Zesty Cheddar Tango: A Bold Marinated Cheese Recipe

Cheese lovers seek bold flavors that dance across their palate, and this marinated cheddar cheese brings a zesty punch to any appetizer spread.

Sharp, aged cheddar transforms with vibrant herbs and spices during the marinating process.

Each bite promises a burst of tangy, aromatic goodness that will elevate your snacking experience.

The marinade infuses the cheese with complex layers of flavor, creating a simple yet sophisticated treat.

Fresh herbs and quality olive oil blend seamlessly to complement the robust cheddar.

This recipe offers a quick and elegant way to impress guests at your next gathering.

Serve these marinated cheese cubes and watch them disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

What You Need for This Savory Cheese Starter

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese that provides a robust flavor foundation for the dish.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy cheese that adds a luxurious texture and balances the sharpness of cheddar.

• Olive Oil: Helps blend flavors and creates a silky coating for the cheese.
• Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Pimentos: Sweet, mild peppers that contribute a subtle red color and gentle sweetness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a vibrant green color and light, herbaceous note.
• Green Onions: Provides a mild, sharp bite and adds a fresh, crisp element.

• Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a slight sweetness to the marinade.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the marinade.
• Garlic: Brings a deep, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.

Tools That Make It a Party Hit

• Shallow dish: Perfect for layering and marinating cheese slices.
• Small bowl: Essential for mixing marinade ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade smoothly and evenly.
• Knife: Useful for slicing cheese and cutting garnishes.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for food preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning measurements.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure liquid ingredients precisely.

How to Infuse & Serve Marinated Cheese

• Create Cheese Canvas

Slice cheddar and cream cheese into thin pieces, carefully stacking them vertically in a shallow dish to create an elegant layered look.

• Blend Zesty Marinade

Combine olive oil, vinegar, chopped pimentos, fresh parsley, green onions, sugar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients are thoroughly blended.

• Drench Cheese

Gently pour the vibrant marinade over the cheese slices, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor absorption.

• Chill and Infuse

Seal the dish with a lid or plastic wrap, then place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

• Serve and Enjoy

Remove the marinated cheese from the refrigerator, let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften, then pair with crispy crackers or toasted artisan bread for a delightful appetizer.

Flavor Switch-Ups & Cheese Pairings

• Prepare the marinated cheese up to 3 days in advance, which allows flavors to develop more intensely and saves prep time.
• Use low-fat or vegan cheese alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this appetizer.
• Pat cheese dry before marinating to help the dressing adhere better and prevent excess liquid pooling in the dish.
• Transform this appetizer into a gourmet cheese board centerpiece by adding olives, nuts, and fresh herbs around the marinated cheese slices.

Appetizer Pairings That Just Work

• Rustic Cheese Platter: Arrange marinated cheddar slices on a wooden board with an array of artisan crackers, creating a stunning appetizer that's perfect for entertaining.
• Gourmet Sandwich Spread: Layer the marinated cheese between fresh sourdough bread, adding crisp lettuce and sliced tomatoes for a delightful lunch upgrade.
• Mediterranean Mezze Inspiration: Pair the tangy marinated cheese with olives, cucumber slices, and roasted red peppers for a vibrant Mediterranean-style appetizer that bursts with flavor.
• Salad Topping Twist: Crumble the marinated cheese over a fresh green salad, adding a zesty punch and creamy texture to your favorite leafy mix.

Store It Right & Prep Ahead for Guests

• Refrigerate the marinated cheese in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Allow 8-12 hours of marinating to ensure deep penetration of herbs and spices into the cheese layers, maximizing taste complexity.
• Remove the cheese from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Consume the marinated cheese within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality, storing consistently at 40°F or below in a sealed container to prevent bacterial growth.

Tangy Marinated Cheddar Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Savory “Marinated Cheddar Cheese” brings Mediterranean charm to classic dairy delight. Sharp cheddar cubes swim in aromatic herb-infused olive oil, promising richness and complex flavor for cheese enthusiasts craving bold culinary experiences.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) block sharp cheddar cheese, cut into ¼-inch slices
• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) block cream cheese, cut into ¼-inch slices
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tbsps chopped green onions
• 1 (2 oz / 57 g) jar diced pimentos, drained
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Layering: Artfully stack cheddar and cream cheese slices vertically in a shallow dish, creating an elegant striped presentation.
2. Marinade Preparation: Vigorously blend olive oil, vinegar, pimentos, parsley, green onions, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic into a harmonious infusion.
3. Marinating Process: Cascade the aromatic marinade evenly across the cheese slices, ensuring complete flavor saturation.
4. Chilling and Infusion: Seal the dish and nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
5. Serving Ritual: Remove the marinated cheese from refrigeration, letting it rest at ambient temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften and release its full aromatic profile. Present alongside crisp crackers or toasted artisan bread for a delectable appetizer experience.

Notes

• Stack cheddar and cream cheese slices vertically to create an elegant, visually appealing presentation that also helps marinade penetrate evenly.
• Use a shallow, wide dish to ensure each cheese slice gets maximum flavor exposure from the marinade ingredients.
• Allow marinated cheese to rest at room temperature before serving to soften texture and release full flavor profile, making the appetizer more enjoyable and spreadable.
• Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme instead of parsley, or swap vinegar types to create unique taste variations that suit personal preferences or complement specific party themes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg