Frederic Melton
Marinated cheese trays are a great appetizer for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual weeknight get-togethers. They are easy to prepare and always impress guests. The key to a delicious marinated cheese tray is in the marinade, which typically includes olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices. This marinade is then poured over slices of cheese, such as cheddar, cream cheese, and Monterey Jack, creating a flavourful and vibrant dish. When serving, it is recommended to provide crackers, pretzels, celery, or toasted bread on the side.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Cream Cheese, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Manchego, Goat Cheese, Gouda |
| Marinade Base | Olive Oil, White Wine Vinegar |
| Marinade Ingredients | Roasted Red Peppers, Pimento, Parsley, Green Onions, Garlic, Sugar, Basil, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano |
| Marinade Time | 5-8 hours or overnight |
| Serving Temperature | Room temperature |
| Serving Suggestions | Crackers, Celery, French Baguette, Pretzels, Toasted Bread, Crostini, Nuts, Fruits, Chocolate, Dips, Meat |
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What You'll Learn
Marinated cheese tray ingredients
A marinated cheese tray is a perfect appetizer for entertaining guests. It is colourful, tasty, and has a stunning presentation. The magic of this dish lies in the marinade, which can be made with a variety of ingredients.
The base of the marinade is typically olive oil and white wine vinegar. To this, you can add roasted red peppers, garlic, green onions, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavours. Fresh herbs are preferred over dry herbs as they taste better and look prettier. You can use herbs like basil and parsley. Other ingredients that can be added to the marinade include salt, pepper, oregano, and pimento.
For the cheese, you can use a combination of cheddar, cream cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Cut the cheeses into small squares about a ¼ inch thick. Arrange the cheese squares alternately in a shallow baking dish with the slices standing on edge. Pour the marinade over the cheese, cover, and chill for at least 5 to 8 hours before serving.
You can serve the marinated cheese tray with crackers, pretzels, celery, or toasted bread like a French baguette. It is recommended to set the dish out 20 minutes to an hour before serving to bring it to room temperature, enhancing the flavour and texture of the cheese.
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How to prepare a marinated cheese tray
Preparing a marinated cheese tray is a simple process that yields a beautiful and tasty appetizer, perfect for entertaining. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a delicious marinated cheese tray:
Ingredients:
- Cheddar cheese (mild, medium, or sharp)
- Cream cheese (or goat cheese for a flavour variation)
- Monterey Jack cheese (or Mozzarella cheese)
- Olive oil
- White wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar/apple cider vinegar)
- Pimento (or roasted red pepper/sun-dried tomatoes)
- Fresh herbs: parsley, basil, and green onion
- Garlic (or garlic powder)
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: dried oregano for a Mediterranean twist, and red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions:
- Prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, white wine vinegar, pimento, fresh herbs (parsley, basil, green onion), garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper in a jar or mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth. For a Mediterranean twist, add dried oregano.
- Cut the cheeses into small squares, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Arrange the cheese squares in an alternating pattern in a shallow baking dish, with the slices standing on edge.
- Pour the marinade over the cheese.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Allow the cheese to marinate for at least 5-8 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavour absorption.
- Before serving, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This will soften the olive oil and enhance the flavour of the cheese.
- Transfer the cheese slices to a serving platter, maintaining the alternating pattern.
- Spoon some extra marinade over the cheese for added flavour and presentation.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels, or toasted bread.
Your marinated cheese tray is now ready to be enjoyed! This dish offers a stylish and colourful presentation, making it perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers.
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Serving suggestions
A marinated cheese tray is a great appetizer option for entertaining guests. It can be served with crackers, celery, or a French baguette. For a more filling option, it can be served with toasted bread, pretzels, or a variety of meats such as prosciutto, salami, or chorizo.
When preparing a marinated cheese tray, it is important to use fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil. The cheese should be sliced into uniform pieces and arranged in an alternating pattern. The marinade, made with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs, is then poured over the cheese. The dish should be chilled for at least five hours or overnight to allow the cheese to absorb the flavours.
To serve, transfer the slices to a serving platter, arranging them in an alternating pattern and spooning the extra marinade on top. It is best to let the dish sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to half an hour before serving to enhance the flavour and texture.
