Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

A No-Cook Charcuterie Board in a Jar!

Why This Appetizer Shines

🧀 3-ingredient marinade transforms basic cheese
Ready in 1 hour (better overnight)
🎨 Colorful layers look stunning in glass jars
🚫 No cooking required – perfect for summer

Ingredients

(Fills 2 pint jars)

Marinade Base

½ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp black pepper

Layered Components

8 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
8 oz mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
4 oz sliced salami, folded into quarters
½ cup pepperoncini peppers
½ cup cherry tomatoes
¼ cup kalamata olives
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

  1. Whisk oil, vinegar, garlic, and spices in a bowl.

2. Layer the Jars

  1. Alternate cheese cubes, salami folds, and pickled items in clean jars.
  2. Tuck basil leaves against the glass for visibility.
  3. Pour marinade over, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.

3. Marinate & Serve

  1. Refrigerate at least 1 hour (best after 24 hours).
  2. Serve with:
  • Toothpicks for spearing
  • Sliced baguette
  • Crackers

Pro Tips

🔪 Uniform sizes: Cut cheese slightly larger than salami folds
🌶 Heat adjustment: Reduce pepper flakes for mild version
🔄 Customize: Add artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes

Why You’ll Love It

Portable entertaining – take jars to picnics
Better next day – flavors intensify
Uses pantry staples with endless variations

“The Italian sub sandwich reinvented as a fork-free appetizer!” 🇮🇹

Storage: Keeps 1 week refrigerated. Always use clean utensils to serve.

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