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A delectable marinated cheese appetizer, perfect for any gathering.

Zesty Herb Marinated Cheese Delight

This Zesty Herb Marinated Cheese Delight features cubes of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, vinegars, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices, alongside pimento olives and tomatoes. It's a perfect make-ahead appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheeses
  • 1 block (8 oz) sharp cheddar
  • 1 block (8 oz) Monterey Jack
Marinade
  • 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon White wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh basil
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup Pimento-stuffed green olives
  • 1 cup Cherry or grape tomatoes

Equipment

  • cutting board
  • knife
  • medium-sized bowl
  • whisk
  • airtight container
  • slotted spoon
  • serving platter

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into uniform 1/2-inch cubes.
  2. Finely mince the fresh parsley, fresh basil, and garlic cloves.
Marinade
  1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegars, minced herbs, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine and Marinate
  1. Gently add the cubed cheeses, pimento-stuffed green olives, and cherry or grape tomatoes to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly.
  2. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, stirring occasionally.
Serve
  1. Before serving, let the appetizer sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a serving platter, discarding excess marinade or drizzling a little over the top, and serve with crackers or baguette slices.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight. You can experiment with different types of hard or semi-hard cheeses. Ensure your fresh herbs are thoroughly dried after washing to prevent diluting the marinade. Serve with a variety of crackers or toasted baguette slices for a delightful appetizer.