Description
Indulgent Mediterranean marinated cheese plate delivers a symphony of flavors dancing across creamy textures and bold herbal notes. Delightful appetizer promises to elevate your gathering with simple, elegant ingredients that transport palates to sun-drenched coastal landscapes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) block of cream cheese
- 8 ounces (226 grams) block of cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces (226 grams) block of pepper jack cheese
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Serving Accompaniments:
- Assorted crackers
- Bread
Instructions
- Transform cubed cream cheese, cheddar, and pepper jack into a single layer within a shallow serving container.
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and aromatic herbs including oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Incorporate red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the marinade for a complex flavor profile.
- Drench cheese cubes thoroughly, ensuring each piece receives an even coating of the herbal liquid mixture.
- Seal the dish with protective wrap and allow flavors to meld in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, though overnight marination will intensify taste dimensions.
- Prior to serving, remove from refrigerator and let cheese slightly temper to room temperature for optimal texture and taste experience.
- Present the marinated cheese alongside an assortment of crisp crackers and rustic bread slices, creating an elegant appetizer spread that invites guests to sample and savor.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by letting the cheese marinate overnight, allowing the herbs and spices to deeply penetrate each cube.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like gouda or fontina to create unique flavor profiles and texture combinations.
- For a low-carb option, replace crackers with cucumber slices or bell pepper strips as elegant, crunchy alternatives.
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature before marinating to help cheese absorb the herb-infused olive oil mixture more effectively.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 443
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg