Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles 🧀 – A Savory, No-Cook Party Favorite

Looking for an effortless appetizer that’s bold, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress? This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s salty, tangy, cheesy, and totally addictive—perfect for holidays, wine nights, game days, or any gathering that calls for a tasty snack board.

Sharp cheddar and spicy pepper jack get a flavor upgrade with a quick marinade made from olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. Toss in some bite-sized salami and crisp pickles, and you’ve got the perfect balance of creamy, salty, tangy, and spicy. Serve it on a platter with fresh herbs and crackers, and you’ve got a no-cook appetizer that looks fancy but takes just minutes to pull together.

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 (parsley or basil) for garnish 🌿 (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Cheese: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the cheese cubes: Toss gently until all pieces are well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
Assemble the platter: Arrange the marinated cheese cubes on a serving tray or board.
Add salami and pickles: Nestle in the sliced salami and pickles around the cheese for a vibrant, rustic presentation.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired for added color and freshness.
Serve: Enjoy this appetizer on its own or with crackers, crostini, or crusty bread.

Flavor Profile

Cheesy & bold: The cheddar and pepper jack deliver rich, tangy, and spicy notes.
Herbaceous: Italian seasoning adds savory depth to the cheese.
Salty & sharp: Salami and pickles balance out the creaminess with zest and saltiness.
Fresh & zippy: The vinegar adds brightness and makes every bite pop.

Why You’ll Love This Appetizer

No cooking or baking required—just mix, marinate, and plate.
Make ahead friendly: marinate the cheese hours in advance.
Perfect for parties, holidays, or easy weeknight entertaining.
Totally customizable with your favorite meats, cheeses, or herbs.

Entertaining Tips

Serve with toothpicks or cocktail skewers for easy grabbing.
Add crackers, breadsticks, or pita chips to complete your cheese board.
Pair with a crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or dry rosé.
Make it festive! Add olives, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and flavor.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-cubed cheese? Absolutely! It saves time—just choose good-quality cheese for best flavor.

2. How long can I marinate the cheese? Ideally 30 minutes to 2 hours. Longer marinating can make it too soft or overpower the cheese.

3. Can I add other meats? Yes! Try prosciutto, chorizo, or pepperoni for variety.

4. What pickles work best? Cornichons, baby dills, or even spicy pickles are all great choices.

5. Can I make this ahead? Yes—marinate the cheese and keep everything refrigerated separately. Assemble before serving.

6. Is this keto-friendly? Yes! It’s low-carb and high in protein and fat—perfect for keto and low-carb diets.

7. What vinegar is best? White wine vinegar adds brightness, but apple cider vinegar brings a mellow tang.

8. Can I serve this warm? This is best served chilled or at room temp—warming may alter the texture.

9. Can I store leftovers? Yes. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

10. Can I turn this into a full cheese board? Definitely! Add nuts, fresh fruit, jam, and extra meats for a full charcuterie platter.

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Conclusion: A Quick Bite, Big Flavor 🧀🥒🍖

This Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is everything a good party snack should be: quick, colorful, bold, and bursting with flavor. With just a few ingredients and zero cooking, you can create a savory platter that looks gourmet and tastes amazing. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, putting together a wine and cheese night, or just need a no-fuss starter—this recipe always hits the spot. Grab your toothpicks and get ready to impress! 🧀🍖🥒