Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

Let’s talk about the kind of appetizer that makes you the star of the party with absolutely no stress. This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is exactly that—a flavorful, crowd-pleasing treat that’s simple to make, yet looks super impressive. Imagine cubes of rich, creamy cheese marinated in a zesty, herby oil, paired with savory slices of salami and the perfect tang from pickles. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, and it’s all ready in a flash. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a charcuterie board, or just need something to snack on, this is your go-to recipe. It’s quick, easy, and totally irresistible!

Why You’ll Love Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

This appetizer is everything you want in a snack: bold, savory, and absolutely no-fuss. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back for more:

• Quick & Easy: No complicated steps—just marinate, mix, and serve. You can whip it up in minutes, and it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Flavor Explosion: The marinated cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor, and the combination of salami and pickles gives the perfect salty, savory contrast. It’s like a flavor party in every bite!
• No Cooking Required: Perfect for those days when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend time cooking. Just let the marinade do its magic.
• Customizable: You can easily swap in different cheeses, pickles, or meats depending on your taste. Love spicy pickles? Go for it! Want to add some olives or roasted red peppers? Totally your call.
• Impressive & Fun: It looks so elegant on a platter, and the combination of flavors is sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s the kind of dish people keep going back to.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious marinated cheese appetizer:

Cheese (Mozzarella, Cheddar, or Gouda)

The cheese is the base of this appetizer, so pick a variety that you love. Fresh mozzarella gives a soft, mild flavor, while cheddar or gouda adds more depth. Cubes work best for easy serving.

Salami

Thin slices of salami add a savory, slightly spicy kick to the mix. You can use your favorite variety—spicy, mild, or even a mix of different cured meats.

Pickles

Dill or bread-and-butter pickles work great here. The tangy crunch balances out the rich cheese and savory salami.

Olive Oil

The marinade starts with a simple base of olive oil, which adds richness and allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Red Wine Vinegar

Red wine vinegar brings acidity to the marinade, cutting through the richness of the cheese and salami and giving it that perfect balance.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds depth and that unmistakable savory kick that makes everything taste better.

Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, or Basil)

Herbs add a fragrant, earthy quality to the dish. A mix of rosemary, thyme, and basil works wonderfully, but feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand.

Salt & Pepper

Simple seasoning, but essential! A pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper round out the marinade.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total Carbohydrates: 4g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 9g

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this easy and delicious appetizer!

Prepare the Cheese and Salami

Start by cutting your cheese into bite-sized cubes. If you’re using mozzarella, you can tear it into smaller pieces. Slice your salami into strips or small rounds—whichever you prefer!

Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is your marinade base that’s going to infuse all the ingredients with rich, savory flavors.

Assemble the Appetizer

In a large bowl or airtight container, combine the cheese, salami, and pickles. Pour the marinade over everything, making sure everything is coated well.

Let it Marinate

Cover the bowl or container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will blend together. You can give it a quick toss halfway through to make sure everything stays coated.

Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, simply transfer the marinated cheese, salami, and pickles to a serving platter. Garnish with a few extra fresh herbs, if you like, and serve with crackers, fresh bread, or even on its own as a savory snack.

How to Serve Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

This appetizer is perfect for a variety of occasions, and here are a few ways to serve it up:

• With Crackers or Bread: Serve the marinated cheese, salami, and pickles with crispy crackers or slices of baguette for a delicious bite-sized snack.
• On a Charcuterie Board: Add this to your next charcuterie board for a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors.
• As a Party Starter: Set it out as an appetizer at your next party or holiday gathering—your guests will love it!
• On a Salad: Use this as a topping for a green salad or pasta salad for an extra pop of flavor.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This appetizer can be made up to 24 hours in advance, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead for a party or dinner.
• Add More Crunch: If you want to add some extra crunch, throw in a handful of roasted nuts like almonds or cashews.
• Use Your Favorite Pickles: Try different pickle varieties—sweet, dill, or even spicy pickles work great depending on your preference!
• Herb Variations: Don’t be afraid to play around with the herbs. Dill, oregano, or even parsley would all add a unique twist to the marinade.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A1: Yes! You can swap the mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda for any cheese you like. Try something more tangy, like feta or goat cheese, for a different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I use a different type of meat instead of salami?

A2: Absolutely! You can use prosciutto, pepperoni, or any cured meat you prefer. The key is to use something with a little saltiness to balance the rich cheese.

Q3: How long should I marinate this appetizer?

A3: For the best flavor, marinate the ingredients for at least 2 hours, but if you have the time, letting it sit overnight will allow the flavors to meld even more.

Q4: Can I make this appetizer in advance?

A4: Yes! This appetizer can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It actually gets better as it sits and the flavors develop.

Q5: What other vegetables can I add to the marinated mixture?

A5: You could add cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers, or even olives for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the marinate time if you add anything extra.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?

A6: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can eat it chilled or bring it to room temperature before serving again.

Q7: Can I use a different type of vinegar?

A7: Yes, you can swap out the red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll all work well!

Q8: How can I make this appetizer spicier?

A8: For a kick, try adding red pepper flakes to the marinade or use spicy pickles or pepperoni in place of regular salami.

Q9: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

A9: Yes! Fresh herbs will give this appetizer an even fresher flavor. Just double the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried ones.

Q10: Can I use a different type of pickle?

A10: Absolutely! You can use bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter flavor, or try spicy pickles for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is the perfect savory bite to satisfy all your cravings. With minimal ingredients and a few hours to marinate, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a new snack to munch on, this recipe is sure to be a hit every time. Enjoy!

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