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Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami Pickles

Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami Pickles

A sophisticated yet simple appetizer featuring cubes of marinated cheese swimming in herbed olive oil alongside savory salami-stuffed pickles. Perfect for entertaining.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Marinated Cheese
  • 16 oz Cubed Marinated Feta or Mozzarella Pearls About 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Quality matters here
  • 4 cloves Garlic Thinly sliced
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
  • 1 tsp Whole Black Peppercorns
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste
For the Salami Pickles
  • 12 whole Dill Pickles Small to medium size, drained
  • 8 slices Genoa Salami Thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp Cream Cheese Softened, for stuffing

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the Salami Pickles: Drain the dill pickles thoroughly. Pat them dry slightly with a paper towel. Take one thin slice of salami and gently wrap it around each pickle. If desired, use a toothpick to secure the salami. (Optional: for an extra layer of flavor, gently stuff a tiny amount of softened cream cheese into the end of the pickle before wrapping with salami).
  2. Marinate the Cheese: In a medium, non-reactive container or a wide-mouth jar, combine the olive oil, sliced garlic, rosemary sprigs, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Combine and infuse: Add the cubed cheese to the oil mixture, ensuring the cheese is mostly submerged. Gently stir everything together so the herbs and spices evenly coat the cheese.
  4. Resting Period: Cover the container tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, though preferably overnight, to allow the cheese to fully absorb the flavors of the marinade.
  5. Serve at Room Temperature: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the marinated cheese from the refrigerator to allow it to come closer to room temperature, which enhances the flavor and texture of the cheese and the oil.
  6. Assembly: Arrange the marinated cheese cubes (including some of the infused oil and herbs for drizzling) artfully on a serving platter alongside the prepared Salami Pickles. Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Notes

This appetizer improves significantly when the cheese marinates overnight. Use high-quality finishing olive oil for the best taste. Avoid overcrowding the container when adding the cheese.
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