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The Ultimate Herbed Marinated Cheese Cubes

Close-up of cubed marinated cheese soaking in bright green herb oil with whole garlic cloves.

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Make this easy marinated cheese appetizer ahead of time for your next gathering. Cubes of cheese soak in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a flavorful, make-ahead cheese platter essential.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound mixed cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup good quality olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut your chosen cheeses into uniform 1-inch cubes. Place the cheese cubes into a clean, airtight glass jar or container.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, sliced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture briefly.
  3. Pour the seasoned olive oil mixture over the cheese cubes in the jar. Add the bay leaf if you are using one.
  4. Gently stir or shake the container to coat all the cheese pieces evenly with the oil and herbs.
  5. Seal the container tightly. Refrigerate the marinated cheese for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
  6. Before serving, remove the cheese from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to serving to allow it to come closer to room temperature.
  7. Serve the marinated cheese cubes directly from the jar or arrange them on a gourmet cheese platter with crackers or crusty bread.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a mix of semi-hard cheeses like Havarti or Gruyère along with cheddar.
  • You can substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs, using about three times the amount specified. Mince the fresh herbs before adding them to the oil.
  • This is a perfect make-ahead cheese appetizer; it tastes better the longer it marinates, up to three days.
  • Add sliced pepperoni or green olives to the jar for a more complex, savory cheese spread alternative.

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