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This marinated cheese appetizer belongs at the center of your holiday table. Rich, tangy, and easy to make, it’s the only way you’ll want to serve cheese.
Holidays call for more than just your usual appetizers. Get the party started with slices of cheddar and cream cheese marinated in an herby vinaigrette.
You won’t need jars for this marinated cheese recipe.
Instead, we’ll assemble everything in a baking dish for an instant Christmas display everyone will want to dig into.
And the best thing about olive oil marinated cheese with herbs? The earlier you make it, the bigger the flavor payoff!
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Need a last-minute appetizer for the holidays? Check out our Christmas wreath and Christmas tree charcuterie boards!
Why You’ll Love This Marinated Cheese Appetizer Recipe
- These cheese appetizers make entertaining quick and easy. You don’t need to cook anything or prepare special equipment and ingredients.
- This marinated cheese appetizer looks amazing and is suitable for any holiday spread.
- Rich, creamy, bright, and herby, marinated cheese is a delicious way to upgrade simple party finger foods and snacks.
Ingredients
Cheddar cheese and cream cheese – Mild, soft cheeses are perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors of the marinade!
Olive oil – Make sure to use a mild, good-quality olive oil.
Red wine vinegar – The brightness balances the rich, salty flavors of the marinated cream cheese and cheddar.
Garlic and green onion – For depth of flavor.
Fresh basil and parsley – We prefer fresh herbs, as dried herbs have a stronger flavor.
Diced pimentos – The added sweetness and delicate texture make the rich and creamy marinated cheese slices more satisfying.
Sugar and salt – To round out the herby vinaigrette.
Crackers – This marinated cheese appetizer is best enjoyed with crunchy party snacks!
Ingredient Substitutions For Marinated Cheese
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Not a fan of pimentos? Use sun-dried tomatoes!
Cheeses to Try
Make this marinated cheese appetizer with different kinds of cheese! Goat cheese, Gouda, and pepper jack cheese are perfect for marinating.
Fresh Herbs
Besides basil and parsley, fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary will also work well for amping up the deliciousness of our simple marinade.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Use Cold Cream Cheese
Make sure your cream cheese is cold for easier slicing. You can also lightly grease your knife with cooking spray to prevent the cream cheese from sticking.
Assemble a Marinated Cheese Wreath
After marinating, arrange the cheese slices into a wreath on a round serving platter! The colors of this marinated cheese appetizer work well for the holiday theme.
Make It in Advance
Marinated cheese becomes more flavorful the longer it sits, making it perfect for prepping the night before a party!
Marinated Cheese Recipe FAQs
What cheeses work best for marinating?
Should marinated cheese be served cold or at room temperature?
Olive oil marinated cheese with herbs tastes best at room temperature. If your cheese appetizer came from the fridge, let it sit out for at least 20 minutes before serving. That way, the cheese will be softer and the flavors more pronounced.
Can I marinate cheese in a jar?
Yes, you can make this marinated cheese appetizer in a jar. Just place your cheese cubes in a glass jar, pour the marinade over them, gently toss, and cover.
What do you serve marinated cheese with?
You can serve marinated cheese cubes with crackers and various finger foods, such as crostini, pita chips, celery sticks, and bell pepper cups. For a sweet contrast, you can offer your guests fig jam and fresh grapes on the side.
How long will marinated cheese last in the fridge?
You can store your marinated cream cheese and cheddar cheese in the fridge for up to 3 days!
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
- Dirty Martini Dip
- Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Baked Brie with Garlic
- Deviled Eggs with Relish
- Christmas Focaccia Bread
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Marinated Cheese Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheddar cheese, sliced
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp green onion, chopped
- 1 oz diced pimentos
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Pinch salt
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Stir in the fresh herbs, green onion, pimentos, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Arrange the cheddar cheese slices and cream cheese in a baking dish, alternating between the two.
- Pour the marinade over the cheeses, making sure it settles into the spaces between the slices.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to let the flavors soak in.
- Serve with crackers and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure your cream cheese is cold for easier slicing. You can also lightly grease your knife with cooking spray to prevent the cream cheese from sticking.
- After marinating, arrange the cheese slices into a wreath on a round serving platter! The colors of this marinated cheese appetizer work well for the holiday theme.
- Marinated cheese becomes more flavorful the longer it sits, making it perfect for prepping the night before a party!
Nutrition
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