Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles
Get ready to impress your guests with this simple yet sophisticated Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles! This effortless recipe is perfect for parties, gatherings, and special occasions, featuring a rich and creamy cheese, savory salami, and tangy pickles.
Ingredients:
8 oz block of sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
8 oz block of pepper jack cheese, cut into cubes
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
1/2 cup sliced salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup small pickles, like cornichons or dill pickles,
sliced
Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Cheese and Ingredients:
Cut both the sharp cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese into cubes and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
Add the sliced salami and pickles to the bowl with the cheese cubes.
Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Marinate the Cheese:
Pour the marinade over the cheese, salami, and pickles. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients in the marinade.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for more flavor).
Serve:
Before serving, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Serve the marinated cheese appetizer with crackers or bread as an easy, flavorful snack!
Enjoy this simple and savory marinated cheese appetizer with a delightful combination of flavors from the cheese, salami, and pickles!
Tips for Success:
1. Choose a variety of cheeses: Mix and match different types of cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella, for a unique flavor profile.
2. Don’t over-marinate: Marinate the cheese for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, but not so long that the cheese becomes too soft.
3. Add some crunch: Include some crunchy elements, such as pickles or crackers, to provide texture contrast.
4. Customize with your favorite meats: Use different types of cured meats, such as prosciutto or ham, to change up the flavor.
5. Make ahead: Prepare the marinade and cheese mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
– Calories: 200-250
– Protein: 10-12g
– Fat: 15-18g
– Saturated Fat: 8-10g
– Cholesterol: 30-40mg
– Carbohydrates: 5-7g
– Fiber: 0-1g
– Sugar: 1-2g
– Sodium: 400-500mg