Ultimate Marinated Cheese Appetizer
Make this simple, flavorful marinated cheese appetizer using a blend of cheeses marinated in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. This is a perfect make-ahead party snack.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 24 hr 15 min
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 ounce) block sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1 (8 ounce) block Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Crackers or baguette slices, for serving
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, cubed cheddar, and cubed Monterey Jack cheese in a medium, non-reactive container or jar.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pour the oil and herb mixture over the cheese in the container, ensuring all cheese pieces are coated.
- Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the cheese mixture.
- Seal the container tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days, to allow the cheese to absorb the marinade flavors.
- Before serving, let the marinated cheese sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for easier spreading and better flavor.
- Serve the marinated cheese directly from the container with crackers or baguette slices for a low effort party food option.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the olive oil with avocado oil.
- This recipe works well as a make ahead cheese board component.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cream cheese with half of the oil mixture before adding the cubes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 45