Marinated Cheese Appetizer – Indulge, in a world of tantalizing flavors and delightful scents with our Cheese Appetizer! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to treat yourself this appetizer is a breeze to prepare. It brings together the creamy essence of mozzarella cheese with a blend of herbs and spices all embraced by a luxurious coat of olive oil. Get ready to savor the combination of parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic garlic creating a description that promises to please your taste buds.
The first time I prepared this Marinated Cheese Appetizer was for a gathering in our backyard. I still recall how the herbs beautifully adorned the olive oil-like strokes on an artist’s canvas while the cheese eagerly absorbed every ounce of flavor like a sponge. Surprisingly even my husband who usually prefers milder tastes was captivated by the boldness of the sun-dried tomatoes. My child, who often dismisses new foods as “yucky ” surprised us all by asking for seconds…and then thirds! It instantly became a hit. Secured its place as one of our culinary triumphs.
What makes this Marinated Cheese Appetizer truly special?
This isn’t just your cheese platter; it’s a medley that elevates simple mozzarella into a gourmet delight. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweetness perfectly balanced by the kick, from the fresh herbs. In addition, it offers versatility. You can serve it alongside bread, or crackers or even add it to a salad. Moreover preparing it in advance is effortless allowing you to fully enjoy the moment, with your guests instead of being tied up in the kitchen.
What You Need To Make This Marinated Cheese Appetizer Recipe?
Mozzarella Cheese: A pound of creamy, dreamy mozzarella is at the heart of this dish, waiting to be transformed. Chosen for its mild and supple texture, mozzarella soaks up the marinade like a love letter absorbs ink. If the stage calls for a twist, swap it out with a bold cheddar or a smoky gouda for a different yet equally captivating performance.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of our marinade, this isn’t just any oil; it’s the essence of the Mediterranean in a bottle. A good extra virgin olive oil brings a fruity depth that is essential to the ensemble, cradling the other flavors and ensuring every cube of cheese is glossed with its rich, velvety touch.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley isn’t just a garnish; it’s a bright, peppery note that dances through the oil, leaving a trail of freshness with every bite. It’s like the final green flourish on a masterpiece that pulls everything into focus.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These aren’t your garden-variety tomatoes. They’ve lounged under the sun, concentrating their sweetness and tang into chewy jewels that explode with flavor in this marinade. Their presence is a bold declaration that this is no ordinary cheese appetizer.
Garlic: With just a clove, garlic brings a depth of flavor that whispers secrets of rustic Italian kitchens to your palate. It’s the warmth in the background, a hint of tradition and comfort that anchors the dish.
Fresh Basil, Oregano, and Red Pepper Flakes: Basil, with its notes of anise, and oregano, carrying a slightly bitter punch, are the spirited herbs that bring the marinade to life. The red pepper flakes are the flicker of flame, the spice that wakes up the senses and assures you this appetizer has a story to tell.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Salt and black pepper are more than mere seasonings; they’re the old souls of the dish. Salt heightens each element, coaxing out hidden zests, while freshly ground black pepper offers a piquant counterpoint, a touch of earthiness to balance the bright and briny notes.
Steps To Make Marinated Cheese Appetizer:
Step 1: Begin by placing your cubed mozzarella cheese into a cozy bowl or a charming glass jar.
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Step 2: In a love-infused mixing bowl, whisk together the golden olive oil with the minced parsley, sun-dried tomatoes that have bathed in oil, and the whisper of garlic. Introduce the basil and oregano as you would old friends coming together for a reunion. Sprinkle in the red pepper flake, the salt, and the tender crush of black pepper.
Step 3: Gently, with the care you’d give to a sleeping babe, pour the oil mixture over the mozzarella. Coat the cheese tenderly, then cover it with a kiss of plastic wrap.
Step 4: Let the cheese rest in the chill of the fridge. Give it a stir now and then, like stirring old memories, for at least 2 hours.
Step 5: When ready to serve, let the dish make its debut chilled, allowing each guest to discover the layers of flavor in every bite.
Tip:
To enhance the flavor of your Cheese Appetizer you can try a layered marination approach. Begin by marinating the mozzarella, in olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper for an hour to let it absorb these flavors. Then in the stage of marination introduce the herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.
This technique allows the cheese to first soak up the garlic and seasonings without being overwhelmed by the herb’s stronger flavors. After this soak the fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes add their taste ensuring that each element contributes its own unique flavor profile.
By marinating in stages, like this, you create a complexity of flavors that can be savored with every bite. This will make your Marinated Cheese Appetizer stand out as a dish that guests will remember for its depth and sophistication.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Certainly! While using fresh herbs adds a delightful burst of flavor you can easily substitute dried herbs when fresh ones are not readily available. Simply use one-third of the amount called for in the recipe.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
No sun-dried tomatoes? Not a problem at all! You can achieve a tart taste by using roasted red peppers instead.
How long can I marinate the cheese before it becomes too strong?
Feel free to marinate the cheese to your liking! Whether you choose to marinate it for 2 hours or overnight both options are perfectly fine. Just keep in mind that the longer it marinates the stronger the flavors will become. However, be cautious not to let the herbs overpower the mozzarella.
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Marinated Cheese Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese cubed
- 1/2 c extra virgin olive oil or more as needed
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley minced
- 1 tbsp oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh basil finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh oregano finely chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut one pound of mozzarella into cubes. Place them in a mixing bowl or a jar.
- In a bowl mix together half a cup of virgin olive oil, one tablespoon each of minced fresh parsley, chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped fresh basil. Add one minced garlic clove, one teaspoon of chopped oregano, one teaspoon of red pepper flakes, half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of ground black pepper. Make sure to blend all the ingredients
- Pour the marinade over the cubed mozzarella. Gently stir to ensure that every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for at least two hours. Remember to stir the mixture to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Once marinated take the cheese out from the refrigerator. Let it sit for a few minutes to remove any chill. Serve this delicious mozzarella as it is or pair it with crackers or crusty bread or include it in your spread. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
2 Responses
Can you use dried herbs… I have fresh basil but the others are dried
Hi Sherri,
Yes, you can absolutely use dried herbs for this recipe if you don’t have fresh ones (except for the basil). A general rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh, since dried herbs are more concentrated. For instance, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, you’d use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Since you already have fresh basil, it’s great to keep that as is—fresh basil brings a unique aroma and brightness that’s hard to replicate with dried herbs. Enjoy marinating your cheese, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit! 😊