Marinated Cheese

For an exciting and delicious kitchen project, try creating marinated cheese. While using this method to infuse meats with different flavors is expected, you can use the same technique with some dairy foods. The process is quite simple. We lean on cheddar and cream cheese and soak those slices in a bright, herby and zesty vinaigrette. You can crumble it on salads, pizza or sandwiches when it’s finished. 

Marinated Cheese Ingredients

EMILY DAVIS for Taste of Home

• Cheese: We create a blend of cheddar and cream cheeses to use in this recipe. 
• Marinade: For the vinaigrette, we mix together roasted red peppers, olive oil, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, green onions, fresh parsley, fresh basil, sugar, minced garlic, salt and pepper.  

Directions   

Step 1: Prep the cheeses

EMILY DAVIS for Taste of Home

Slice each block of cheddar cheese into twenty 1/4-inch slices. Cut each block of cream cheese into 18 slices. Create four 6-inch-long blocks of stacked cheeses, sandwiching nine cream cheese slices between 10 cheddar slices for each stack. Place these cheddar-cream cheese combos in a 13×9-inch dish.

Step 2: Marinate the cheeses

EMILY DAVIS for Taste of Home

In a small bowl, combine the roasted red peppers, olive oil, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, green onions, fresh parsley, fresh basil, sugar, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Then, pour this marinade over the cheese stacks. Cover and refrigerate the cheese overnight, turning the blocks once. Drain any excess marinade. Serve the cheese slices with crackers or toasted bread.

Marinated Cheese Variations 

Emily Davis for Taste of Home

• Use different cheeses: Instead of cheddar and cream cheese, you can use another type such as feta, goat cheese or mozzarella. 
• Upgrade the heat: Depending on your taste preferences, you can make this marinade more spicy by adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños. 
• Add olives: Olives add a briny and aromatic flavor to the marinade and provide a delicious bite of texture. 

How to Store Marinated Cheese

You can store this marinated cheese in an airtight container. Then, keep it in the fridge for up to seven days. 

Can you make this recipe for marinated cheese ahead of time? 

You can certainly prepare this recipe in advance for any party. It absorbs more flavor the longer it soaks in the vinaigrette. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for seven days and pull it out when you’re ready to serve.  

Can you freeze this marinated cheese?

We do not recommend freezing this dish because once it thaws out, the liquid will compromise the texture of the cheese. 

How long does this marinated cheese last? 

You can store this cheese in the refrigerator for three to four days. 

Marinated Cheese Tips

EMILY DAVIS for Taste of Home

What’s the best container to use for marinated cheese?

We suggest using a completely leak-proof container to store your cheese, as this dish contains a lot of liquid. You can also use a mason jar with a sealed lid.

What type of cheese should I use for this type of recipe?

When selecting cheeses for this recipe, it’s best to opt for varieties that aren’t too delicate or hard. Due to its hard nature, aged Parmesan might not be the most suitable choice, as it could be challenging to marinate. Similarly, the softness of mascarpone may not work well. Instead, use mozzarella, goat cheese or feta for the best results.

What can I put marinated cheese on? 

This would taste delicious grilled in a panini or melted on top of a burger. For a more refreshing approach, you can also crumble it on a salad.