Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

#### Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
Start by cutting the **cheddar cheese** (or your choice of cheese) into bite-sized cubes. The cubes should be about 1-inch in size, large enough to hold their shape and absorb the marinade, but not too big to overwhelm your guests when they take a bite.

#### Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the **olive oil**, **white wine vinegar**, **oregano**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and **red pepper flakes** (if using). Stir well to combine and ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed. Season with a pinch of **salt** and **black pepper** to taste.

#### Step 3: Marinate the Cheese
Place the cheese cubes in a shallow dish or a small jar. Pour the marinade over the cheese, ensuring that each cube is well-coated. Cover the dish or seal the jar and let the cheese marinate in the refrigerator for at least **2 hours**, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion. The longer the cheese marinates, the more flavorful it will become.

#### Step 4: Prepare the Salami and Pickles
While the cheese is marinating, prepare the **salami** and **pickles**. If the salami is in large slices, cut it into strips or small pieces, making it easier to serve. Slice the **pickles** into rounds or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

#### Step 5: Assemble the Appetizer
Once the cheese has marinated and you’re ready to serve, take each cheese cube and **skewer it with a toothpick**. To assemble, alternate the cheese with a slice of **salami** and a **pickle**. The combination of the cheese, savory salami, and tangy pickles offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. You can arrange these on a serving platter for a beautiful, appetizing display.

#### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some freshly chopped **parsley** over the assembled appetizers. This step is optional but adds a nice touch to the overall presentation.

Now your **Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles** is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it chilled or at room temperature—either way, it’s sure to disappear quickly.

### Tips for Customizing Your Marinated Cheese Appetizer

– **Cheese Variations**: You can use different cheeses to suit your taste. **Gouda**, **mozzarella**, **feta**, or **Manchego** are all great choices that will work well in this appetizer.
– **Meat Variations**: Swap out the **salami** for other cured meats like **prosciutto**, **chorizo**, or **pepperoni**. These alternatives will add their own unique flavors to the dish.
– **Pickle Alternatives**: If you’re not a fan of dill pickles, you can use **sweet pickles**, **gherkin pickles**, or even **pickled onions** for a different flavor profile. If you want more crunch, try adding some **pickled jalapeños** for a bit of heat.
– **Make It Spicy**: Add a few thin slices of **jalapeños** to the skewers or a dash of **hot sauce** to the marinade if you want a spicy kick.
– **Herb Infusions**: Try adding different herbs to the marinade, such as **basil**, **rosemary**, or **thyme**, for additional depth of flavor.

### Serving Ideas

This appetizer is perfect for a variety of occasions:

1. **Parties & Gatherings**: It’s ideal for serving at parties, game day, or casual gatherings. The individual portions make it easy for guests to grab and go.
2. **Charcuterie Boards**: Add it to your charcuterie board along with other meats, cheeses, olives, and nuts for a well-rounded spread.
3. **Holiday Meals**: It’s a great option for holiday entertaining, offering a flavorful bite before the main meal is served.
4. **Picnics & Potlucks**: Pack it up for a picnic or potluck—this appetizer travels well and doesn’t require reheating, making it a stress-free choice.

### Why You’ll Love This Appetizer

– **Simple to Make**: This appetizer requires minimal preparation and no cooking, making it the perfect option for busy hosts who want to keep things easy yet impressive.
– **Flavorful**: The marinade infuses the cheese with a burst of flavor, while the salami and pickles add a satisfying balance of saltiness and tang.
– **Make-Ahead**: You can prepare the marinated cheese ahead of time, letting it sit in the fridge overnight to develop even more flavor.
– **Customizable**: With endless options for cheese, meat, and pickle varieties, you can easily tailor this recipe to suit your guests’ tastes and dietary preferences.

### Conclusion

This **Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles** is the ultimate combination of flavor, texture, and simplicity. It’s a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday feasts. With its rich cheese, savory salami, and tangy pickles, this appetizer is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So go ahead, try it out, and watch it disappear as your guests savor every delicious bite!