Description
This easy marinated cheese appetizer combines sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, savory salami, and tangy pickles in a flavorful olive oil and red wine vinegar marinade. Perfect for parties, holidays, or game day, it’s a no-cook treat that can be prepared ahead and served with crackers or baguette.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Meats
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
- 6 ounces hard salami, cut into bite-sized pieces or folded
Pickles
- ½ cup baby dill pickles or cornichons, sliced or left whole
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl or shallow dish, place the cubed cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, salami pieces, and baby dill pickles or cornichons.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Marinate: Pour the prepared marinade over the cheese and meat mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl or dish with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate: Place the covered mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 24 hours. Stir occasionally during marination to distribute flavors evenly.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Before serving, remove the mixture from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the marinated cheese and salami. Serve the appetizer with toothpicks or skewers alongside crackers, sliced baguette, or as part of a charcuterie board.
Notes
- This appetizer is excellent for holidays, parties, or game day gatherings.
- Substitute pepper jack, gouda, or provolone cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or include as part of a larger charcuterie board.
