Description

This Marinated Christmas Cheese recipe combines sharp cheddar and creamy goat cheese cubes soaked in a flavorful blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, herbs, garlic, and roasted red peppers. The cheese is marinated for several hours, allowing the rich, tangy, and herbal flavors to meld perfectly, making it an ideal festive appetizer to serve with crackers or baguettes during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
8 ounces goat cheese, cut into pieces

Marinade

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons honey
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 (14 ounce) jar roasted red peppers in oil, drained and chopped

Instructions

Prepare the cheese: Place the sharp cheddar and goat cheese pieces in a large container or plate with raised edges to hold the marinade. Alternate the pieces so that the cheddar and goat cheese are distributed evenly rather than clustered.
Mix the marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, thinly sliced green onions, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, fresh parsley, and fresh dill. Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers from the jar.
Combine and marinate: Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the arranged cheese pieces, making sure all pieces are coated. Cover the container and refrigerate the cheese for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse thoroughly.
Serve: Remove from the refrigerator and serve chilled alongside crackers or sliced baguettes for a delightful holiday appetizer.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the cheese overnight.
You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if necessary, but fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor.
Use good quality extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar for the best marinade taste.
This dish is best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature before serving if preferred.
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: marinated cheese, holiday appetizer, cheddar cheese, goat cheese, Christmas cheese recipe, cheese marinade, festive appetizer, herb marinated cheese