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

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