Oh, friend, there’s something so delightfully simple yet utterly soul-satisfying about marinated cheese that I just have to tell you about. I remember the first time I stumbled upon a marinated cheese recipe—it was one of those lazy Sunday afternoons when the kitchen smells pulled me into a warm, cozy bubble. The garlic, the fresh herbs, a splash of red pepper flakes, and that tangy marinated feta cheese all mingling with silky olive oil—it was magic. Honestly, marinated cheese quickly became one of those go-to recipes in my house, perfect for busy evenings or last-minute guests.
You know, when life’s juggling act gets crazy, dishes like marinated cheese remind me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve had my fair share of kitchen mishaps trying to balance flavors—the first time I marinated cheese, I went a little overboard with herbs, and the flavors fought rather than danced. Lesson learned: a good marinated cheese is about balance and letting those simple ingredients shine, especially the olive oil which really pulls it all together.
Marinated cheese appetizers have found their place on our table alongside many family favorites, and whether it’s marinated mozzarella or that tangy marinated feta cheese, these little bites always get devoured before the main course arrives. They bring everyone together, encouraging conversations as fingers dip into the cheese and herbs. It’s become my comfort food, my gathering staple, and I know you’ll feel the same warmth once you try your hand at making marinated cheese at home.
If you’re curious to see how I keep my marinated cheese recipes fresh and full of flavor—along with my little kitchen tricks that have come from real-life cooking trials—stick around. I’ll walk you through everything to make your marinated cheese dishes absolutely shine, from gathering the best ingredients to that final drizzle of cheese in olive oil. And if you love a little twist on tradition, I’ll share links to some of my favorite variations, like this lovely take on olive oil marinated cheese with herbs from Heartbeet Kitchen.
Come on, let’s bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen with this simple yet unforgettable marinated cheese dish!
What You’ll Need for This Marinated Cheese
Gathering your ingredients is where the magic starts for a good marinated cheese. I always say, the better the base cheese, the more it sings in this dish. For my marinated cheese, I rely heavily on fresh blocks of firm marinated feta cheese or creamy marinated mozzarella, depending on the mood and what’s in the market.
Here’s what you’ll want to have handy:
- 8 oz block of firm marinated feta cheese or marinated mozzarella, cut into bite-size cubes
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (this is your flavor vehicle, so don’t skimp here!)
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced – I find fresh is best, but jarred roasted garlic can be a time saver for busy days
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh if you have it, which I always keep in my windowsill herb garden)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little warming kick
- Fresh herbs to taste: basil, thyme, and rosemary usually make an appearance in my herbed marinated cheese
- Zest of one lemon – this brings a brightness that cuts through the richness wonderfully
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
When making marinated cheese, I always pick cheeses that have a firm texture because they soak up the flavors without falling apart. You can find great marinated feta cheese in most well-stocked grocery stores—look near the deli section or specialty cheese aisles. Alternatively, smaller farmers markets often carry wonderful artisan marinated cheeses, which makes the prep even more fun.
Here’s a little kitchen wisdom I’ve picked up: pour your olive oil slowly over your cheese and herbs while gently stirring to make sure every bite is infused. If you’re short on time, use pre-cut cheese cubes from the store, but make sure they’re fresh and properly drained—cheese soaking in water won’t hold the marinade well.
Cost-wise, marinated cheese ingredients can seem pricey at first glance, but when you think about the flavor punch and how many appetizers it creates, it’s truly worth every penny. For leftovers, store your marinated cheese in an airtight container, submerged in the marinade, in the fridge for up to a week—it only deepens the flavors.
If you want a little extra inspiration for your ingredient choices, check out this classic marinated cheese recipe on Allrecipes—they have some great tips for tweaking flavors to your liking.
Let’s Make This Marinated Cheese Together
Alright, lovely, now that we’ve got everything prepped, let’s dive into making this marinated cheese that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Cut your marinated feta cheese or marinated mozzarella into cubes. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly shaped—it’s rustic and rustic is charming here!
- Place the cheese in a shallow bowl or jar. This helps the marinade soak into every nook and cranny.
- Pour the olive oil over the cheese, just enough to cover it fully. This cheese in olive oil is where the magic bath happens, infusing flavors and keeping the cheese luscious.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs. Here’s my tip: I give the herbs a little crush with my fingers right before sprinkling, which really releases their aroma and oils, creating a herbed marinated cheese that’s bursting with life.
- Add the lemon zest for that fresh pop, then season lightly with salt and plenty of black pepper. Remember, some cheeses are saltier than others, so taste as you go!
- Gently stir everything together so the cheese is evenly coated but still holds its shape. I used to be too aggressive here and ended up breaking my cheese into too-small pieces—lesson learned!
- Cover the bowl or jar with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. The longer it marinates, the more complex and intertwined the flavors become.
- When ready to serve, bring the marinated cheese to room temperature. This step is key (one I learned the hard way)—cold olive oil dulls flavor and texture.
- Before serving, give it a final gentle stir and drizzle a bit more fresh olive oil on top if needed.
While the marinated cheese is resting, I usually prep a few quick sides or grab some fresh bread for dipping. Also, this is a great time to set the table, sneak a sip of something refreshing, and look forward to the cozy flavors ahead.
You’ll know your marinated cheese is just right when you can smell the garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen, with that inviting fruity olive oil aroma. If you want to explore different herb combos or add-ins—like sun-dried tomatoes or kalamata olives—I highly recommend checking out the herb and pimento marinated cheese variations at Stuck On Sweet for some fun inspiration.
How I Love to Serve This Marinated Cheese
This marinated cheese has made its way into so many family dinners and friendly gatherings that it’s become my little signature appetizer. My kiddos especially love the marinated mozzarella version, paired with sweet cherry tomatoes and crispy crusty bread. It’s like a sprinkle of Mediterranean sunshine on our busy weeknights.
