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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Add the cubed cheddar and pepper jack cheeses to a shallow dish or container with a lid.
- If using, add the sliced salami and pickles to the dish with the cheese.
- Pour the marinade over the cheese mixture, gently stirring to ensure all pieces are coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to blend.
- Before serving, let the appetizer sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- 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