Marinated Cheese Appetizer
A flavorful Marinated Cheese Appetizer featuring layers of cheddar, cream cheese, and dill Havarti in a bold herb, vinegar, and olive-oil marinade. Simple, elegant, and irresistible.
Slightly adapted from all recipes
Marinated Cheese – A Guaranteed Hit At Your Next Party
Last fall I hosted a little flower party and set out a few snacks for everyone to enjoy while we arranged our bouquets. I’d had marinated cheese saved in my recipe box for over two years and finally decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did, my friends and I practically cleaned the dish.
It’s a gorgeous appetizer with layers of color and texture, but the real magic is in the flavor. The bright, zesty marinade and the mix of cheeses make it completely addictive. And aside from a bit of slicing, it’s incredibly easy to assemble.
If you need a standout appetizer for entertaining at your next party or holiday gathering this marinated cheese is guaranteed to impress.
Fun Fact about Marinated Cheese Recipe
It’s believed that the American marinated cheese appetizer was originated from a Southern Living magazine in the 1980’s. However, in regions like Italy, preserving cheese in olive oil was historically a way to extend its shelf life before the invention of refrigeration.
Simple Ingredients You Need
- Cheddar cheese- Use sharp cheddar, mild, or medium. It all works.
- Cream cheese– Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese. There’s no time for the light stuff here.
- Dill havarti- I love this addition and offers a little something extra to the flavor.
- Marinade– Olive oil (make sure it’s the good stuff) white wine vinegar, pimentos, garlic, green onions, dried basil, salt, pepper, a touch of sugar, and red pepper flakes.
How to Assemble and Make Marinated Cheese Appetizer
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Set aside while you slice the cheese.
- Next slice your cheeses. You’ll want about 1/4 inch squares.
- Layer cheese on your platter or dish alternating between the cheddar and cream cheese, then tuck in a few slices of the havarti.
- Pour the marinade over the cheese making sure to cover the surface. Seal with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Serve cheese with an assortment of crackers or rustic bread slices for an unforgettable snack.
Ang’s Helpful Tips
Make sure cheese is super cold
You’ll want to keep your cheese in the refrigerator right before you slice it. The cream cheese can even be added to the freezer for 30-minutes to ensure clean slices.
Chill for at least 6 hours but overnight is even better
The flavors deepen dramatically as the cheeses soak up the herbs and garlic. Time is your friend here.
Slice cheeses evenly
Uniform slices help the marinade distribute evenly and make the platter look more polished.
More options for cheese
Cheddar and cream cheese are classic but you can customize with your favorites. Try pepper Jack for a little spice, Colby Jack for a mild combination, or use others blends you enjoy like brie, smoked gouda, or fontina.
Looking For More Easy Appetizers?
Try these simple and crowd approving apps for your next gathering. Maple Brown Sugar Little Smokies, Easy Dill Pickle Dip, Quick and Easy Taco Dip, Smoked Sausage Cranberry Cheddar Bites, Whipped Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Dip, and Mediterranean Artichoke Dip.
Marinated Cheese Appetizer
Equipment
- small mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch platter or dish
Ingredients
For the Cheese
- 8 ounce block of cheddar cheese, very cold we use sharp cheddar
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, very cold make sure it's full-fat
- 6 ounce block of dill havarti cheese, very cold
Marinade
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 ounce jar pimentos, undrained
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 large green onion, sliced thin
- 1-3 cloves garlic, minced use as much or little to taste, 1 clove is plenty for us
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 3/4 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp each, kosher salt and black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine all the marinade ingredients until well mixed. Set aside.
- Next slice all the cheese, including cream cheese, into 1/4 inch square slices. See post for examples.
- Layer the cheddar and cream cheese slices on your platter, alternating between the two. Tuck slices of Havarti into a few spots between the layers.
- Give the marinade a quick whisk then pour it over the top of the cheeses making sure to cover all the surface. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers and rustic bread slices.
Notes
Nutrition
Find all my tasty appetizers HERE!
Note: Some of the links on my website are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra charge to you.