For a more elaborate presentation, consider using a charcuterie board. Start by placing small bowls for dips and condiments on the board, then add the cheeses, arranging them in odd numbers (3, 5, or 7) depending on the number of guests. Fill the remaining spaces with meats, nuts, olives, and other savoury accompaniments. Fresh and dried fruits, chocolate, and sweet spreads can also be included to add variety.
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How long to chill the cheese tray
A marinated cheese tray is a beautiful and tasty appetizer that is perfect for entertaining. It is a safe bet for any function, from holiday parties to casual weeknight get-togethers. The cheese tray combines cheddar, cream cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese, marinated in a delicious fresh herb vinaigrette. This dish is quite easy to prepare and yields impressive results.
The cheese tray can be chilled for 6 to 8 hours to marinate and can be served immediately after. However, it is recommended to set it out for about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to warm to room temperature. This helps soften the olive oil and enhances the flavor of the cheese.
Leaving the cheese tray at room temperature for too long can be unsafe. According to the U.S. Department of Health, cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C), this duration reduces to just one hour.
To ensure food safety and maintain the best flavor, it is advisable to let the cheese tray sit out at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to soften, enhancing its texture and making the flavors more accessible to our taste buds.
Additionally, it is worth noting that soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, are more perishable due to their higher moisture content. They should be discarded if left out for more than two hours, while hard cheeses like Cheddar or Parmesan can be wrapped and refrigerated for later use.
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What to serve marinated cheese with
Marinated cheese is a great appetizer for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual weeknight get-togethers. It pairs well with a variety of foods and drinks, so you can get creative with your choices. Here are some ideas for what to serve with marinated cheese:
Crackers, Bread, and Pretzels
Crackers are a classic pairing with cheese, and they can be used as a base to spread the marinated cheese or as a crunchy side. You can offer a variety of crackers, such as pita crackers, whole grain crackers, or your favorite type. Toasted bread, such as crostini, or a French baguette, also goes well with the marinated cheese. For a more casual option, pretzels can add a salty contrast to the creamy cheese.
Vegetables and Fruits
If you want to add a fresh and healthy element to your platter, consider including vegetables and fruits. Celery is a popular choice to pair with marinated cheese, as its crisp texture provides a refreshing contrast. You can also offer other vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, snap peas, or any other cold veggies your guests might enjoy. In terms of fruits, grapes are a classic pairing with cheese, but you can also offer apples, pears, oranges, or berries for a colorful and sweet contrast to the savory cheese.
Meats
A charcuterie board often includes a variety of meats to complement the cheeses. Prosciutto, salami, ham, cured chorizo, soppressata, summer sausage are all good options to pair with the marinated cheese. These meats can be folded or rolled to create an attractive presentation on the platter.
Dips and Spreads
Including dips and spreads on your platter can add variety and allow your guests to create their own flavor combinations. Options such as hummus, ranch, balsamic dip, romesco, whole grain mustard, fig butter, or orange marmalade can be offered alongside the marinated cheese. Don't forget to provide a bowl or knife for spreading!
Nuts and Olives
Nuts and olives add texture and flavor to your platter. Candied pecans, pistachios, cashews, macadamia nuts, almonds are all good choices. Olives can be offered in a bowl or directly on the platter, and you can include a variety of types such as green or black olives stuffed with garlic or feta.
Drinks
When it comes to drinks, marinated cheese pairs well with a variety of options. Champagne cocktails and apple martinis are mentioned as a good combination. Additionally, wine is often served with cheese, and the acidity of the marinade can help refresh the palate between sips of wine.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to marinate the cheese for at least 5 hours, or even overnight if you can wait. However, some people suggest that marinating overnight may cause the olive oil in the marinade to solidify, which can affect the taste and texture.
You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, or cream cheese. You can also substitute or add other cheeses such as goat cheese, mild cheddar, or sharp cheddar.
You can serve the marinated cheese with crackers, pretzels, or toasted bread. You can also add meats such as prosciutto, salami, or summer sausage. Pickled relishes, such as pickles or olives, can also be a nice addition.
The marinade is typically made with a base of olive oil and white wine vinegar. You can then add ingredients such as roasted red peppers, garlic, green onions, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk the mixture until smooth and then pour it over the cheese.
