Marinated Cheese Appetizer

Barbara Linn's Note:

This recipe was given to me by a friend. I have made it several times, and it doesn't last long! It does take a while to prepare, but it is worth it. Great presentation and delicious flavors.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• 1 dash salt (to taste)
• 1 dash black pepper (to taste)
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 (2 ounce) jar diced pimentos , drained
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons minced green onions
• 3 garlic cloves , pressed

Directions:

1. Cut cheddar cheese and cream cheese into 1/4 inch slices, then again in half.
2. Using a small dish, place cheese slices on end alternating cheddar and cream cheese.
3. Make the marinade by combining sugar, basil, salt, pepper, oil, vinegar, pimento, parsley, onion and garlic.
4. Pour marinade over cheese, cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. Serve with crackers.

Reviews

[SarasotaCook]

Well, why I am not sure my review I posted didn't show I don't know.

It was excellent. Well received and ate every last bite. For me, I used a mix of monterey jack and white cheddar along with the cream cheese.
Second, to the marinade, I did add some red pepper flakes (a personal preference for some heat) and fresh basil to the marinate. But otherwise, as is. It was very good.

I lined my small caserole dish with saran wrap and then added the cheese and marinade. The next day, I just picked up the edges of the saran wrap and transferred to the serving platter. I used a spatula to slide off the cheese in a nice stack, just like the picture and then poured on the extra marinade. Worked like a charm.

Flavorful, excellent, served with crackers, baguettes and bread sticks.

Follow the recipe exactly, the combo of flavor is what works. I garnished with a couple of sprigs of basil. It was a wonderful easy recipe. Make sure to let it marinade overnight.

One Note: You can marinade in the same dish you serve it. That is fine. I just had a Xmas dish I wanted to use, but either way, it works great.

A must make. I promise ... nothing will be left.
Thx, kim

[Marg (CaymanDesigns)]

This recipe is INCREDIBLE!! I had at a party the other evening and couldn't stop eating it. I can't wait to make it for my family for Christmas! UPDATE: while a little time consuming to assemble, it is well worth it. Putting the cream cheese in the freezer for about 30 minutes helped it to keep its shape better as you sliced it. Also, I don't recommend substituting red wine vinegar for the white. It overpowered the other flavors a little bit. Everyone enjoyed it, and it was a lovely addition to our assortment of appetizers.

[cujo3425]

I love love love this recipe. I've been making it for 5 years now, and I'm pretty sure I only get invites to parties just so I bring this along. The only changes I make are I use red wine vinegar instead of white, and I also use Pepperjack cheese alternated with the cheddar. All in all it's a never fail appetizer to share.