy and soft cheese that absorbs the marinade's rich flavors.
• Salami Slices: A savory, cured meat that adds depth and protein to the appetizer.
• Pickles: Tangy and crunchy vegetables that provide a sharp contrast to the cheese.

• Olive Oil: A smooth and rich oil that helps distribute the marinade's flavors.
• Vinegar: Adds a bright and acidic note to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic garlic taste without raw garlic texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the appetizer.
• Fresh Herbs: A colorful and flavorful topping that adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Marinated Cheese Appetizer

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until the ingredients blend smoothly. This creates a zesty flavor base for your cheese.

Step 2: Soak Cheese Cubes

Drop cheese cubes directly into the marinade, gently turning them to ensure complete coverage. Let the cheese absorb the flavors by resting in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 3: Create Stunning Appetizer Platter

Arrange marinated cheese cubes as the centerpiece on a serving board. Strategically place salami slices around the cheese, creating visual interest.

Scatter crisp pickle spears between the meat and cheese for added texture and tang.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Finishing Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil over the entire platter.

These green accents will enhance both visual appeal and flavor profile.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Present the appetizer with an assortment of crackers or crostini on the side.

Invite guests to enjoy this delightful combination of tangy, savory, and herbal flavors. Perfect for gatherings, happy hours, or casual snacking.

Tips for Perfect Cheese and Salami Bites

• Let the cheese marinate longer for deeper, more intense taste profiles.
• Swap Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil for unique flavor variations.
• Keep marinated cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining optimal texture and taste.
• Use a wooden board or colorful platter to make the appetizer visually appealing and inviting.
• Allow marinated cheese to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its flavors and texture.

Flavor Variations on Marinated Cheese Appetizers

• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Replace salami with grilled halloumi, add olives, hummus, and pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
• Spicy Southwest Cheese Bites: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, cumin, and cayenne, then add jalapeños and serve with tortilla chips.
• Herb Garden Cheese Plate: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil instead of dried herbs, incorporate goat cheese, and add roasted cherry tomatoes.
• Smoky Charcuterie Appetizer: Substitute salami with prosciutto, use smoked paprika in marinade, include whole grain mustard, and add cornichons for extra tang.

Pairings to Serve with Cheese Appetizers

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, tangy flavors of the marinated cheese and salami.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the cheese's richness and balances the pickles' sharp taste.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Serve alongside olives, hummus, and crusty bread to create a diverse and textured appetizer experience that enhances the dish's Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
• Herb-Infused Cocktail Pairing: Mix a rosemary gin and tonic or thyme-infused vodka drink that echoes the herbal notes in the appetizer's seasoning and garnish.

Best Way to Store Marinated Cheese Appetizer

Store leftover marinated cheese in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the cheese submerged in the marinade to maintain flavor and moisture.

Wrap marinated cheese cubes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Gently warm the cheese cubes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften. Avoid overheating to prevent texture changes.

Chop cold marinated cheese and add to salads, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards for a quick and delicious meal transformation.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with various hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized cubes for even marinating.

• How long can I keep the marinated cheese before serving?

The cheese can be marinated for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the texture might start to change, so it’s best to serve within that timeframe.

• Is this appetizer suitable for a party or gathering?

Absolutely! This appetizer is quick to prepare, visually appealing, and easy to serve. It’s perfect for casual get-togethers, game nights, or as a pre-dinner snack.

Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami & Pickles Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Zesty Marinated Cheese appetizer brings Mediterranean flavors to your table with bold Italian salami and tangy pickles. Crisp ingredients and quick preparation make this irresistible starter perfect for casual gatherings you’ll love sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheeses:

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

Marinade 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

Additional Ingredients:

• 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. Prepare the marinade by combining olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until thoroughly blended.
2. Gently fold cheese cubes into the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
3. Select a serving platter and artfully arrange the marinated cheese cubes as the centerpiece.
4. Carefully layer salami slices around the cheese, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation.
5. Strategically place pickles between the cheese and salami to add textural contrast and visual interest.
6. Enhance the appetizer by delicately scattering fresh herbs across the platter, providing a vibrant garnish and aromatic touch.
7. Offer crackers alongside the platter or serve the appetizer as a standalone dish, perfect for casual gatherings or sophisticated entertaining.
8. Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature within 2 hours of preparation for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Customize the marinade by adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or fresh lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.
• For a low-carb option, serve the marinated cheese and salami on cucumber rounds or lettuce leaves instead of crackers.
• Prepare the marinated cheese in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg