Okay, let’s dive into the world of simple, comforting meals with a recipe that’s become a dinnertime champion in my home: Marinated Cheese. I remember the first time I made it. I was trying to figure out how to make a quick appetizer for a last-minute get-together. I had some cheese that was about to expire, and I thought, “Why not marinate it?” I had no idea it would become such a hit!
My family went crazy for it, and now, Marinated Cheese is a staple. What makes it a comfort food win? It’s the ease, the flavors mingling together, and the fact that it feels a little fancy without any fuss. If you’re a busy mom looking for a sanity-saving comfort food, then you’re in the right place. I’m here to help you create something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this simple delight. Trust me, this Marinated Cheese ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!
- 8 ounces feta cheese, cut into cubes: Feta’s salty tang is perfect, but you can use mozzarella or provolone if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil: Good quality olive oil makes a difference.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a lovely savory bite.
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped: Fresh herbs make all the difference!
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Earthy and aromatic.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little kick! Omit if you’re spice-averse.
- 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed: Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 lemon, zested: Brightens up the marinade.
- Pinch of salt: Just a little to bring out the flavors.
- Optional: sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or capers: For extra pizzazz.
No worries if you don’t have fresh herbs – I use dried for extra comfort in my Marinated Cheese. Just use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, making it super convenient. This Marinated Cheese proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. My family gets extra comfort when I add a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes, but that’s just us! Here’s a Marinated Cheese comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I buy pre-minced garlic to save even more time.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get our hands a little dirty and whip up some Marinated Cheese. It’s easier than you think!
- Combine the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh oregano, fresh thyme, red pepper flakes, crushed black peppercorns, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is nicely combined.
- Add the Cheese: Gently add the feta cheese cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to coat each piece of cheese with the flavorful mixture. Don’t worry if your Marinated Cheese looks a little uneven at this stage.
- Marinate: Transfer the Marinated Cheese and marinade to a jar or airtight container. Make sure the cheese is mostly submerged in the oil. Seal the container tightly.
- Refrigerate: Place the Marinated Cheese in the refrigerator. Allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Marinated Cheese – not being patient enough! Learn from my experience and give it time!
- Serve: When you’re ready to serve, remove the Marinated Cheese from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow the olive oil to soften slightly. This step is key to bring out the full flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve the Marinated Cheese with crusty bread, crackers, or as part of an antipasto platter. Drizzle some of the marinade over the cheese and bread for extra flavor.
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Marinated Cheese usually takes about 10 minutes to prep, then it’s just a matter of waiting for the flavors to meld. While your Marinated Cheese is marinating, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Your Marinated Cheese should smell amazing by now, especially with those herbs infusing. Here’s a family-tested shortcut: I often make a big batch on Sunday to have it ready for quick snacks or appetizers throughout the week. I’ve learned that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy.
How We Love to Eat This!
Now for the fun part – serving this deliciousness! My family has a few favorite ways to enjoy Marinated Cheese, and I’m excited to share them with you.
The kids devour this comforting Marinated Cheese when I serve it with crusty baguette slices. They love dipping the bread into the flavorful olive oil. It’s also a hit on a simple cracker. I also love adding it to salads for a burst of flavor. This Marinated Cheese is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!
For a more substantial meal, I sometimes toss the Marinated Cheese with pasta. It creates a simple, yet satisfying dish. Speaking of quick dinners, if your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for mac and cheese soup.
This Marinated Cheese is also a star at gatherings. I often bring it to potlucks or serve it as an appetizer when friends come over. Everyone always raves about it! I even add this to a charcuterie board, to give it a little something extra.
For a seasonal variation, I sometimes add roasted red peppers in the fall. It gives the Marinated Cheese a cozy, autumnal vibe. In the summer, I love using fresh basil instead of oregano. The kids especially love it when I add a few Kalamata olives for some extra saltiness.
We rarely have leftovers, but if we do, I love adding the Marinated Cheese to an omelet the next morning. It’s a delicious and easy way to use it up. The best part is seeing everyone enjoy something I made with love.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Let’s tackle some common questions I get from fellow moms about making Marinated Cheese. I’m here to help you feel confident in the kitchen!
Final Thoughts:
This Marinated Cheese recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments of connection and comfort for your family. It supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Make a double batch: It disappears quickly!
- Use pre-minced garlic: A total time-saver.
- Experiment with different herbs: Find your family’s favorite combination.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Mediterranean: Include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts.
- Lemon-Herb: Use lemon thyme and lots of lemon zest.
My hope is that this Marinated Cheese recipe becomes a staple in your home, bringing joy and comfort to your family meals. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out philly cheesesteak soup recipe and loaded cream cheese Halloween brownies. Give this satisfying Marinated Cheese a try, and let me know what you think! I’m here to support you on your journey to simple comfort food success. You’ve got this, mama! 💕
Marinated Cheese
Elevate your cheese board with this flavorful Marinated Cheese! Cubes of cheese are soaked in a zesty herb-infused oil, perfect for appetizers or snacking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 8 ounces block cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk well to combine.
- Add the cheese cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss to coat all sides of the cheese.
- Transfer the marinated cheese to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, let the marinated cheese sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly.
Notes
Serve with crackers, crusty bread, or vegetables for dipping. You can also add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or marinated artichoke hearts to the marinade for extra flavor.