Zesty Marinated Cheese and Olives Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta!

Summer gatherings call for a delightful marinated cheese and olives appetizer that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

This easy-to-prepare snack brings zesty herbs and rich textures to your table.

Chefs adore this simple yet sophisticated recipe for its vibrant blend of ingredients.

Briny olives and creamy cheese create an irresistible combination that sparks conversation.

The marinade infuses each bite with aromatic herbs and subtle spices.

Perfectly balanced and elegant, this appetizer transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Serve these marinated delights and watch your guests reach for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 12

Marinated Cheese & Olives Ingredient Rundown

• Feta Cheese: Crumbly Mediterranean cheese offering tangy, salty flavor with creamy texture.
• Mozzarella: Soft Italian cheese providing mild, delicate taste and smooth consistency.
• Mixed Olives: Mediterranean blend adding rich, briny depth and varied texture to the dish.

• Olive Oil: High-quality Mediterranean base creating silky coating and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds complex sweetness and bright acidic notes for depth and balance.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient providing intense, pungent undertones and bold Mediterranean character.
• Fresh Oregano: Classic herb delivering earthy, slightly peppery Mediterranean seasoning.
• Fresh Thyme: Delicate herb contributing subtle, woody flavor complexity.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element introducing gentle heat and vibrant kick.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for amplifying and harmonizing overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Warm, sharp spice adding subtle background warmth.

• Lemon Zest: Fragrant citrus outer layer introducing fresh, zesty aroma.
• Lemon Juice: Tangy liquid providing bright, acidic balance to rich ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: Light, green herb offering visual appeal and crisp, clean finish.

Tools That Help With Marinating

• Cutting board: Solid surface for safely chopping ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precisely cubing cheese.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking marinade ingredients.
• Medium-sized airtight container or glass jar: Needed for marinating and storing cheese and olives.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Grater or zester: Used to create lemon zest.
• Serving bowl: For presenting the final marinated dish.

How to Make That Cheese & Olive Mix

• Chop Cheese and Olives

Slice feta or mozzarella into bite-sized chunks. Separate mixed olives into a clean container.

• Whip Up Flavor Blast

Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until ingredients dance together.

• Infuse with Zesty Goodness

Pour marinade over cheese and olives in an airtight container. Add lemon zest and juice, gently tossing to coat everything. Seal and park in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, letting flavors mingle and get to know each other.

• Unveil and Devour

Pull out your marinated treasure from the fridge. Transfer to a beautiful serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Grab some crusty bread or crackers and dive in.

Tips to Nail Your Cheese and Olive Appetizer

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or smoky gouda to create unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, or try adding fresh chili pepper for a more intense kick.
• Prepare the marinated cheese and olives up to 3-4 days in advance, storing in an airtight container to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
• For a vegan version, swap dairy cheese with firm tofu cubes or plant-based cheese alternatives, ensuring the marinade remains the same for maximum taste.
• Transform this appetizer into a full meal by adding the marinated cheese and olives to salads, grain bowls, or as a topping for grilled vegetables for extra zest and protein.

Present Your Marinated Mix with Style

• Mediterranean Appetizer Platter: Arrange the marinated cheese and olives on a wooden board with an assortment of cured meats, roasted red peppers, and artisan crackers for a stunning Mediterranean-style spread.
• Party Dipping Station: Create a fun interactive appetizer by serving the marinated cheese and olives with various dipping breads, toothpicks, and small plates for guests to enjoy and mix flavors.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the tangy, herbal marinated cheese and olives with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the overall tasting experience.
• Salad Topping Twist: Use the marinated cheese and olives as a gourmet topping for fresh green salads, adding instant depth and Mediterranean-inspired flavor to your everyday greens.

Store Marinated Cheese Like a Chef

• Store marinated cheese and olives in an airtight glass container to maintain maximum taste intensity. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring the marinades continue to develop rich, complex flavors.
• Place the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf. Allow the cheese and olives to marinate slowly, letting herbs and spices infuse deeply without losing their aromatic qualities.
• Before serving, remove the container from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes in advance. This gentle warming allows the olive oil to soften and releases the full spectrum of herbal and garlic notes.
• Consider dividing the batch into smaller containers. This approach prevents repeatedly exposing the entire mixture to temperature changes, which can degrade the delicate texture and flavor profile of the cheese and olives.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with other firm cheeses like halloumi, provolone, or goat cheese. Just ensure they can hold their shape when cubed and marinated.

• How spicy will the marinade be?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit them completely for a milder flavor.

• Is this marinade good for other ingredients?

Absolutely! The marinade works wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or as a salad dressing. Its versatile herb and citrus profile complements many dishes.

• Can I make this recipe in advance?

Definitely. The marinated cheese and olives actually taste better after sitting in the marinade for 2-8 hours. It allows the flavors to fully develop and intensify.

Tangy Marinated Cheese And Olives Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Mediterranean cheese and olive Appetizer blends tangy feta with briny kalamata olives. Fresh herbs and zesty lemon elevate this simple yet sophisticated snack you’ll savor with crusty bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (450g) Colby-Jack cheese, cubed
• 12 oz (340g) Kalamata olives, drained
• 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 6 fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1 cup (240 ml) Italian salad dressing
• 6 large garlic cloves, smashed

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Instructions

1. Cheese Preparation: Slice feta or mozzarella into uniform bite-sized cubes, creating a consistent texture for optimal marinating.
2. Olive Selection: Combine chosen mixed olives in a spacious container, preparing for flavor infusion.
3. Marinade Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, garlic slices, fresh oregano or thyme, and crushed red pepper into a harmonious blend, seasoning with salt and pepper for depth of flavor.
4. Layering Process: Gently transfer cheese cubes and olives into a clean glass container, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage with the prepared marinade.
5. Citrus Enhancement: Incorporate lemon zest and freshly squeezed juice, delicately folding to distribute bright, tangy notes throughout the mixture.
6. Flavor Development: Seal container and refrigerate for 2-8 hours, allowing ingredients to marinate and intensify their combined flavors – longer resting time yields more robust taste profile.
7. Serving Preparation: Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing cheese and olives to reach room temperature and release full aromatic potential.
8. Presentation: Transfer to an elegant serving dish, garnishing with finely chopped parsley for visual appeal and fresh herbaceous undertones.
9. Accompaniment: Serve alongside crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers to complement the rich, tangy marinated delicacies.

Notes

Choose Cheese Wisely: Opt for firm, high-moisture cheeses like feta or mozzarella that absorb marinade beautifully without crumbling or losing texture.

Control Marinating Time: Limit refrigeration to 24 hours maximum to prevent cheese from becoming overly soft or losing its original delicate structure.

Balance Herb Intensity: Use fresh herbs sparingly – oregano and thyme can quickly overpower delicate cheese and olive flavors if added too generously.

Room Temperature Magic: Allowing marinated cheese and olives to sit at room temperature before serving releases complex flavors and softens texture, creating a more enjoyable tasting experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 146
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg