This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer is a crowd-pleaser, bursting with bold flavors from cheddar, mozzarella, salami, and tangy pickles, all soaked in a delicious herb-infused marinade. Perfect for gatherings, holiday platters, or a quick snack, this no-cook appetizer is both simple and sophisticated.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ No Cooking Required – Just mix and marinate!
✔ Perfect for Entertaining – Ideal for charcuterie boards, parties, and gatherings.
✔ Customizable – Swap cheeses, meats, or add olives for extra flavor.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – The longer it marinates, the better it tastes!
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Ingredients
For the Cheese & Salami Mix:
8 oz block cheddar cheese, cubed
8 oz block mozzarella cheese, cubed
4 oz sliced salami, cut into quarters
½ cup pickles (gherkins or cornichons), sliced
For the Marinade:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
¼ tsp black pepper
For Garnishing:
Fresh parsley, chopped
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Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
1️⃣ Cube the cheese – Cut cheddar and mozzarella into bite-sized cubes.
2️⃣ Slice the salami – Stack slices and cut into quarters.
3️⃣ Chop the pickles – Slice gherkins or cornichons into thin rounds.
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Step 2: Make the Marinade
4️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together:
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Black pepper
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Step 3: Marinate the Cheese & Salami
5️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed cheeses, salami pieces, and sliced pickles.
6️⃣ Pour the marinade over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
7️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to meld.
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Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
8️⃣ Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
9️⃣ Serve with toothpicks or small skewers for easy grabbing.
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Pro Tips for the Best Marinated Cheese Appetizer
✅ Use high-quality cheese – Aged cheddar and fresh mozzarella work best.
✅ Let it marinate longer – The longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets (overnight is ideal).
✅ Add extras – Try adding olives, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
✅ Use a mix of meats – Substitute pepperoni, prosciutto, or chorizo for a different taste.
✅ Pair with crackers or bread – Serve alongside crusty bread or crackers for a fuller snack.
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Serving Ideas
🍷 Pair with wine – A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.
🧀 Add to a charcuterie board – Include nuts, fresh fruit, and crackers for a perfect cheese platter.
🍽 Use as a salad topping – Toss leftovers over a green salad for a delicious, protein-packed meal.
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Nutrition Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
Servings: 6
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Final Thoughts
This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re making it for a party, potluck, or a simple snack, it’s sure to be a hit! Make it ahead, customize it to your taste, and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Try this recipe and impress your guests at your next gathering! 🎉🥂
