Want to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen? Trust me, this marinated cheese recipe is *the* elegant appetizer you’ve been searching for! It’s seriously easy to throw together, but it tastes like you slaved away all day. I’m talking creamy, tangy, herby goodness that everyone will rave about.
I’ve been making this for years – potlucks, birthdays, you name it! And honestly? It’s always the first thing to disappear. The secret? It’s all about the flavor-packed marinade soaking into the cheese. Plus, it looks gorgeous on a platter! So, let’s get started on this super simple and delicious marinated cheese recipe – it’s about to become your go-to appetizer!
Why You’ll Love This *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Seriously, you’re going to adore this marinated cheese! Why? Let me tell ya:
- It’s crazy quick to make. I’m talking minimal effort for maximum flavor!
- The presentation is gorgeous! It instantly elevates any cheese board situation.
- You can totally customize the flavors to your liking. More garlic? Go for it!
- It’s perfect for parties. Make it ahead of time and relax when guests arrive!
Quick and Easy *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Got 15 minutes? Then you’ve got time to whip up this marinated cheese! As a busy hostess, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate a recipe that doesn’t keep me chained to the kitchen.
An Impressive *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer* for Any Occasion
Forget boring cheese platters! This marinated cheese recipe is like the cool cousin of your usual cheese and crackers. It just *looks* fancy, even though it’s ridiculously easy to make. Trust me, your guests will be impressed!
Customizable Flavors in this *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
The best part? You can totally tweak this marinated cheese recipe to suit your tastes. Don’t like sun-dried tomatoes? Swap ’em out! Want more of a kick? Add extra red pepper flakes! The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients for Your *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing marinated cheese recipe. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have! I always try to keep my recipes super straightforward.
Cheese Selection for *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
You’ll want an 8-ounce block of medium cheddar cheese and an 8-ounce block of cream cheese. Make sure they’re the block kind – not the spreadable stuff! It just won’t work the same. Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could totally swap out the cheddar for feta or even goat cheese. But I *love* the classic combo!
*Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer* Marinade Components
Okay, for the marinade, you’ll need: 3 ounces of *oil-packed* sun-dried tomatoes (drained, of course!), 3 cloves of garlic (minced – and I mean *minced*!), 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley, 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh oregano, 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme, a teaspoon of honey, a pinch each of salt and crushed red pepper flakes (for a little kick!), ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil, and ¼ cup of white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar, if that’s what you have!). Phew! Got it all? Let’s move on!
How to Prepare This *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Alright, let’s get down to business! This marinated cheese recipe is super simple, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful and delicious appetizer in no time!
Preparing the Cheese for the *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
First, grab your cheddar and cream cheese. You’ll want to slice them into squares or rectangles – about ¼ inch thick is perfect. I like to cut the cheddar in half lengthwise first, then slice it. The cream cheese can be a little tricky, so make sure it’s nice and cold! Uniformity is key here, folks! We want all that cheese marinating evenly!
Making the *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer* Marinade
Now for the magic! Finely chop those sun-dried tomatoes – not too big, not too small. Mince the garlic – and I mean *mince* it! Nobody wants big chunks of garlic in their marinated cheese! Then, in a bowl (or a large measuring cup – whatever’s easiest!), whisk together the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parsley, oregano, thyme, honey, salt, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and vinegar. Give it a good whisk until everything’s combined. Smells amazing, right?
Marinating the Cheese for the Perfect *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Okay, grab your serving dish. Start layering the cheese – alternate cheddar and cream cheese. It looks so pretty this way! Once you’ve got all the cheese arranged, pour that delicious marinade all over it! Make sure to spread the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs evenly. Now, cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Here’s the crucial part: let it marinate for *at least* 6 hours, or even better, overnight! The longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets! Trust me on this one!
Tips for a Successful *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Want to make sure your marinated cheese is absolutely perfect? Here are a couple of my go-to tips!
Cheese Temperature for the Best *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Okay, listen up! Chilling that cream cheese *before* you slice it makes life SO much easier. Trust me. But! Before serving, let the marinated cheese sit out for, like, 15-20 minutes. That way, it’s not rock hard, and the flavors really pop!
*Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer* Marinade Flavor Enhancement
Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the marinade before you pour it over the cheese! Is it not sweet enough for you? Add a *touch* more honey! Want a little more heat? Throw in a few extra red pepper flakes! It’s all about making it your own!
Variations on This *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Okay, so you’ve made the classic marinated cheese. Now what? Let’s get creative! This recipe is *begging* for you to put your own spin on it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Cheese Variations for Your *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the cheddar for goat cheese! It adds a whole different level of tanginess. Or, try feta for a salty kick! Mozzarella is another fun option – it gets super creamy and delicious in the marinade!
Herb and Spice Swaps in This *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Don’t be afraid to play around with the herbs and spices! Basil would be amazing in this marinated cheese recipe, or maybe some rosemary for a more woodsy flavor. Dill would be super fresh and yummy! And if you’re feeling spicy, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or even some chili powder!
Serving Suggestions for Your *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
So, you’ve got this gorgeous marinated cheese… what do you serve it with? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my faves:
What to Serve with This *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Crackers are a classic, of course! But don’t stop there! Thinly sliced baguette is amazing, especially if you toast it a little. And for a healthier option? Serve it with some crisp veggies like bell peppers or cucumber slices! Yum!
FAQ About *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Got questions about this amazing marinated cheese recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:
How long does *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer* last?
Okay, so the marinated cheese is best within about 5 days, stored in the fridge, of course! The flavors just keep getting better and better, but after that, the texture can start to change a bit. But honestly? It never lasts that long in my house!
Can I use dried herbs in *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs are my fave, but dried herbs work just fine in this marinated cheese recipe. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so you’ll want to use about 2 teaspoons total instead of the 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs. Easy peasy!
What other cheeses work well in *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Feta is amazing – super tangy and salty! Goat cheese is another great option, especially if you like a little bit of a “bite.” Havarti, Colby Jack, and even a mild Gouda would all be delicious marinated in this way!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for this *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Storing Leftover *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop the marinated cheese back into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Make sure the cheese is submerged in the marinade, that’s key for keeping it fresh and flavorful!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Okay, just a quick note: the nutritional information provided for this marinated cheese recipe is just an estimate. It can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, please keep that in mind – it’s not an exact science!
Enjoy Your *Marinated Cheese Recipe – Elegant Appetizer*!
Alright, you did it! Now, go enjoy your gorgeous marinated cheese! And hey, if you loved it, leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share it with your friends! I’d love to hear what you think!
Print
Perfect Marinated Cheese Recipe: 15-Minute Elegant Start
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Marinated cheese is an elegant appetizer perfect for any gathering. This recipe combines cheddar and cream cheese with a flavorful marinade of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. The result is a delicious and visually appealing dish that your guests will love.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce block medium cheddar cheese
- 8 ounce block cream cheese
- 3 ounces oil packed sun dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, cut the block of cheddar in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 1/4 inch thick slices to make squares of the cheese. Repeat with the cream cheese (this will be easier if the cream cheese is cold).
- Place the squares of cheese in a serving dish that is at least 1 inch deep, alternating the cheddar and cream cheeses. A 9 inch baking dish works well for this (make several rows from the cheese squares), or a deep dish pie plate works if you prefer to arrange the cheeses in a spiral. Set aside.
- Finely chop the sun dried tomatoes and finely mince the garlic. Add to a bowl or large measuring cup along with the remaining ingredients. Whisk to thoroughly combine.
- Pour the marinade over the cheeses, spreading the tomatoes and herbs evenly over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Serve the cheeses in the dish you marinated them in or transfer to a serving platter, making sure to spoon the marinade over the top. Serve with crackers.
Notes
- This marinade works well with a number of softer cheeses. Other cheeses that work well include Feta, Goat cheese, Havarti, Colby jack, Monterey jack, Gouda.
- If you don’t care for sun dried tomatoes, try substituting roasted red peppers, jarred pimentos, jarred sweet cherry peppers, or marinated artichoke hearts.
- Feel free to use any herbs you like or have on hand, such as basil, rosemary, chives, etc. Aim for about 2 tablespoons total of finely chopped herbs. If you do not have fresh herbs, dried will work fine; if using dried, use about 2 teaspoons total since dried herbs are more potent than fresh.
- For even more flavor, use some of the oil from the sun dried tomatoes in place of some of the olive oil in the marinade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 147kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 207mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
