Description
Creamy marinated cheese takes center stage in this Italian-inspired appetizer, blending tangy herbs with rich dairy. Salami and pickled vegetables add zesty layers, creating an irresistible snack you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (226 grams) salami slices, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese cubes
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese cubes
- 1 cup mini pickles (cornichons or dill pickles)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
- Layering Foundation: Spread cheese cubes in a single layer across a shallow serving dish, creating an elegant base for the appetizer.
- Architectural Composition: Artfully fold salami slices into quarters, interspersing them strategically between cheese cubes to build visual depth and flavor complexity.
- Pickle Placement: Tuck mini pickles into the remaining spaces, filling gaps and enhancing the overall textural and visual appeal of the dish.
- Flavor Infusion: Pour prepared marinade evenly over the entire arrangement, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption for the cheese, salami, and pickles.
- Flavor Development: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours (preferably overnight) to allow ingredients to marinate and develop rich, interconnected flavors.
- Final Presentation: Immediately before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs across the top for a vibrant color burst and aromatic enhancement. Accompany with toothpicks or crisp crackers to elevate the appetizer’s serving experience.
Notes
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, premium cheeses like mozzarella or feta with firm texture that absorb marinade well without crumbling.
- Marinate Strategically: Allow minimum 2 hours refrigeration for flavors to fully develop, but avoid marinating more than 24 hours to prevent cheese becoming overly saturated.
- Control Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference; start with small amount and gradually increase for balanced flavor profile.
- Presentation Matters: Use clear glass dish to showcase colorful layers and ingredients, creating visual appeal that enhances overall appetizer experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg