This marinated cheese tray is a beautiful appetizer perfect for entertaining. Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and Monterey jack cheese are marinated in a delicious fresh herb vinaigrette then served on a try for a stylish presentation.
"I've made this twice now! It's a winner and goes so fast at a party." ★★★★★-Caitlin
This recipe came from a dear friend, Lori Moshenski. I believe she originally found the recipe in Southern Living Magazine from sometime in the 1990s, but I can't be sure. When I first saw it, I thought it was too pretty to eat! But once I took a bite, I couldn't stop eating it. It was so good.
Since then, I have been using it for many years for wine parties or dinner parties. This also makes a lovely Christmas appetizer because of the red and green colors. You can serve it as/is or with your favorite crackers. My guests always love it and are impressed with the pretty vibrant colored presentation. I hope you love it too! Enjoy! Xoxo ~Katie.
Jump to:
Ingredient notes and substitutions
You will need the following ingredients to this make marinated cheese appetizer.
- cheddar cheese- You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar cheese.
- pepper jack cheese- You can can substitute with Monterrey jack cheese or mozzarella cheese.
- cream cheese- For a change in flavor, you can substitute with goat cheese.
- white wine vinegar-Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitution.
- olive oil
- green onions-You can substitute with chives.
- basil- If basil is not in season, you can substitute with dried basil or fresh oregano.
- parsley
- pimentos- Roasted red pepper or sun-dried tomatoes can be used as a substitution. For a little spice, you can add chile red pepper flakes.
- garlic- Garlic powder can be used as a substitution.
- sugar
Steps
Assembling this cheese platter is rather easy. Follow these steps to make this delicious appetizer.
- Mix together olive oil, white wine vinegar, drained pimento, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh green onion, crushed garlic cloves, sugar, chopped fresh basil, and salt and pepper to taste in in a mason jar or mixing bowl.
- Cut cream cheese cheese in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into ¼ inch thick square slices. Repeat the process with pepper jack cheese and cheddar cheese. Try to keep all of the slices of cheese the same size.
- Arrange cheese slices alternately on a shallow dish standing each slice on its edge.
- Pour marinade over cheese. Cover in saran wrap and chill 6 to 8 hours to marinate then serve.
Serving tip
You can serve this make-ahead appetizer immediately after it has been chilled. However, it is best to set it out 20 minutes before serving to warm to room temperature. Real olive oil will solidify when refrigerated. Allowing it to warm to room temperature will soften the olive oil and bring out the flavor of the cheese.
Watch how to make
Flavor tip
It is important to use fresh herbs, not dry herbs in this recipe. Dry herbs will not look as pretty or taste the same for this dish.
Cheese shape tip
Don't panic if the cheese shapes are not perfectly the same. Just do your best to come close. When the marinade is poured on top, it hides the imperfections.
Please leave me a comment below if you make this marinated cheese tray and tell me what you think about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.
Also post your picture of your beautiful tray on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!
📖 Recipe
Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Block Cheddar
- 8 ounces Block Cream Cheese
- 8 ounces Block Monterey Jack Cheese or Pepper Jack Cheese
- ½ cup Olive Oil
- ½ cup White Wine Vinegar
- 2 ounces Jar Pimento drained
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Parsley chopped
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Green Onion chopped
- 3 Garlic Clove minced
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Basil chopped
- Salt And Pepper
Instructions
- Mix together olive oil, white wine vinegar, drained pimento, parsley, green onion, garlic, sugar, basil, and salt and pepper to taste in in a jar or mixing bowl.½ cup Olive Oil, ½ cup White Wine Vinegar, 2 ounces Jar Pimento, 3 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, 3 tablespoons Fresh Green Onion, 3 Garlic Clove, 1 teaspoon Sugar, 1 teaspoon Fresh Basil
- Cut cream cheese cheese in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into ¼ inch thick square slices. Repeat the process with pepper jack cheese and cheddar cheese. Try to keep all of the slices of cheese the same size.8 ounces Block Cheddar, 8 ounces Block Cream Cheese, 8 ounces Block Monterey Jack Cheese or Pepper Jack Cheese
- Arrange cheese slices alternately on a shallow serving dish standing each slice on its edge.
- Pour marinade over cheese. Cover and chill 6 to 8 hours to marinate then serve. You can serve this cheese appetizer immediately after it has been chilled. However, it is best to set it out 20 minutes before serving to warm to room temperature. Real olive oil will solidify when refrigerated. Allowing it to warm to room temperature will soften the olive oil and bring out the flavor of the cheese.
Leslie says
What do you use to take the cheese out & to put on crackers?
Small knife, spoon?
Katie Crenshaw says
Hi Leslie. They will already be cut into the correct serving size for crackers. Therefore, small tongs, spatula, or spoon will work.
Caitlin says
I’ve made this twice now! It’s a winner and goes so fast at a party.
Laura says
Easy and delicious!
Cherese says
I tried the Marinated Cheese for Easter 2017 and my family loved this recipe! Thank you! Cherese
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
This is absolutely gorgeous! And I really love how easy this sounds to make. It will be the hit at any party (no table decor needed)!
khadija says
That has to be the best cheese tray i ever saw! Wow, this should be how we do it from now on, thanks for sharing