Marinated Cheese: A Simple Appetizer Recipe

Appetizer recipes that can serve multiple purposes are among the best. Whether it’s for a casual movie night, game-day gathering, or a formal holiday party, recipes that can adapt to the occasion are invaluable.

With options such as apple butter brie bites and spinach artichoke bites, marinated cheese has also made its way onto this must-try list. Not only is it simple to prepare for a laid-back get-together, but it also looks stunning enough to feature at your most elegant dinner parties.

The highlight? Its incredible taste will leave guests asking for the recipe!

What is Marinated Cheese?

If marinated cheese is a new concept for you, let’s break it down. It’s precisely what you’d assume: pieces of cheese steeped in a flavorful dressing, enhancing their taste profile.

While there are various methods for preparing this easy appetizer, my preferred version combines cheddar cheese and cream cheese in a marinade rich with sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and garlic. The marinade is reminiscent of tomato bruschetta and tastes fabulous atop a cracker paired with the cheeses.

If you enjoy classic cheese balls, this marinated cheese will surely appeal to your palate.

How to Make This Marinated Cheese

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, and the result is as visually appealing as it is tasty. It makes a gorgeous addition to any appetizer spread, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a holiday festivity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For my marinated cheese recipe, you will need:

• 1 block (8 ounces) medium cheddar cheese
• 1 block (8 ounces) 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
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar

Softer cheeses work best for this recipe as they absorb the marinade’s flavors more efficiently. Therefore, save the extra-sharp cheddar for another occasion and opt for medium cheddar instead. Cream cheese complements the cheddar perfectly, but there are various alternatives available if cream cheese isn’t to your liking—check out the “Recipe Variations” section for more ideas.

For best results, keep the cream cheese chilled until you’re ready to slice it; you can even freeze it briefly beforehand if you prefer. Additionally, to intensify the flavor, consider incorporating some of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in place of a portion of the olive oil in this recipe.

Making This Recipe

Begin by preparing your cheeses. Using a large, sharp knife, slice each block of cheddar lengthwise in half, then cut each half into ¼-inch thick squares. Repeat this with the cream cheese.

Select a serving dish that is at least 1-inch deep — an 8×8 inch baking dish or a deep-dish pie plate works beautifully. Arrange the cheese slices in the dish, alternating between cheddar and cream cheese squares.

Next, finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic. You can do this with a knife or pulse them in a mini food processor.

Add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic to a bowl or measuring cup along with the remaining marinade ingredients and whisk them together until combined.

Pour the marinade over the cheeses, ensuring an even distribution of the tomato mixture. Cover and chill for at least 6 hours before serving.

If you prefer not to serve the cheese in the dish it was chilled in, you can transfer it to a serving platter, spooning plenty of the delicious marinade over the top!

Recipe Variations

This is my favorite method for making marinated cheese, but there are various alternatives out there. While I favor medium cheddar and cream cheese, feel free to switch it up with other softer cheeses such as:

• Feta
• Goat cheese
• Havarti
• Colby jack
• Monterey jack
• Gouda

If sun-dried tomatoes do not strike your fancy, consider substituting them with roasted red peppers, jarred pimentos, marinated artichokes, or sweet cherry peppers!

Herb variations can also enhance this dish. I prefer parsley, oregano, and thyme, yet feel free to use whatever herbs you have available, such as basil or rosemary. Aim for approximately 2 tablespoons of finely chopped herbs, or about 2 teaspoons if using dried herbs.

Feel free to modify the recipe to create your version of this marinated cheese appetizer!