Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles
A quick, colorful, and flavor-packed party platter that’s sure to disappear fast!
Whether you’re hosting game night, a holiday get-together, or just looking for a delicious nibble before dinner, this Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is your secret weapon. It’s fast, customizable, and incredibly addictive—especially when paired with crackers or a crusty baguette.
Why I Love This Recipe
- 🧀 Cheese, But Better: Sharp cheddar and pepper jack soak up a punchy herb marinade.
- 🧄 Bold Flavors: Garlic, vinegar, Italian spices, and tangy pickles create a flavor explosion.
- 🧩 Make-Ahead Friendly: Preps in minutes, and tastes even better after chilling.
- 🥳 Crowd Favorite: It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for grazing tables or charcuterie boards.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cheese Marinade:
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Add-Ins & Garnish:
- ½ cup salami, cut into bite-sized slices
- ½ cup small pickles (like cornichons or baby dill), sliced
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Cheese
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the cheddar and pepper jack cubes, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Pro Tip: The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes!
2️⃣ Assemble the Platter
Transfer the marinated cheese to a serving tray or small platter. Arrange the salami slices and pickles around the cheese. You can also skewer them on toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites.
3️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Serve as-is, or with a side of crackers, baguette slices, or even toothpicks for a mess-free app.
✅ Tips for Success
- Mix up the cheese: Try gouda, Monterey jack, or cubed mozzarella.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or chopped banana peppers to the marinade.
- Serve chilled or room temp: Either way, it’s a hit!
- Add olives or cherry tomatoes for more color and Mediterranean flair.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This appetizer pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp white wine or sparkling rosé
- Craft beer or a citrus-forward cocktail like This Blueberry Lemonade
- Rustic cheese boards, picnic spreads, or This Baked Brie Appetizer
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store marinated cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Assemble platter just before serving to keep everything fresh
- Avoid freezing—cheese texture and oil will change too much
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Baked Brie Appetizer
- These Easy Turkey Wings
- This Beer Cheese Dip
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- This Dorito Casserole
Final Thoughts
This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is proof that a few simple ingredients can become something spectacular. Make it once, and you’ll be bringing it to every potluck, picnic, and party!
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac and show us how you styled your platter! And don’t forget to follow for more bold bites and easy entertaining recipes. 🧀🎉🥒
Leave a Reply