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This marinated cheese appetizer transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, eye-catching dish that always steals the spotlight at gatherings. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that looks as impressive as it tastes.
I first made this marinated cheese for a holiday gathering when I needed something impressive but simple. The colorful pattern of alternating cheeses caught everyone's eye immediately, and I left with an empty dish and requests for the recipe.
- Olive oil: creates the rich base for the marinade adding fruity notes
- White wine vinegar: provides bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese
- Pimentos: add vibrant red color and sweet pepper flavor
- Fresh parsley: brings herbal freshness and visual contrast
- Green onions: offer mild allium flavor without overwhelming the dish
- Garlic: infuses the marinade with aromatic depth
- Sugar: balances the acidity with just a touch of sweetness
- Dried basil: contributes Mediterranean flavor notes
- Salt and pepper: enhance all the flavors
- Cheddar cheese: provides sharp flavor and firm texture
- Cream cheese: delivers creamy richness and visual contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- Combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, drained pimentos, freshly chopped parsley, minced green onions, minced garlic, sugar, dried basil, salt and pepper in a jar. Seal tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well incorporated. The marinade should look like a vibrant vinaigrette with colorful flecks of herbs and pimentos dancing throughout.
- Slice the Cheeses:
- Start with cold cream cheese for easier cutting. Slice the block of cheddar cheese in half lengthwise, then make perpendicular cuts to create uniform squares about 1/4-inch thick. Use the same technique with the cream cheese block to create squares of identical size. Working with cold cream cheese prevents sticking and helps maintain clean edges.
- Arrange in Dish:
- Stand the cheese squares on edge in a decorative alternating pattern of cheddar and cream cheese. You can create a single row for a narrow serving dish or parallel rows for a wider dish. The presentation is key here as the visual impact comes from the neat arrangement of contrasting orange and white squares.
- Marinate:
- Pour the prepared marinade carefully over the arranged cheese, ensuring all pieces get coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours but preferably overnight. This marination time allows the flavors to penetrate the cheese and the herbs to infuse throughout.
The colorful pimentos are my favorite element in this recipe. They remind me of my grandmother's holiday cheese balls, but this updated version with its striking presentation always brings gasps when I unveil it at family gatherings. My aunt once declared it "too pretty to eat" before proceeding to enjoy three servings!
Make-Ahead Magic
This appetizer actually improves with time as the flavors deepen and intensify. You can prepare it up to two days before your event, making it perfect for busy hosts. The longer marinating time allows the herbs and garlic to fully infuse into the cheeses, creating a more cohesive flavor profile. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until about 30 minutes before serving, when you should remove it to take the chill off slightly.
Serving Suggestions
While standard crackers make a fine accompaniment, consider offering a variety of vehicles for this flavorful cheese. Toasted baguette slices, cucumber rounds, or endive leaves provide different textures and flavors that complement the marinated cheese beautifully. For a more substantial spread, pair with charcuterie items like prosciutto or salami. The vibrant colors look stunning on a dark slate board or wooden platter, especially during holiday gatherings.
Versatile Variations
The basic formula allows for numerous creative adaptations to suit your taste or pantry. Try substituting feta for cream cheese for a Mediterranean twist, or pepper jack for cheddar to add gentle heat. The herb profile can shift seasonally too. Fresh dill and chives create a springtime version, while rosemary and thyme offer warming winter notes. You might also consider adding olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the marinade for additional flavor dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Cheddar and cream cheese are ideal for this recipe as they provide contrasting textures and flavors. Ensure the cream cheese is cold to keep its shape.
- → How long should I marinate the cheese?
Marinate the cheese for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best flavor infusion.
- → Can I use fresh instead of dried basil?
Yes, you can substitute fresh basil for dried. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil to replace 3/4 teaspoon of dried.
- → What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Arrange the marinated cheese on a platter, maintaining the alternating pattern, and drizzle some of the extra marinade on top. Serve with crackers or crostini.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.