From Pantry to Party-Ready: A Cozy Jar of Marinated Cheese
If you’ve ever craved something snackable that feels special but comes together in minutes, this Marinated Cheese will become your go-to. Imagine cubes of sturdy cheese soaking in a fragrant oil swirled with garlic, herbs, and a kiss of heat—perfect for nibbling with crusty bread or crisp veggies. It looks gorgeous on a board and tastes even better than it looks, making it a natural for Pinterest-worthy spreads.
This recipe is all about simple pantry staples doing the heavy lifting. Make a batch, stash it in the fridge, and you’ll have a ready-to-serve party starter, quick appetizer for weeknight dinners, or a bright little addition to your charcuterie plate. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and endlessly customizable to your cheese personality and heat tolerance.
Ingredients
- Block firm cheese (about 1.5–2 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes. Tip: choose a cheese that holds shape and doesn’t crumble. Good options: cheddar, provolone, or low-moisture mozzarella.
- 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil. Tip: a high-quality oil adds flavor; you can use half olive oil and half a light neutral oil if you prefer a milder taste.
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced. Tip: crush slightly to release extra aroma; don’t overcook the garlic in the oil.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano. Tip: if you have Italian seasoning on hand, that works too for a broader herb profile.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Tip: adjust to your heat preference—start with ½ teaspoon if you’re new to spicy snacks.
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried). Tip: thyme pairs beautifully with cheese; rosemary also works well for a piney note.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (or 1 tablespoon lemon juice). Tip: lemon brightens the oil and keeps flavors fresh; skip if you prefer a milder profile.
- Salt and black pepper to taste. Tip: taste the oil after blooming the garlic and adjust salt before pouring over cheese.
- Optional add-ins: pepperoncini slices, kalamata olives, or thinly sliced cherry peppers for a tangy punch. Tip: balance the oil with a touch of citrus if you add extra brine.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish. Tip: a little herb color makes the jar look appealing on your board.
Instructions
- Prep the cheese: cut into uniform 1-inch cubes and pat dry with a clean towel. This helps the cubes soak up the marinade rather than float in liquid.
- Make the oil bath: in a small skillet, gently warm olive oil with garlic slices, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest for 5–7 minutes on low. You want the aroma to bloom, not the oil to fry the garlic. Let the oil cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the jar: place the cheese cubes in a clean glass jar or container. Pour the cooled oil over the cheese, making sure every cube is submerged. If needed, add a bit more oil to cover completely. Seal the jar and give it a gentle shake to mix in the aromatics.
- Marinate and rest: refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though 24 hours is ideal for deep flavor. The longer it sits, the more pronounced the garlic and herb notes become. The cheese will stay good for up to about 2 weeks in the fridge when kept submerged and stored properly.
- Bring to serving temperature: about 15–20 minutes before you plan to eat, remove the jar from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature so the cheese softens just enough for easy scooping. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty baguette slices, toasted baguette rounds, or crispbread crackers for a delightful bite. The oil is flavorful enough to stand on its own as a dip.
- Build a quick antipasto board: add olives, roasted peppers, salumi, marinated vegetables, and a handful of grapes or figs for contrast.
- Make it a meal by pairing with a bright green salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled bread. Drizzle a little of the reserved oil over veggies for a finishing touch.
- Store-and-serve idea: keep the cheese in the jar and present with a small spoon or tongs; it makes a charming, low-fuss host gift or party starter.
- Gluten-free option: serve with gluten-free crackers or baguette; the oil-based dip works beautifully with any crisp, flatbread substitute.
Final Thoughts
Marinated Cheese is the kind of snack that travels well from kitchen to table with minimal effort and maximum impact. It’s cozy, colorful, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for your next brunch, picnic, or casual dinner party. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to tailor the herbs and heat to your taste. A jar of this ahead-of-time charm can save the moment when guests arrive hungry and the timer is ticking.
Print
Irresistible Marinated Cheese Quick Creamy Snack Bliss Now
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 servings 1x
Description
Discover creamy Marinated Cheese with bold flavoryour perfect snack bliss in minutes Ready for craveworthy bites that wow friends Perfect for sharing
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 servings
- Calories: 210 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g