Easy Herb and Garlic Marinated Cheese Cubes Appetizer
Make this simple, make-ahead marinated cheese appetizer using cheddar and Havarti soaked in an herb and garlic oil marinade. It is perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 12 hr 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8 ounce) block sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1 (8 ounce) block Havarti cheese, cubed
- 1 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Cut the cheddar and Havarti cheeses into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Place the cheese cubes into a clean, airtight container or a wide-mouth jar.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the oil mixture over the cheese cubes, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Add the black peppercorns and the bay leaf to the container.
- Seal the container tightly. Refrigerate the cheese for at least 12 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheese to absorb the marinade flavors.
- When ready to serve, remove the container from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to let the cheese come slightly closer to room temperature.
- Serve the marinated cheese cubes with toothpicks alongside crackers or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can substitute Havarti with Monterey Jack or cream cheese blocks for a softer texture.
- For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup of sliced roasted red peppers or small green olives to the marinade.
- This appetizer tastes best when marinated for 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 40
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 25
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 75