🧀 Marinated Cheese Plate – A Gourmet Appetizer Made Simple

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🧀 Marinated Cheese Plate – A Gourmet Appetizer Made Simple






If you want to wow your guests this season, skip the store-bought cheese tray and make this gorgeous Marinated Cheese Plate instead. Layered with cubes of rich cheese, herbs, garlic, and peppers — all soaked in a tangy olive oil marinade — it’s a showstopping appetizer that looks as beautiful as it tastes.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering, this recipe delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort. Pair it with crackers, baguette slices, or a glass of wine and watch it disappear! 🍷✨

🍯 Rich, zesty, and full of flavor — this marinated cheese plate is an entertainer’s dream come true.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 🧄 Bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors

  • 🧀 Easy to make ahead — gets better as it marinates

  • 🎁 Gorgeous on holiday tables or as an edible gift

  • 🍞 Perfect with crusty bread, crackers, or charcuterie

🧂 Ingredients

(Makes about 10–12 servings)

For the Cheese:

  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cubed

  • 8 oz Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, cubed

  • 8 oz cream cheese or feta, cut into 1-inch squares (chill first to firm)

For the Marinade:

  • ¾ cup olive oil

  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or thyme, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 1 roasted red bell pepper, chopped (or 2 tbsp pimentos)

  • Optional: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or honey for balance

🍴 Instructions

  1. Arrange the cheese:
    In a shallow glass dish or jar, layer the different cheeses — alternating colors and textures for a pretty presentation.

  2. Make the marinade:
    In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, herbs, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and chopped roasted pepper.

  3. Pour & marinate:
    Pour the mixture evenly over the cheese. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

  4. Serve:
    Let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving. Serve with toothpicks, baguette slices, or crackers.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use good-quality olive oil — it makes all the difference.

  • Add marinated olives, cherry tomatoes, or artichokes for variety.

  • Store leftovers in the fridge up to 5 days; bring to room temp before serving.


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