🧄 Marinated Cheese Plate
📝 Description:
This Marinated Cheese Plate combines the rich, creamy texture of cheese with vibrant flavors from a homemade herb and garlic marinade. It’s an elegant appetizer or snack that balances savory, sweet, and crunchy elements beautifully. Serve it on a board with your favorite cheeses, fruits, nuts, and accompaniments—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
🧀 Ingredients:
For the Marinated Cheese:
- 8 oz block of feta cheese (or substitute with goat cheese, mozzarella, or halloumi)
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A few sprigs of fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, or basil)
For the Cheese Plate:
- 2–3 additional cheeses (e.g., cheddar, brie, blue cheese, gouda, camembert)
- Fresh fruits: grapes, berries, apple slices, or pears
- Nuts: almonds, walnuts, pecans, or cashews
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or crostini
- Honey or fig jam for drizzling/dipping
🧑🍳 Instructions:
- Prepare the marinade:
In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir or shake well. - Marinate the cheese:
Cut feta (or selected cheese) into cubes or thick slices. Place in a shallow container or jar. Add the marinade and tuck in the fresh herb sprigs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to let the flavors develop. - Assemble the cheese plate:
On a large board or platter, arrange the marinated cheese with other cheeses. Add fresh fruits, nuts, crackers, and a small bowl of honey or jam. - Serve:
Let the marinated cheese come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
💡 Notes & Tips:
- Cheese choice: Feta is bold and salty; goat cheese is tangy and creamy; mozzarella is mild and soft. Choose based on your flavor profile preference.
- Make-ahead: Marinate cheese up to 3 days in advance.
- Texture contrast: Include soft cheeses (like brie) and hard cheeses (like aged gouda) for variety.
- Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the plate for a Mediterranean flair.
- Use crusty bread to mop up the flavorful marinade!
🍽 Servings:
- Serves 6–8 people as an appetizer/snack.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
(Highly variable depending on cheese/fats/fruits used.)
🌟 Health Benefits:
- Calcium & Protein: From dairy sources like feta, brie, and cheddar.
- Healthy fats: Olive oil and nuts offer heart-friendly monounsaturated fats.
- Antioxidants: Berries, herbs, and garlic contribute immune-supportive compounds.
- Satiety: Healthy fats + protein keep you full longer—ideal for parties or as a snack board.
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I use vegan cheese for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use firm vegan cheeses and marinate as directed. Vegan feta or cashew-based cheeses work well.
Q: How long can marinated cheese last?
A: Up to 4–5 days in the fridge. Always keep it submerged in oil to preserve freshness.
Q: Can I warm the marinated cheese?
A: Yes! Warm slightly before serving for an extra melty texture (especially with mozzarella or goat cheese).
Q: What drinks pair well with a cheese plate?
A: Dry white wines (like Sauvignon Blanc), red wines (like Merlot or Pinot Noir), or even sparkling water with citrus. Try a crisp apple cider or mocktail, too!