Growing up, my grandma was the queen of easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers. Her famous Marinated Cheddar Cheese Bites were always the first to go at family gatherings. I can still remember the way the flavorful marinade would soak into the cubes of sharp cheddar, creating a mouthwatering bite that was impossible to resist. Even as a kid, I would sneak back for seconds (and sometimes thirds!) because I just couldn’t get enough. It’s no wonder this recipe has become a cherished tradition in our family.
Why This Marinated Cheddar Cheese Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Marinated Cheddar Cheese
This Marinated Cheddar Cheese recipe is truly special because of the unique marinating technique that infuses every bite with incredible flavor. By letting the cheddar cubes soak up the zesty marinade for a bit before serving, you end up with a luxuriously creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned cheese bite that’s utterly addictive. This recipe makes 24 servings, so it’s perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a quick and easy crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sharp cheddar cheese, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Marinated Cheddar Cheese Instructions
Preparing Your Marinated Cheddar Cheese
This recipe takes 35 minutes total – 5 minutes for prep and 0 minutes for cooking. All you’ll need is a medium-sized bowl, a whisk, and some toothpicks for serving. Let’s get started!
1- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2- Add the cubed cheddar cheese to the marinade and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
3- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4- The cheese cubes should look shiny and the marinade should have thickened slightly.
5- Remove the marinated cheddar from the fridge and use toothpicks to skewer 2-3 cheese bites per piece.
6- Arrange the Marinated Cheddar Cheese bites on a serving platter and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, use a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
- Don’t marinate the cheese for too long, or the cubes may start to fall apart.
- If you’re making this recipe in advance, wait to skewer the bites until just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Serving and Storing Your Marinated Cheddar Cheese
Perfect Pairings for Marinated Cheddar Cheese
This Marinated Cheddar Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve it with crackers, crusty bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or an ice-cold beer. This recipe makes 24 servings, with each serving being 2-3 cheese bites, so it’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you need a quick and easy snack.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Marinated Cheddar Cheese is best enjoyed within 3-4 days of making it. Store the marinated cheese cubes in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply skewer 2-3 bites per toothpick and arrange on a platter. You can also make this recipe up to 2 days in advance, just wait to skewer the bites until right before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Marinated Cheddar Cheese
Creative Marinated Cheddar Cheese Variations
- Switch up the cheese: Try using pepper jack, gouda, or even a mixed shredded cheese blend.
- Add fresh herbs: Finely chop fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil and stir into the marinade.
- Go spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Get festive: For the holidays, use a holiday-themed cookie cutter to cut the cheese into fun shapes.
Making Marinated Cheddar Cheese Diet-Friendly
This Marinated Cheddar Cheese recipe is naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese alternative. To make it low-carb or keto-friendly, simply omit any crackers or bread and serve the marinated cheese bites on their own or with low-carb veggie dippers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese besides cheddar?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works great with a variety of hard, aged cheeses like gouda, Parmesan, or Gruyère. Just be sure to cube the cheese into 1-inch pieces.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 servings, with each serving being 2-3 cheese bites.
Q: How long can I marinate the cheese?
A: For best texture, don’t marinate the cheese for more than 30 minutes. Any longer and the cheese cubes may start to fall apart.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes! You can make the marinated cheese bites up to 2 days in advance. Just wait to skewer them with toothpicks until right before serving for the freshest presentation.
Q: What should I do if the marinade seems too thick?
A: If the marinade thickens up too much in the fridge, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of olive oil to thin it out before tossing with the cheese.
Marinated Cheddar Cheese
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
Marinated cheddar cheese bites are the ultimate easy appetizer or snack. Cubes of creamy cheddar are soaked in a flavorful marinade, creating a tangy, irresistible treat that comes together in just 5 minutes.
Ingredients
– 8 oz block of cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
2. Add the cubed cheddar cheese to the marinade and toss gently to coat.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, allowing the cheese to soak up the flavors.
4. Serve the marinated cheddar cheese bites as an appetizer, alongside crackers, grapes, or other desired accompaniments.
Notes
For best results, marinate the cheese for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop. The marinated cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Marinated Cheddar Cheese Bites are the ultimate easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients and 35 minutes of your time, you can create a flavor-packed snack that’s sure to be the star of any gathering. Give this recipe a try and get ready to watch it disappear! Don’t forget to let me know how yours turned out in the comments below.
