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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until thoroughly blended.
- Gently fold cheese cubes into the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- Select a serving platter and artfully arrange the marinated cheese cubes as the centerpiece.
- Carefully layer salami slices around the cheese, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation.
- Strategically place pickles between the cheese and salami to add textural contrast and visual interest.
- Enhance the appetizer by delicately scattering fresh herbs across the platter, providing a vibrant garnish and aromatic touch.
- Offer crackers alongside the platter or serve the appetizer as a standalone dish, perfect for casual gatherings or sophisticated entertaining.
- 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