Sunshine in a Jar Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

Sunshine in a Jar: Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

Fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate? Have you ever wondered how to make Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer ? This recipe brings the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen.

It's dead easy, packed with flavour, and perfect for sharing. Honestly, it's one of my go-to savory appetizers easy when I'm having mates over.

This Mediterranean appetizer is basically cheese swimming in lovely olive oil. It's got garlic, herbs, and a tiny kick of chilli.

We're talking feta mostly, but you can mix it up. It’s proper Italian in origin, taking inspiration from classic Italian appetizers easy .

It is easy peasy, takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you let it chill for at least 2 hours.

This recipe makes enough for 6-8 people, perfect for a charcuterie board inspiration .

Why You'll Love This Marinated Feta Recipe

The best bit? It’s a make-ahead wonder! Prep it the day before and boom, ready to go. Olive oil is amazing for you.

This appetizer will be rich in flavor as well as healthy fats. This is perfect if you are planning a last minute party.

What makes this cheese appetizer with herbs so special is the way the cheese just soaks up all those gorgeous flavours.

You know? It’s just divine.

Grab These Bits and Bobs:

Right, let’s get this show on the road. You’ll need:

• Cheese: 8 ounces of feta, cubed.
• Oil: 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Get the good stuff!
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced.
• Herbs: Rosemary ( 2 tablespoons ), Thyme ( 1 tablespoon ). Fresh is best, innit?
• Spice: Red pepper flakes ( 1 teaspoon ) and Black pepper ( 1/4 teaspoon ).
• Other: Lemon zest and dried oregano ( 1/2 teaspoon ).

Time to get your pinny on!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

You'll be amazed at how simple it is to create something that tastes so darn fancy. Think Savory Appetizers Easy that's the name of the game.

Main Ingredients

We're aiming for that Mediterranean vibe, yeah? So, let's get our bits together.

• Feta Cheese: 8 ounces (225g) . Go for a block of feta in brine. It's got the best texture. You want something that crumbles nicely but holds its shape in the marinade. Avoid the pre-crumbled stuff. Honestly, it's usually a bit dry. If you are trying to create a nice Charcuterie Board Inspiration is never bad to try fresh mozzarella balls as well.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 cup (240ml) . This is your base, so make sure it's decent quality. You know, the kind you wouldn't mind drizzling on your salad. A good quality olive oil will make a huge difference.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't be shy! Garlic is key here.
• Fresh Rosemary: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Fresh herbs are a must. The aroma is amazing.
• Fresh Thyme: 1 tablespoon , chopped. Adds a lovely earthy note.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional). For a little kick! I always add them.
• Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon . It adds depth.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , freshly ground. Freshly ground makes all the difference.
• Lemon Zest: From 1 lemon. Adds brightness. Don't skip it!
• Optional: 1-2 Bay Leaves. A classic touch that adds depth to the marinade.

Seasoning Notes

For this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer , the seasoning is everything . It's what turns plain cheese into a flavor explosion.

• Herb Power: Rosemary and thyme are a classic combo. But you could swap in basil and oregano for a more Italian Appetizers Easy flair.
• Spice It Up: Red pepper flakes are great, but a pinch of chili powder also works.
• Aromatics: Don't underestimate the lemon zest. It brightens everything up. Bay leaves add a subtle, savory note. Try adding a garlic confit! Is awesome!

Equipment Needed

You won't need much gear for this Olive Oil Marinated Cheese masterpiece.

• Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping herbs and cubing the feta.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Small Bowl: To whisk together the marinade.
• Jar or Airtight Container: To store the cheese while it marinates. A 1 pint (500ml) jar is perfect. If you don't have a proper jar, a plastic container with a lid will do in a pinch. It's all good!.

Sunshine in a Jar: The Easiest Marinated Cheese Appetizer EVER

Oh my gosh, you guys! Let's talk Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer . Honestly, this is one of those things that makes you look like a culinary genius, even if you just.

.. put things in a jar. It's seriously the best of all Savory Appetizers Easy . I first made this at the beginning of my culinary journey, when my mates came over for a spontaneous get-together, and this was my secret weapon, every time.

This Mediterranean Appetizer is super simple. It’s just cheese hanging out in flavour town. We're talking feta, herbs, garlic, all swimming in glorious olive oil.

Imagine sunshine hitting a Greek island, that's basically what this tastes like. And guess what? It's brilliant Charcuterie Board Inspiration too!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

First, get organised, yeah? Grab 8 ounces of feta cheese, about a cup of extra virgin olive oil , 4 cloves of garlic, some rosemary, thyme, and a lemon.

Basically, essential mise en place . Mince that garlic like you mean it and chop the herbs. Safety wise, just don't cut yourself you know, the usual.

Quick & Easy Marinating: step-by-step

1. Cube the feta into roughly 1 inch pieces .
2. Mix the garlic, rosemary, thyme, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of a kick), oregano, black pepper, and the zest of the lemon with the olive oil in a bowl.
3. Chuck the feta into a clean jar.
4. Pour the herby oil over the cheese. Make sure it's all covered, that's important.
5. Pop the lid on and refrigerate for at least 2 hours . Overnight is even better.

See? Easy peasy. Visual cue: You want that oil all infused and fragrant. Critical temperature: Keep it chilled below 40° F ( 4° C) .

Pro Tips for Marinated Cheese Perfection

Want to take it up a notch? Use good quality olive oil. It makes a massive difference. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs. Basil and oregano? Delicious.

Common mistake to avoid: not letting it marinate long enough. Seriously, the longer it sits, the more flavour it gets.

This is a make-ahead Appetizer DREAM. You can whip this up days in advance. Talk about Italian Appetizers Easy !

Honestly, once you try this Marinated Feta Recipe , you'll be making it all the time. It's just so blummin' good.

This is a great Cheese Appetizer with Herbs , like the perfect Olive Oil Marinated Cheese dish. So, grab your feta, get marinating, and prepare to wow your friends.

You won't regret it.

Recipe Notes for Your Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer

So, you’re about to make this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer ? Ace! Let’s chat about a few things. Honestly, this recipe is pretty foolproof, but a few tips can make it even better .

I learned a thing or two along the way and I'm excited to share.

Plating Like a Pro & Killer Pairings

Want to impress your mates? For plating, think rustic charm. Pile the marinated cheese onto a wooden board. Dot it with Kalamata olives and fresh parsley.

Serve with crusty bread. It's the perfect Charcuterie Board Inspiration . As for drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc is your best bet.

For sides, consider grilled veggies or roasted peppers. They pair beautifully with this Mediterranean Appetizer .

Storage Smarts

Right, let's talk storage. Your Olive Oil Marinated Cheese will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks . Just make sure the cheese is always submerged in the oil.

Honestly, I doubt it'll last that long; it's too yummy!

Freezing? Hmm, I wouldn't recommend it. The cheese might get a bit crumbly. To reheat, just let it sit at room temperature for a bit.

This enhances the flavours and softens the cheese slightly. It’s the best way to enjoy this make-ahead Appetizer .

Switching Things Up

Fancy a bit of a twist? For a vegetarian version, swap the feta with marinated tofu cubes. They are also good Italian Appetizers Easy .

Just press the tofu well first. Want a spicy kick? Add a chopped jalapeño to the marinade. For a lighter flavour, try basil and oregano instead of rosemary and thyme.

These little tweaks can make a world of difference. It also makes for a good Marinated Feta Recipe .

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let’s be real. This Cheese Appetizer with Herbs is tasty, not necessarily a health food. But, feta does have protein and calcium.

Olive oil is full of good fats. Just don’t go eating the whole jar in one go... though I won't judge if you do! Each serving has around 250-300 calories.

This Feta Cheese Appetizer is truly easy and delicious. Give it a go! You'll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so good.

Trust me, it’s worth it. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer last in the fridge? I'm planning a right knees-up next week!

This marinated cheese is brilliant for making ahead! It will happily keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, as long as the cheese remains completely submerged in the oil. In fact, the flavors actually improve over time, like a fine wine (or a perfectly aged cheddar!).

Just ensure you're using a clean jar and utensil each time you take some out to avoid any nasties.

Can I use different cheeses for this recipe? I'm not the biggest fan of feta.

Absolutely, you can! While feta is a classic choice, mozzarella pearls, halloumi, or even a firm goat cheese would work beautifully. The key is to use a cheese that holds its shape well and won't completely disintegrate in the marinade. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect cheesy match!

The olive oil solidified in the fridge is my Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer still okay to eat?

Don't you worry, that's perfectly normal! Olive oil tends to solidify at colder temperatures. Just take the jar out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving and let it come to room temperature. The oil will return to its liquid state, and the cheese will be ready to enjoy.

A little patience and you're back in business.

What's the best way to serve this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer? I'm looking for some presentation ideas!

There are loads of options. Serve it straight from the jar with crusty bread or crackers for dipping rustic and charming! You could also arrange the marinated cheese on a platter with olives, cured meats, and roasted vegetables for a fancy charcuterie board.

Or, for a simple but elegant touch, toss it with a fresh salad to add a burst of flavour.

Can I reuse the leftover infused olive oil from the Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer? Seems a shame to waste it!

Good on you for thinking sustainably! Absolutely, don't you dare throw it away. The infused olive oil is liquid gold! Drizzle it over salads, grilled vegetables, pasta, or use it as a dipping oil for bread. It's packed with flavour and will elevate any dish.

Just be sure to strain out any cheese bits before storing it in the fridge.

I’m watching my salt intake is there anything I can do to reduce the sodium in this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer?

Definitely. A lot of the sodium comes from the cheese itself, so consider using a low-sodium feta or mozzarella if that’s a big concern. You can also skip adding extra salt to the marinade.

When using feta, rinse it under cold water before cubing to remove excess salt, but remember this may also lessen the cheese taste. Focus on using plenty of fresh herbs and lemon zest to boost the flavour naturally without relying on salt.