Marinated cheese is that retro tray from church socials and holiday open houses-the one your aunt swore was “secret” but actually just came from the pages of Women’s World or the Junior League cookbook.
Why it Works
Slices of sharp cheese layered between soft creamy cheese and marinated in a garlicky seasoned vinaigrette- what’s not to love?
- Balanced flavor – This marinated cheese has the perfect acid–oil–aromatic ratio for flavor that penetrates.
- Maximum marinade penetration – Because we use layered slices instead of full blocks of cheese, it creates space for maximum marinade contact.
- Make ahead appetizer – An overnight chill provides for the best texture. Great for prepping ahead for the holidays or a party.
Gather This
Grab your favorite cheese, garlic and olive oil plus a few other ingredients to make this delicious marinated cheese. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Cream cheese – Different from other recipes that use cream cheese, you actually want this to be frozen for about 30 minutes rather than softened. This makes it easier to cut into slices.
- Chopped pimentos
- Scallions
- Extra virgin olive oil
- White wine vinegar
- Fresh garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Coarse sea salt
- Ground black pepper
- Medium cheddar cheese
- Gouda cheese
Test Kitchen Notes
Marinated cheese is one of the easiest appetizers you can make, but here are a few tried and true tips to help.
- Slice thickness: It’s best to slice the cheese to ¼-inch; you want your cream cheese just cool (not warm) so it holds shape.
- Pan choice: It’s best to use a narrow loaf dish or small platter with a lip to keep marinade around slices.
- Rest time: I like to allow the cheese to marinate for a minimum of 6 hours, but it’s best after overnight.
- Serve method: Lift the cheese with an offset spatula; serve with water crackers or crostini.
How to Serve
I could truly eat this marinated cheese straight out of the pan with a fork; but if you’re not crazy, you could also serve with crackers ha! Plain Ritz crackers are great, but using crostini definitely dresses things up a bit.
You can serve with other delicious appetizer like pimento cheese, blue cheese stuffed olives, bacon jam, whipped feta cheese or spicy hummus.
Variations
There are lots of ways you can make this marinated cheese recipe your own. Here are a few ideas.
- Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil– swap pimientos for chopped sun-dried tomatoes + fresh basil instead of Italian seasoning
- Mediterranean– add chopped olives, dried oregano and use red-wine vinegar instead of white wine vinegar
- Pepper Jelly – layer thin schmear of pepper jelly between each layer of cheese
- Smoky Paprika + Chive– add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, chopped chives instead of scallions and a pinch of cayenne
- No-Garlic Holiday Version – This is a very garic-forward dish, omit the garlic when making it for a party so they don’t stink up the joint.
- Serve Warm– I hate to say this, but I might actually prefer hot marinated cheese. Heat it for 15 minutes in a 350°F oven and serve with crackers and other dippers.
Southern Marinated Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces chopped pimentos , drained
- 1/2 cup scallions , whites and light greens, chopped
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
- 2-3 cloves fresh garlic , minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounce black medium cheddar
- 8 ounce block gouda
- 2 8- ounce blacks cream cheese , frozen for 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a medium, non-metallic mixing bowl, combine the drained 16 ounces chopped pimentos, chopped 1/2 cup scallions, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/3 cup white wine vinegar, minced 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Freeze the 2 8- ounce blacks cream cheese for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Cut each block of 8 ounce black medium cheddar and 8 ounce block gouda down the center lengthwise, then into 1/8 inch thick slices. This can be approximate, but whatever you choose, do it uniformly. Set the cheese slices to the side until you are ready to assemble.
- Choose a casserole or decorative dish. The picture dish is 6.5×11 inches and I had a little leftover. Cut the cream cheese block as you go, using a slice of cheese to "wipe" it off the knife. Alternate slices of gouda, cream cheese, cheddar, cream cheese and so on until the whole dish is filled.
- Spoon the pimento topping over. Cover and chill for at least 6 hours before serving.
- Serve with crackers, carrots, celery sticks, pita chips or whatever dipper you desire.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
More Appetizer Ideas
Whether for parties, after school snacks or backyard bbq’s, these appetizers are always a hit!
Love a good marinated cheese recipe! This one is a keeper!
Making this for a baby shower tomorrow! I can’t wait!
I love making this. SO easy, and perfect with a glass of wine.
Big fans of Mediterranean flavors here and I can’t wait to dig into this marinated cheese version. It sounds incredible.
You’re right! This is a nice change of pace without missing out on any great flavor! Perfect for entertaining or when you’re serving several small plates for dinner!
This sounds tasty! And a great party app since it can be made ahead. Def want to try this holiday season!