Marinated Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounce block cheddar cheese
- 8 ounce block cream cheese
, chilled
- 2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil
, drained and very finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped basil
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons honey
- pinch of salt
- pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- crackers or crostini
, for serving
Directions
- 1
Using a sharp knife, cut an 8 ounce block of cheddar in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 1/4-inch-thick slices to make squares of the cheese. Repeat with an 8 ounce block of chilled cream cheese.
- 2
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.
- 3
Add 2 ounces finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 3 cloves minced garlic to a bowl or large measuring cup along with 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon finely chopped basil, 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano, 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme, 2 teaspoons honey, a pinch of salt, a pinch of red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup olive oil, and 1/4 cup white wine vinegar. Whisk to thoroughly combine.
- 4
Pour the marinade over the cheeses, spreading the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs evenly over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- 5
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.
- 6
Serve with crackers or crostini.
Marinated Cheese
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About this Recipe
Looking for an effortlessly elegant appetizer that’s sure to impress? This Marinated Cheese recipe transforms simple blocks of cheddar and cream cheese into a vibrant, flavorful showstopper perfect for any gathering. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dish that only gets better with time, allowing you to focus on your guests.
Why This Marinated Cheese Works So Well
The magic of this appetizer lies in its simplicity and the power of marination. Slices of creamy cream cheese and sharp cheddar are layered with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs, zesty sun-dried tomatoes, and pungent garlic. Then, they’re bathed in a bright mixture of extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar, along with a touch of honey and red pepper flakes, allowing all those incredible flavors to meld together beautifully over several hours. This process creates an incredibly rich and complex taste from readily available ingredients.
What to Expect from This Flavorful Appetizer
Prepare for a delightful balance of textures and tastes. You'll experience the smooth, spreadable cream cheese juxtaposed with the firmer, tangy cheddar. Each bite is infused with the bright, herbaceous notes of fresh parsley, basil, oregano, and thyme, complemented by the savory depth of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. The subtle sweetness from honey and a gentle kick from red pepper flakes elevate the overall profile, creating a truly addictive combination. It’s rich, tangy, savory, and incredibly fresh-tasting, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Customization & Variations
This Marinated Cheese is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to adjust the fresh herbs to your liking; rosemary or chives would also be delicious additions. For a bolder flavor, you could increase the amount of sun-dried tomatoes or even experiment with different types of vinegars, though white wine vinegar provides a lovely brightness here. If you prefer a little more heat, add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or omit them for a milder version. You could also vary the presentation by arranging the cheese and herb layers in a decorative pattern in your serving dish.
Serving & Context
This Marinated Cheese makes a fantastic centerpiece for any party spread, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Serve it chilled with an assortment of crisp crackers or toasted crostini, allowing guests to scoop up the flavorful cheese and its aromatic marinade. It's an elegant addition to charcuterie boards or antipasto platters, offering a delightful creamy and tangy counterpoint.