Herb-Infused Marinated Cheese Delight
Elevate your appetizer game with this Herb-Infused Marinated Cheese Delight. A cherished recipe from a dear friend, this dish boasts a beautiful presentation and an explosion of savory flavors. The marriage of sharp cheddar and creamy cheese, bathed in a rich marinade infused with aromatic herbs and spices, creates a delightful taste sensation. Perfect for gatherings and special occasions, this appetizer is sure to disappear quickly from the table! Allowing it to marinate overnight enhances the flavors even more, making it a true showstopper.
6-8
Servings
75
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
8 ounces (Cut into 1/4 inch slices, then again in half)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (Cut into 1/4 inch slices, then again in half)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (None)
Dried Basil
3/4 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1 dash (To taste)
Black Pepper
1 dash (To taste)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (None)
White Wine Vinegar
1/2 cup (None)
Diced Pimentos
2 ounces (jar), drained (None)
Fresh Parsley
3 tablespoons (Chopped)
Green Onions
3 tablespoons (Minced)
Garlic Cloves
3 (Pressed)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the sharp cheddar and cream cheese into 1/4 inch slices, then halve them for bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large, shallow dish, arrange the cheese pieces on end, alternating between cheddar and cream cheese for a beautiful layered effect.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, dried basil, salt, black pepper, olive oil, white wine vinegar, drained diced pimentos, chopped parsley, minced green onions, and pressed garlic until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
4
Carefully pour the marinade over the arranged cheese, ensuring that all pieces are coated evenly.
5
Cover the dish securely and place it in the refrigerator to marinate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6
When ready to serve, remove the marinated cheese from the refrigerator and enjoy it with an assortment of crackers.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
1.25g
Carbs
3.125g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Marinated Cheese Delight?
It is a savory appetizer featuring sharp cheddar and cream cheese slices marinated in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What types of cheese are required for this dish?
You will need 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese and 8 ounces of cream cheese.
How should the cheese be sliced?
Cut both the cheddar and the cream cheese into 1/4 inch slices, and then cut those slices in half to create bite-sized pieces.
What is the recommended way to arrange the cheese?
Place the cheese pieces on their ends in a large, shallow dish, alternating between the cheddar and cream cheese for a layered look.
What ingredients make up the marinade?
The marinade consists of sugar, dried basil, salt, black pepper, olive oil, white wine vinegar, drained pimentos, fresh parsley, green onions, and garlic.
How long should the cheese marinate?
The cheese should be covered and refrigerated to marinate overnight for the best flavor results.
Is this a no-cook recipe?
Yes, this recipe requires no cooking; it is prepared through slicing and marinating.
What should I serve with the marinated cheese?
It is best served with an assortment of crackers.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 75 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 6.25 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this appetizer?
There is approximately 3.125 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of vinegar is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls specifically for 1/2 cup of white wine vinegar.
Do I need to prepare the pimentos in any special way?
You should use a 2-ounce jar of diced pimentos and ensure they are fully drained before adding them to the marinade.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, which should be pressed.
Can I make this dish right before serving?
While you can, it is highly recommended to let it marinate overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are about 1.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The green onions should be minced; you will need 3 tablespoons total.
What is the role of sugar in the marinade?
A small amount of sugar (1 teaspoon) is used to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the savory herbs.
Is the parsley fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What type of olive oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil; a standard or extra virgin olive oil works well for marinades.
Can I substitute the dried basil with fresh?
While the recipe specifies 3/4 teaspoon of dried basil, you can use fresh basil if preferred, though you may need to adjust the quantity for flavor intensity.
What kind of dish is best for this recipe?
A large, shallow dish is recommended so the cheese pieces can be arranged on end and evenly coated with marinade.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
No, it is a savory and herb-infused dish, though it contains black pepper and garlic for flavor.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include appetizer, cheese, marinated cheese, herb-infused, party food, snack, and easy recipe.
Is this a good dish for a party?
Yes, its beautiful presentation and bold flavors make it a perfect showstopper for gatherings and special occasions.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
The recipe suggests adding one dash of each, or simply to taste.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data indicates that the fiber content is null or negligible.
How should I store leftovers?
Any leftovers should be kept in a securely covered dish in the refrigerator.