Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make marinated cheese appetizer featuring sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack or mozzarella, hard salami, and baby dill pickles tossed in a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar marinade. Perfect for parties, holidays, or game day, this no-cook dish can be prepared ahead and served chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley and enjoyed with crackers or baguette slices.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Meat

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
8 ounces Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
6 ounces hard salami, cut into bite-sized pieces or folded

Pickles

½ cup baby dill pickles or cornichons, sliced or left whole

Marinade

¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl or shallow dish, mix together the sharp cheddar cheese cubes, Monterey Jack or mozzarella cubes, hard salami pieces, and baby dill pickles.
Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste until well combined.
Marinate: Pour the marinade over the cheese and meat mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl or dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, and up to 24 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally during marinating to distribute the flavors evenly.
Bring to Room Temperature: Before serving, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the marinated cheese and salami with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with toothpicks or skewers alongside crackers or sliced baguette.

Notes

This appetizer is ideal for holidays, parties, or game days.
For variation, substitute pepper jack, gouda, or provolone cheeses.
Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or as part of a larger charcuterie board.