Description: Elevate your appetizer game with these vibrant and flavorful marinated cheese, salami, and pickle skewers. These are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a simple, delightful snack. The combination of tangy marinated cheese, savory salami, and crisp pickles creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, these skewers are guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz block of sharp cheddar cheese, cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 8 oz block of pepper jack cheese, cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- Salt, to taste
- 8 oz sliced salami, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch squares or rolls)
- 1 cup small pickles, such as cornichons, baby dills, or sweet gherkins, drained and halved or sliced if large.
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, for garnish (optional)
- Cocktail skewers or toothpicks for assembling.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese: Cut both the sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese into approximately ¾-inch cubes. The uniformity in size ensures even marination and makes the skewers more visually appealing. Set aside.
Step 2: Create the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and depth, while Dijon mustard provides a tangy kick and emulsifies the marinade. Honey or maple syrup balances the acidity and adds a subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Marinate the Cheese: Add the cubed cheddar and pepper jack cheese to the marinade. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly, ensuring that the cheese is thoroughly covered. The cheese should be submerged in the marinade for the flavors to properly infuse.
Step 4: Chill the Marinated Cheese: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheese to fully absorb the flavors of the marinade. Occasional stirring will help ensure even marination.
Step 5: Prepare the Remaining Ingredients: While the cheese is marinating, prepare the salami by cutting it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch squares. If using sliced salami, you can fold or roll the pieces for a more appealing presentation. Drain the pickles well, and halve or slice them if they are large. This ensures that the skewers are not overly moist. Chop the fresh herbs for garnish.
Step 6: Assemble the Skewers: Once the cheese has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Using cocktail skewers or toothpicks, thread the marinated cheese cubes, salami pieces, and pickles onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for a visually attractive and flavorful combination. Consider arranging them in a pattern like cheese-salami-pickle or cheese-pickle-salami.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately or chill for later enjoyment.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible appetizer for any occasion. The marinated cheese is tangy, savory, and creamy, while the salami adds a salty and meaty element. The pickles provide a crunchy and sour contrast that complements the other ingredients perfectly. The skewers are easy to assemble, visually appealing, and can be prepared ahead of time, making them an ideal choice for entertaining. The customization options with different cheeses, salami, and pickles also make this recipe endlessly adaptable to your personal preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at parties, gatherings, or potlucks.
- Pair with crackers, crusty bread, or crostini for a more substantial snack.
- Serve alongside a variety of olives, nuts, and dried fruits for a complete charcuterie board experience.
- Offer a selection of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, balsamic glaze, or pesto, for added flavor options.
- These skewers also make a great addition to a picnic basket or lunchbox.
- For a festive touch, use colorful skewers or arrange the skewers in a decorative pattern on the serving platter.
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir.
Tips:
- Use high-quality cheeses, salami, and pickles for the best flavor.
- Marinate the cheese for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- If you don’t have white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.
- Use a variety of pickles for different flavor profiles and textures.
- To prevent the skewers from becoming soggy, drain the pickles well before assembling.
- If preparing the skewers ahead of time, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the salami with marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.
- Get creative with the ingredients and experiment with different combinations to create your own unique flavor profile.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes (marinating time: 2+ hours) Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes marinating time)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per skewer, may vary based on specific ingredients)
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 10-15g
- Sodium: 300-400mg
Conclusion:
These marinated cheese, salami, and pickle skewers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that is both easy to make and bursting with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of preparation, you can create a sophisticated and delicious snack that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tangy cheese, savory salami, and crisp pickles is a surefire hit, and the customizable nature of the recipe allows you to tailor it to your own personal preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a picnic, or simply looking for a tasty snack, these skewers are a fantastic choice.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Provolone, mozzarella, gouda, or even feta cheese can be used. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even marination.
- Can I make these skewers ahead of time? Yes, these skewers can be made ahead of time. Assemble the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes them a convenient option for parties or gatherings. Be sure to drain the pickles well to prevent the skewers from becoming soggy.
- What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar? If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with a little extra white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You can also add a pinch of brown sugar or a teaspoon of honey to compensate for the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar.
- Can I use different types of pickles? Yes, you can use different types of pickles based on your personal preference. Cornichons, baby dills, sweet gherkins, or even spicy pickles would all work well. Just be sure to drain them well before assembling the skewers.
- What is the best way to prevent the skewers from becoming soggy? To prevent the skewers from becoming soggy, make sure to drain the pickles well before assembling them. You can also pat the cheese cubes and salami pieces dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. If preparing the skewers ahead of time, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the air.
