Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

Additional:

• Toothpicks or small skewers (for easy serving)

How to Make Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

This appetizer comes together in no time. Here’s how you can make it:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Start by cutting the cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese) into bite-sized cubes. The cubes should be about 1-inch in size, large enough to hold their shape and absorb the marinade, but not too big to overwhelm your guests when they take a bite.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Marinate the Cheese

Place the cheese cubes in a shallow dish or a small jar. Pour the marinade over the cheese, ensuring that each cube is well-coated. Cover the dish or seal the jar and let the cheese marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion. The longer the cheese marinates, the more flavorful it will become.

Step 4: Prepare the Salami and Pickles

While the cheese is marinating, prepare the salami and pickles. If the salami is in large slices, cut it into strips or small pieces, making it easier to serve. Slice the pickles into rounds or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Assemble the Appetizer

Once the cheese has marinated and you’re ready to serve, take each cheese cube and skewer it with a toothpick. To assemble, alternate the cheese with a slice of salami and a pickle. The combination of the cheese, savory salami, and tangy pickles offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. You can arrange these on a serving platter for a beautiful, appetizing display.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the assembled appetizers. This step is optional but adds a nice touch to the overall presentation.

Now your Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it chilled or at room temperature—either way, it’s sure to disappear quickly.

Tips for Customizing Your Marinated Cheese Appetizer

• Cheese Variations: You can use different cheeses to suit your taste. Gouda, mozzarella, feta, or Manchego are all great choices that will work well in this appetizer.
• Meat Variations: Swap out the salami for other cured meats like prosciutto, chorizo, or pepperoni. These alternatives will add their own unique flavors to the dish.
• Pickle Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of dill pickles, you can use sweet pickles, gherkin pickles, or even pickled onions for a different flavor profile. If you want more crunch, try adding some pickled jalapeños for a bit of heat.
• Make It Spicy: Add a few thin slices of jalapeños to the skewers or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade if you want a spicy kick.
• Herb Infusions: Try adding different herbs to the marinade, such as basil, rosemary, or thyme, for additional depth of flavor.

Serving Ideas

This appetizer is perfect for a variety of occasions:

1. Parties & Gatherings: It’s ideal for serving at parties, game day, or casual gatherings. The individual portions make it easy for guests to grab and go.
2. Charcuterie Boards: Add it to your charcuterie board along with other meats, cheeses, olives, and nuts for a well-rounded spread.
3. Holiday Meals: It’s a great option for holiday entertaining, offering a flavorful bite before the main meal is served.
4. Picnics & Potlucks: Pack it up for a picnic or potluck—this appetizer travels well and doesn’t require reheating, making it a stress-free choice.

Why You’ll Love This Appetizer

• Simple to Make: This appetizer requires minimal preparation and no cooking, making it the perfect option for busy hosts who want to keep things easy yet impressive.
• Flavorful: The marinade infuses the cheese with a burst of flavor, while the salami and pickles add a satisfying balance of saltiness and tang.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the marinated cheese ahead of time, letting it sit in the fridge overnight to develop even more flavor.
• Customizable: With endless options for cheese, meat, and pickle varieties, you can easily tailor this recipe to suit your guests’ tastes and dietary preferences.

Conclusion

This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is the ultimate combination of flavor, texture, and simplicity. It’s a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday feasts. With its rich cheese, savory salami, and tangy pickles, this appetizer is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So go ahead, try it out, and watch it disappear as your guests savor every delicious bite!