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Tightly packed Marinated Cheese Appetizer showing glistening herb-infused olive oil coating cheese, meat, and olives.

The Ultimate Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami and Olives

Elevate your next party with this visually stunning Marinated Cheese Appetizer. Firm white cheese, vibrant salami, and glossy green olives are bathed in a glistening, aromatic herb and spice-infused olive oil.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Italian-American, Mediterranean
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 oz sharp provolone cheese Cut into uniform 1/2-inch (1.25cm) cubes
  • 8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese Cut into uniform 1/2-inch (1.25cm) cubes
  • 4 oz Genoa salami Thinly sliced and folded into quarters
  • 1 cup Castelvetrano green olives Pitted
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil High quality recommended
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced finely
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley Finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Small Saucepan For blooming the oil and spices.
  • 1 Glass Storage Jar or Bowl For marinating the ingredients without reacting to the vinegar.

Method
 

Making the Appetizer
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and gently sizzling. Do not let the garlic brown.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the oil to cool to room temperature. Whisk in the white wine vinegar and kosher salt until temporarily emulsified.
  3. In a large glass bowl or jar, tightly layer the cubed provolone, cubed white cheddar, folded salami slices, and green olives.
  4. Pour the cooled, infused oil over the cheese and meat mixture. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and toss gently to coat. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  5. Remove the appetizer from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow the olive oil to return to a liquid state. Stir gently and serve.

Notes

Tip 1: Always serve at room temperature; cold olive oil will solidify and look unappetizing.
Tip 2: Do not use soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella, as they will break down in the acidic marinade.