Marinated cheese has probably crossed your path at a party and you thought, “How hard can that be?” Well, lots of us stand there staring at the cheese tray, wishing we’d remembered to prep something that actually gets gobbled up fast. If you’re tired of boring cheese cubes or uninspired snacks, grab this chance to learn a fresh way. It’s easier than you think, a real crowd-pleaser, and it totally outshines those old crackers-and-cheese routines. If you love easy cheesy apps like these baked zucchini and cheese bites or dream of sweet things like rhubarb cheesecake squares, you’ll want to bookmark this for sure.
How to Make Marinated Cheese in 3 Easy Steps:
Honestly, making marinated cheese might be the least stressful thing you’ll do this week. Here’s all you need to know—no fancy gadgets, no racing to specialty stores.
First, just pick your cheese. Go with whatever makes your heart happy. I’m a big fan of mozzarella and cheddar for this, but you can get creative. Slice ‘em however you want. Sometimes I make chunky cubes, sometimes oddly shaped wedges (no one will care once they taste it, trust me).
Next, let’s talk about the marinade. Mix together olive oil, a little red wine vinegar, chopped herbs (parsley and oregano are classics), some thin-sliced garlic, and a little crushed red pepper. Whisk it fast so it doesn’t separate. Pour over the cheese.
Last step: let it chill. Pop the whole lot in the fridge for at least two hours. Overnight is even better—the flavors get real chatty and bold.
Big tip—take it out ten minutes before serving. Cold cheese isn’t as much fun.
| Step | Action | Pro tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Slice favorite cheese | Mix shapes for fun |
| 2 | Toss with marinade | Use fresh herbs if possible |
| 3 | Chill and serve | Bring to room temp briefly |
Best Cheeses for Marinating:
Let’s not overthink this. The best cheeses for marinating are the sturdy ones. Soft cheeses like brie will just… fall apart (they do, trust me). You want something with backbone—aka semi-hard or hard cheese. Havarti, gouda, sharp cheddar, or even those little mozzarella pearls work beautifully. Some folks throw in pepper jack if they crave a kick. I tried Swiss once, wasn’t my favorite, but again—totally your call. If you’re into experimenting, goat cheese rounds will work if you handle them gently.
I once did this recipe with cheap block cheese from the bargain bin. Not to brag, but zero leftovers. Even my cheese-snob cousin (hello, Karen) grabbed seconds, and that’s sayin’ something.
Nutritional Benefits of Marinated Cheese
Raise your hand if you love snacks that feel almost healthy. Here’s the scoop: marinated cheese has protein and calcium, because—surprise—it’s cheese! The olive oil has those “good” fats you hear about. Herbs bring in antioxidants. Plus, if you skip over salting and stick to fresh herbs, you can keep this much lighter than those heavy store-bought spreads.
People ask, “Is marinated cheese better for you?” In moderation, I think yes. It’s less processed than dips full of mystery stuff. Keep an eye on serving size and you’ll feel great about it. After all, having fun with food is the whole point.
Serving Suggestions for Marinated Cheese
Let’s hit the highlights. Parties, lunchboxes, lazy Sunday nibbles—this is the most useful trick up your sleeve.
- Serve it on toothpicks for an easy pass-around at gatherings.
- Spoon over a slice of warm crusty bread for something a bit extra.
- Pile high alongside fresh tomatoes, olives, and a few crackers for a snack plate that’s basically dinner.
- Chopped, it makes your salad look like you spent hours (when you didn’t).
If you ever want to really wow—add this marinated cheese to your next family potluck. First gone, every single time.
More Cheese Recipes:
Cheese is my spirit animal—so don’t stop here! Craving more creative, super-doable recipes? Dig into baked zucchini and cheese if you love veggies with a cheesy twist, or 10 delightful rhubarb cheesecake squares for something a little sweet and a lot unexpected. Feeling brave? Try marinating other things, too—like chicken. This Greek marinated chicken is a real flavor bomb if you want a bigger meal but still crave those good marinade vibes.
You can also experiment with making wild dessert bars, like no-bake fireworks Oreo cheesecake bars for those chaotic holiday weekends. Basically, cheese makes everything more party-worthy.
“I tried this marinated cheese recipe for our neighborhood barbecue. Not a single piece left, and everyone begged for the recipe! Even the teens loved it—which NEVER happens.” – Diane W., Texas
Common Questions
What kind of container do I use?
Use a glass jar or a nonreactive dish with a lid. Plastic is ok in a pinch but glass keeps the flavor truer, I think.
How long does marinated cheese last?
Usually stays tasty up to five days in the fridge. The herbs get a little tired if you keep it longer.
Can I use flavored oils?
Of course! Garlic oil, lemon-infused olive oil—go wild. Just taste-test as you go, some oils are strong.
Is this safe for picnics?
Kinda. If it’s real hot, I’d keep it in a cooler until snack time. Cheese + heat is never a good combo.
Can kids eat this?
Absolutely, just skip the spicy stuff if they’re sensitive.
Ready to Wow Your Friends with Cheese?
You probably didn’t expect marinated cheese to be this joyful, right? With a few handy steps and basic ingredients, you’re totally ready to impress at your next shindig. Want a little more detail? Check the classic Marinated Cheese Recipe or this homey idea at Marinated Cheese Appetizer | 12 Tomatoes for even more inspiration. Go on and give it a whirl—you’ll never settle for plain cheese cubes again!
Print
Marinated Cheese
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for marinated cheese that elevates plain cheese cubes into a flavorful and visually appealing appetizer.
Ingredients
- Your favorite semi-hard or hard cheese (like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves thin-sliced garlic
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Slice your favorite cheese into cubes or wedges.
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, vinegar, herbs, garlic, and red pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Pour the marinade over the cheese and let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours, preferably overnight. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
Use glass containers for marinating to preserve flavors. Enjoy with a variety of sides like crusty bread or fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg