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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Layering: Artfully stack cheddar and cream cheese slices vertically in a shallow dish, creating an elegant striped presentation.
- Marinade Preparation: Vigorously blend olive oil, vinegar, pimentos, parsley, green onions, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic into a harmonious infusion.
- Marinating Process: Cascade the aromatic marinade evenly across the cheese slices, ensuring complete flavor saturation.
- 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.
- 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