🧀 Marinated Herb Cheese Bites (Absolutely Delicious!)
📝 Description
This quick and easy appetizer features creamy cubes of cheese marinated in fragrant olive oil, garlic, herbs, and chili flakes. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish you can prepare in just 10 minutes, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying at home with bread, crackers, or veggies.
🍽 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 300g (about 10 oz) firm cheese (feta, paneer, goat cheese, halloumi, or mozzarella), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil or thyme
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cut the cheese into bite-sized cubes and place them in a shallow bowl or a glass jar.
- Mix the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, chili flakes, and lemon zest if using.
- Pour the marinade over the cheese cubes, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle with black pepper and optional fresh herbs.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Cheese Options: Use feta for a salty kick, paneer for a neutral creamy bite, or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Make It Ahead: This gets better the longer it sits. Prep a day in advance for deeper flavor.
- Additions: Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers to the marinade.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or as part of a charcuterie board.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated and consume within 4–5 days.
🔢 Servings
- Makes: ~4–6 appetizer servings
- Serving size: ~6–8 cubes per person (depending on cheese used)
🧮 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – ~50g cheese)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: <1g
- Sodium: 320mg (varies by cheese type)
Based on feta or paneer. Adjust if using goat cheese or mozzarella.
🌿 Health Benefits
- High in protein: Great for vegetarians needing a protein boost.
- Rich in calcium: Especially if made with feta or paneer.
- Healthy fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Low-carb: Perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use soft cheese like brie or camembert?
A: Not ideal, as they may fall apart. Stick to firm cheeses for best results.
Q: Can I reuse the marinade oil?
A: Yes! Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, pasta, or bread. Just don’t keep it too long if it’s had fresh herbs or garlic.
Q: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Just reduce or omit the chili flakes for a milder version.
Q: Can I serve this warm?
A: Yes, lightly warm it in the microwave or oven-safe dish for a melty twist — just don’t overheat or the cheese may melt too much.