Whenever I’m planning a casual get-together, this herbed marinated cheese feels like a no-fuss crowd-pleaser. It pairs beautifully with some lightly toasted baguette slices or whole grain crackers. For something fresh to accompany it, I usually whip up a simple tomato and cucumber salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. The freshness balances the richness of the cheese in olive oil perfectly.
This marinated cheese is also one of my favorite offerings during holidays—summer BBQs, Easter brunch, or even an impromptu wine and cheese night. Its vibrant flavors demand little effort but gain lots of compliments. Speaking of compliments, friends always ask for this marinated cheese recipe, especially when I serve it alongside my no-bake pumpkin cheesecake balls—they’re a sweet and savory match made in heaven.
If you ever find yourself with leftover marinated cheese (rare, but it happens), try stirring it into pasta or tossing it with sautéed greens for a quick flavorful boost. Recently, I experimented with adding some fresh thyme and lemon zest to amp up my marinated feta cheese during the fall—a real hit with my family on crisp evenings. It’s amazing how versatile marinated cheese appetizers can be, especially when you customize them with seasonal herbs.
Your Marinated Cheese Questions Answered
I get asked so many great questions about marinated cheese from my readers, and I thought I’d share a few right here—with all the honest tips from my own kitchen blunders and wins.
Q: Can I make marinated cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, marinated cheese is best made at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, in advance. This gives the flavors time to marry. You know what I do when my marinated cheese seems a bit bland at first? I just leave it longer to soak—patience is key!
Q: What kind of cheese is best for marinating?
I personally prefer marinated feta cheese because of its firm texture and tangy profile, but marinated mozzarella is a lovely, milder alternative that my kids adore. I once tried softer cheeses, and they didn’t hold up well in the olive oil marinade, becoming mushy.
Q: Can I use infused olive oil?
Yes! Using cheese in olive oil that’s already infused with herbs or chili makes your marinated cheese even more flavorful. Just adjust the fresh herbs you add to avoid overpowering the dish. It’s a little trick I learned from this olive oil marinated cheese guide at Heartbeet Kitchen—so helpful.
Q: How long does marinated cheese last?
Stored properly in the fridge, submerged in the marinade, marinated cheese can last up to a week. Just do a quick sniff test—it should always smell fresh, never sour.
Q: What if my marinated cheese is too salty?
Oops! It happens. If you find your marinated feta cheese a bit too salty, I recommend serving it alongside neutral sides like fresh cucumber slices or unsalted bread to balance the experience. Sometimes I soak the cheese briefly in cold water before marinating to tone down saltiness.
Q: Can I add other ingredients like nuts or vegetables?
Definitely! I love tossing in some roasted pine nuts or halved cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor. For a festive touch, adding pimento peppers to your herbed marinated cheese is a crowd favorite—I got this idea from a marinated cheese recipe at Stuck On Sweet that really inspired me.
Q: How do I present marinated cheese appetizers for guests?
Keep it simple but beautiful. Arrange the cubes on a pretty platter with garnishes of fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a small bowl of the extra marinade for dipping. I’ve found that fresh bread sliced on the side invites everyone to dig in and makes it more fun.
For even more tips on marinated cheese techniques and tasty recipe twists, here’s a great marinated cheese recipe on Allrecipes that complements what I’ve shared.
My Final Thoughts on This Marinated Cheese
This marinated cheese recipe holds such a cozy spot in my heart because it’s simple, flexible, and so inviting at any table. Over the years, my family and I have tried all kinds of versions—from classic marinated feta cheese to gooey marinated mozzarella and vibrant herbed marinated cheese blends. Each one has brought us moments of shared joy, quick weeknight dinners, and unforgettable appetizers for parties.
My Marinated Cheese Pro Tips:
- Always bring your marinated cheese to room temperature before serving—it makes a world of difference.
- Don’t over-marinate; 4 to 24 hours is perfect for flavor without compromising texture.
- Use fresh herbs whenever you can, and crush them just before adding to release their scent.
Like I mentioned, I’ve enjoyed seasonal spins too—adding fresh dill and lemon zest in spring, or warming spices and rosemary in winter. My son loves the marinated mozzarella with a sprinkle of garlic powder, while my husband swears by my original marinated feta cheese.
I really hope you give this marinated cheese a try and make it your own little kitchen treasure. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug on a plate—so simple but packed with love and flavor. Share it with friends, pair it with your favorite dishes like my spicy buffalo chicken mac and cheese or caramel apple cheesecake dip, and watch your gatherings come alive with happy taste buds. And for a fun twist, don’t miss my no-bake pumpkin cheesecake balls recipe for a sweet contrast to your savory marinated cheese appetizers.
Thanks for hanging out with me in the kitchen—I’m cheering for you as you try this marinated cheese recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking, friend!
If you want to peek at some inspiring marinated cheese variations and techniques, definitely have a look at these gems:
- Olive Oil Marinated Cheese with Herbs • Heartbeet Kitchen
- Marinated Cheese Recipe • Allrecipes
- Herb and Pimento Marinated Cheese • Stuck On Sweet
And while you’re in snack mode, don’t forget to check out my other family favorites here:
Cheers to good cheese, good friends, and lots of tasty memories!
Marinated Cheese
Marinated Cheese is a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer featuring chunks of cheese soaked in a zesty olive oil and herb marinade, perfect for snacking or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 200g firm cheese (such as feta, halloumi, or mozzarella), cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a clean jar or container, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and black peppercorns.
- Whisk the marinade ingredients together until well blended.
- Add the cubed cheese to the jar and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly with the marinade.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, stir in chopped fresh parsley and bring the cheese to room temperature for best flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade.