Try this addictive marinated cheese for a beautiful appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining! One of our reader-favorites! You can use any combination of your favorite cheeses.
Isn’t this Marinated Cheese a beautiful appetizer? My friends and neighbors in Houston, Jillian and Thad introduced me to this and shared her recipe. This marinated cheese appetizer is easy to put together and can be done the night before. It’s one of those dishes that is not only eye-catching but a favorite at parties. You might want to make extra because it goes fast!
I have made this appetizer many times since and it is always a crowd-pleaser. You can substitute just about any cheese you want, so if you want to try pepper jack, Colby jack, mozzarella or another favorite, give it a shot.
*Important Note: Slicing the cheese works best when using a cheese wire slicer like this one, for smoothly sliced cheese. Also, place the cream cheese in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes prior to slicing to firm it up and allow for more even cuts of this soft cheese.
Try this great appetizer at your next party! It’s perfect for a wine tasting party too!
Tips for the Best Marinated Cheese:
- Freeze the cream cheese for about 30 minutes to firm it up enough to slice cleanly.
- Marinate the cheese at least 1 day ahead for better flavor.
- Place the marinated cheese in a container just large enough to fit the cheese and marinade, but not too large so that the cheese gets jumbled around when flipping.
- Carefully flip the container of marinated cheese every 3 or 4 hours during the day if making ahead of time. This will allow the flavors to penetrate evenly through the cheeses.
More Appetizer Inspiration! Try these reader favorite recipes:
Goode Company Mexican Seafood Cocktail :: Campechana de Mariscos
Have you made any of my recipes? Post it on Instagram and tag @jennifercooks123 and #jennifercooks!
Marinated Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz. block sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 8 oz. package cream cheese
- Marinade:
- 1/2 c. olive oil
- 1/3 c. white wine vinegar
- 3 T. chopped fresh parsley
- 3 T. chopped fresh basil
- 3 T. minced green onions
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 2 oz. jar diced pimiento, drained
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a jar; cover tightly and shake vigorously. Set aside.
- Make sure cheeses are well-chilled (you can put them in the freezer for about 20 minutes).
- Cut block of cheddar in half lengthwise; then cut crosswise into 1/4"-thick slices. Set aside. Cut the cream cheese, following the same procedure.
- Arrange cheese slices alternately in a shallow baking dish, standing slices on edges.
- Pour marinade over cheese slices. Cover and refrigerate at least eight hours.
- To serve, transfer cheese slices to a serving platter in the same alternating pattern. Spoon marinade over the cheese. Serve with assorted crackers
I’m Jennifer Locklin, author and owner of Jennifer Cooks. I am a trained chef and passionate about good food, cooking for family and friends, and creating recipes that form lasting memories from one generation to the next. 
This was a great recipe and it was very popular at a summer BBQ I held recently. I chose a creamy feta and Red Leicester cheese cheese in my version and it worked beautifully. Thanks for posting this.
I love this recipe and the versatility! The cheeses you used sound wonderful!
Hello. is it absolutely necessary to use the white wine vinegar? Can I just not use vinegar at all? Kindly reccomend an alternative please. Thanks.
Hi there! The acidic element is essential to this recipe, but if you don’t like vinegar you could substitute with lemon juice or lime juice.