Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

Last updated on June 9, 2025

Who doesn’t love a good cheese platter? Cheese is versatile, delicious, and can easily steal the show at any gathering. For a delightful and effortless option that everyone will enjoy, an Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer is a perfect choice. This recipe is not only simple to make but also brings together diverse flavors and textures, ensuring that your guests will be reaching for seconds—and thirds!

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about creating this mouthwatering dish. From preparing the marinade to tips on how to serve and store your marinated cheese, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this marinated cheese appetizer!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together with friends, celebrating a birthday, or even bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe fits beautifully. Here are a few key reasons why you’ll love it:

1. Quick to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this dish in no time.
2. Flavorful and Customizable: The marinated cheese is packed with flavor but can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences.
3. No Cooking Required: Say goodbye to complicated recipes that require hours in the kitchen. This dish is all about assembling ingredients and letting them marinate.
4. Perfect for Sharing: Cheese is ideal for grazing, and this appetizer is designed for sharing, making it great for social events.
5. Visually Appealing: The colorful arrangement of cheese, salami, and pickles will brighten up your table and impress your guests.

Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer features cubes of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a quick make-ahead snack, it’s simple, delicious, and totally customizable with meats, pickles, and herbs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz block of sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
• 8 oz block of pepper jack cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup sliced salami, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
• 1/2 cup small pickles (cornichons or dill), sliced (optional)
• Fresh herbs (parsley or basil), for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl or a mason jar, combine olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well mixed.
2. Add the cubed cheddar and pepper jack cheeses to a shallow dish or container with a lid.
3. If using, add the sliced salami and pickles to the dish with the cheese.
4. Pour the marinade over the cheese mixture, gently stirring to ensure all pieces are coated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Before serving, let the appetizer sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
7. Serve with toothpicks or on a platter with crackers or bread.

Notes

• This appetizer can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor.
• Mix and match cheeses to suit your taste, such as gouda or mozzarella.
• Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days for best quality.
• Letting the cheese come to room temperature before serving enhances the flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: marinated cheese appetizer, easy party snack, cheddar and pepper jack, make-ahead appetizer, vegetarian cheese dish

Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer:

To create your Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients:

• 8 oz block of sharp cheddar cheese: Cut into cubes.
• 8 oz block of pepper jack cheese: Also cut into cubes.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the marinade.
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar: For tang and brightness.
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds flavor.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A simple way to incorporate garlic flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Optional Add-Ons:

• 1/2 cup sliced salami: Cut into bite-sized pieces for a meaty touch.
• 1/2 cup small pickles (like cornichons or dill pickles): Sliced for crunch and tang.
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil): For garnish, adding color and freshness.

Feel free to incorporate any of your favorite ingredients. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to tweak the flavors based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

How to Make Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer: Step by Step

Creating this delightful appetizer is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow these simple steps to make your marinated cheese appetizer:

1. Prepare the Marinade

Start by creating the flavorful marinade that will infuse your cheese with taste. In a large bowl, combine:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed. The goal is to create a smooth and well-blended marinade that will coat each piece of cheese evenly.

2. Marinate the Cheese

Next, add your cheese cubes to the marinade. Carefully toss them so that they are fully coated in the delicious mixture. This step is essential for ensuring that every morsel of cheese absorbs the flavors. Let the cheese marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, consider refrigerating it for two hours or longer. The longer it marinates, the richer the flavor will be!

3. Assemble the Platter

Once your cheese has marinated, it’s time to put your platter together. Take the cheese cubes out of the marinade and arrange them artfully on a clean serving platter. Don’t worry about perfection—this is about creating a casual and inviting display!

Add your sliced salami and pickles around the cheese cubes. This not only enhances the flavors but also brings some color and variety to your presentation.

4. Garnish and Serve

For the final touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs of your choice over the top. This adds a lovely pop of color and an additional layer of flavor. Now, your delightful Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer is ready for serving. Enjoy sharing the love of cheese with your friends and family!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

When it comes time to serve your Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer, consider these handy suggestions to elevate the experience:

1. Cheese Boards: Present the marinated cheese alongside a variety of crackers and sliced baguette for added texture.
2. Accompaniments: Try pairing with olives, nuts, or dried fruits for a more diverse platter that caters to different tastes.
3. Wine Pairing: Serve your marinated cheese with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red, for a truly delightful pairing.
4. Make it a Meal: Enhance your appetizer into a light meal by adding slices of crusty bread, fresh fruit, or a green salad.

No matter how you choose to present or serve this appetizer, it’s sure to impress your guests!

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

To make your marinated cheese experience even better, consider the following pro tips:

1. Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality cheeses and fresh herbs can greatly enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
2. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different herbs and spices in your marinade. Options like red pepper flakes for heat or lemon zest for brightness can add a unique twist.
3. Marinating Time: If you can plan ahead, allowing the cheese to marinate overnight will deepen the flavors significantly.
4. Variety is Key: Feel free to mix in different types of cheeses such as gouda, feta, or even blue cheese for a fun and exciting flavor combination.
5. Present with Flair: Use a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter to make your appetizers visually appealing. A little presentation goes a long way!

Easy Variations for Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

If you want to switch things up, here are some easy variations you can try:

1. Herbed Olives: Add marinated olives to your platter for an extra kick.
2. Spicy Cheese: Incorporate spicy cheeses or add sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
3. Mediterranean Twist: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and olives for a Mediterranean flair.
4. Smoky Flavors: Consider using smoked cheeses for a delicious twist that pairs remarkably well with the marinade.

Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create a marinated cheese platter that’s uniquely yours!

Storage Tips to Store Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

If you have leftover marinated cheese—or if you want to prepare it ahead of time—proper storage is key:

1. Refrigeration: Store marinated cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cheese can stay fresh for up to a week.
2. Longer Storage: If you’ve prepared a larger batch and want to keep it longer, consider freezing the cheese cubes before marinating. However, this may alter the texture slightly.
3. Serving Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cheese within a few days after marinating.

This way, you can enjoy the vibrant flavors of your appetizer over multiple gatherings!

Conclusion

An Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer is a fantastic way to delight guests at any gathering while allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of friends and family. The combination of flavors from the sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and the accompanying meats and pickles provides a delicious savory experience that can be customized in countless ways.

By following this simple recipe and utilizing the serving suggestions, pro tips, and storage methods outlined above, you’ll be set to create a memorable dish that is both enjoyable and stress-free.

FAQs About Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

Enjoy making and sharing this lovely marinated cheese appetizer at your next event!

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