🧀 Marinated Cheese and Olives
📖 Description
This marinated cheese and olives recipe is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that combines creamy cubes of cheddar and Havarti cheese with briny olives, fresh bell peppers, and aromatic herbs. A light marinade of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian seasoning infuses every bite with zesty flavor. Perfect for entertaining, holiday spreads, or a simple make-ahead snack.
🥗 Ingredients
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 3 ounces Havarti cheese, cubed
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
- 1/4 cup black olives
- 1/4 cup green olives stuffed with pimentos
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar (or red wine vinegar for deeper flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano + basil mix)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Cut cheeses into bite-sized cubes. Slice bell pepper into thin strips.
- Combine in a bowl: Add cheeses, black olives, green olives, and bell pepper.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs.
- Toss and coat: Pour the marinade over the cheese and olives mixture. Gently toss until evenly coated.
- Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
🍴 Servings
- Makes about 4 servings as an appetizer or snack.
📝 Notes
- Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor.
- For more zest, add a splash of lemon juice or red pepper flakes.
- Substitute cheeses with mozzarella, gouda, or feta for variation.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
💡 Tips
- Cut the cheese into uniform cubes so they absorb the marinade evenly.
- If serving at a party, add toothpicks or skewers for easy grabbing.
- Use a mix of colorful peppers (red, yellow, green) for a vibrant look.
- Double the recipe for a holiday platter or charcuterie board.
⚡ Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
🌿 Health Benefits
- Cheese → provides calcium, protein, and healthy fats.
- Olives → rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Bell pepper → excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Olive oil → promotes heart health and reduces inflammation.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It tastes even better when marinated overnight.
Q: What’s the best cheese combo?
A: Sharp cheddar (for tang) and Havarti (for creaminess) balance perfectly, but feel free to experiment.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add red pepper flakes, pickled jalapeños, or spicy olives for a kick.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes, it’s low-carb and keto-friendly.
Q: Can I serve this warm?
A: It’s best served chilled or at room temperature—warming may cause cheese to melt too much.