Marinated Cheese Appetizer

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 0.5 cup White Wine Vinegar
• 1 clove Garlic (minced)
• 1 Green Onion (sliced thin)
• 3 tablespoon Parsley (chopped fresh)
• 2 tablespoon Fresh Dill (chopped)
• 2 oz Pimentos (jarred, use whole contents)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (full‑fat block, frozen for 15‑20 min before slicing)
• 8 oz Dill Havarti Cheese (sliced 1/4‑inch pieces)
• 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (sliced 1/4‑inch pieces)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

   In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white wine vinegar, minced garlic, sliced green onion, chopped parsley, chopped dill, the whole 2‑oz jar of pimentos, dried basil, salt, pepper, sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk until fully blended.

   Time: PT5M

2. Freeze the Cream Cheese

   Place the block of cream cheese in the freezer for about 15‑20 minutes so it firms up and is easier to cut into neat 1/4‑inch squares.

   Time: PT5M

3. Slice All Cheeses

   Using a sharp chef's knife, slice the frozen cream cheese into 1/4‑inch squares. Slice the dill Havarti and sharp cheddar into 1/4‑inch pieces. Arrange the cheddar and cream cheese pieces first in a large shallow dish, then intersperse the Havarti pieces between them.

   Time: PT10M

4. Assemble the Cheese in the Dish

   Lay the sliced cheddar and cream cheese in an even layer at the bottom of the dish, then add the Havarti pieces on top, pressing gently so the cheese is tightly packed.

   Time: PT5M

5. Add the Marinade

   Give the prepared marinade a quick whisk again, then pour it evenly over the stacked cheese pieces, ensuring every piece is coated.

   Time: PT2M

6. Marinate

   Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

   Time: PT6H

7. Serve

   Remove the dish from the refrigerator, give it a quick stir, and serve chilled with your favorite crackers or crusty bread.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

210

Protein

8 g

Carbohydrates

3 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g