Description
This Marinated Cheese Appetizer is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring cubed mozzarella cheese infused with a vibrant blend of olive oil, fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing starter or a delightful snack, it requires just a few minutes of prep and an extended marinating time to develop rich, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, cubed (can substitute other hard cheese, such as cheddar)
Marinade
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, or more as needed
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 1 tablespoon oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flake
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Cube 1 pound of mozzarella cheese (or your preferred hard cheese like cheddar) into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl or a glass jar suitable for marinating.
- Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together half a cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon each of minced fresh parsley and finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon each of fresh oregano and red pepper flakes, plus 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. This mixture will infuse the cheese with robust herby and slightly spicy flavors.
- Combine and Marinate: Pour the prepared marinade over the cubed cheese and gently toss to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl or tightly seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld, stirring a few times during the marination period to redistribute the marinade evenly.
- Serve: Once chilled and infused, serve the marinated cheese appetizer cold as an inviting starter or party snack. Enjoy the burst of fresh herbs and zesty sun-dried tomatoes complemented by the creamy cheese.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with other semi-hard or hard cheeses like cheddar or provolone for varied flavors.
- If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- The marinated cheese keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to intensify.
- Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a complete appetizer experience.
- The olive oil used in the marinade can be drizzled over salads or bread to avoid waste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
