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**Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles: A Perfect Bite-Sized Delight for Any Occasion**
This appetizer combines rich, creamy cheese with the bold, tangy flavors of pickles and the savory goodness of salami. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be prepared ahead of time for ultimate convenience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, having a cozy night in, or preparing food for a picnic, this appetizer will undoubtedly steal the show. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that is sure to please a crowd.
### **Why You’ll Love This Marinated Cheese Appetizer**
1. **Quick and Easy**: You don’t need to be a culinary expert to prepare this appetizer. It’s a simple, no-cook recipe that takes just a few minutes to assemble.
2. **Versatile and Customizable**: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Want to switch out the salami for prosciutto or pepperoni? Go for it! Not a fan of pickles? Use olives instead!
4. **Make-Ahead**: The marinated cheese needs time to soak up all the flavors, so it’s ideal for preparing ahead of time. Just let it chill in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight), and you’re good to go!
### **Ingredients You’ll Need**
– **Cheese**: A firm, mild cheese works best. Think cubed mozzarella, cheddar, or even gouda. The cheese should be cut into bite-sized cubes so that each piece can be easily eaten in one bite.
– **Salami**: Choose a good-quality salami. You can go for a classic Italian salami or opt for a spicier variety if you prefer a little extra heat.
– **Olive Oil**: The marinade is made with olive oil, which helps to soak into the cheese and bring out the flavors.
– **Herbs and Spices**: Garlic powder, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes add flavor and a touch of warmth to the marinade. You can adjust the seasoning to taste.
– **Fresh Herbs (Optional)**: Fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic touch.
### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Marinated Cheese with Salami & Pickles**
This recipe is incredibly easy to put together, and you’ll have an impressive appetizer ready in no time. Here’s how to make it:
#### 1. **Prepare the Cheese and Meats**
Start by cutting the cheese into bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniform cubes so that they’re easy to skewer and eat. Then, slice the salami into rounds. You can choose to fold the slices in half or quarters if you want smaller pieces, or leave them as they are for a more substantial bite.
#### 2. **Prep the Pickles**
Slice the pickles into rounds or spears, depending on your preference. If you’re using smaller pickles like baby dills, you can leave them whole. Just make sure the pickle slices are thick enough to hold their shape during marination.
#### 3. **Make the Marinade**
In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the mixture is well-combined. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning to your liking. For a little more kick, you can add extra crushed red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
#### 4. **Assemble the Skewers (Optional)**
If you’re using skewers or toothpicks, thread a piece of cheese, a slice of salami, and a slice of pickle onto each skewer. Repeat this process for the number of skewers you want to make. If you’re not using skewers, you can simply place the cheese cubes, salami slices, and pickles in a large bowl.
#### 5. **Marinate the Cheese, Salami, and Pickles**
Once your skewers are assembled (or your ingredients are in the bowl), pour the marinade over the cheese, salami, and pickles. Ensure that everything is well-coated in the marinade. If using a bowl, you can toss the ingredients gently to distribute the marinade evenly.
If you’ve used skewers, you can place them in a shallow dish or lay them out on a platter.
#### 6. **Refrigerate and Let the Flavors Meld**
Cover the skewers or the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For even better results, let it sit in the fridge overnight. The longer the cheese marinates, the more intense the flavors will be.
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