Description
This Marinated Cheese Appetizer is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring sliced cheddar and cream cheese soaked in a savory marinade of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for entertaining, it allows the cheese to absorb vibrant flavors over several hours, creating a delicious party starter served best with crunchy crackers.
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 1 lb cheddar cheese, sliced
- 4 oz cream cheese
Marinade
- 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 of salt
Serving
- Crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic thoroughly to combine the base of the marinade.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the fresh basil, parsley, green onion, diced pimentos, sugar, and salt until all the components are well incorporated into the marinade.
- Arrange the Cheese: In a baking dish, alternate slices of cheddar cheese and portions of cream cheese, creating an appealing layered presentation.
- Pour Marinade Over Cheese: Gently pour the prepared marinade over the arranged cheeses, ensuring the liquid seeps into the spaces between the slices to infuse flavor evenly.
- Marinate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to allow the cheeses to absorb the marinade and develop rich flavors.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator and serve chilled alongside crackers for a delicious appetizer experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the cheese overnight or up to 8 hours.
- Use a shallow dish to allow maximum surface area contact with the marinade.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if needed, but reduce quantity by half.
- Adjust garlic amount based on your preference for pungency.
- Serve with a variety of crackers or toasted baguette slices for added texture.
