Should I use mozzarella cheese balls or sliced cheese?

It depends on how you wish to serve the marinated cheese. If the cheese will be enjoyed on its own, or skewered between fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes, use mozzarella cheese balls. If the appetizer will be served with crackers or crostini, use sliced cheese.

Types of herbs to try for marinated cheese?

Try fresh basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, dill, and chives. But if you don't have fresh herbs on hand, use dry herbs instead. Crumble the dried herbs between your fingertips to release the aroma and flavor.

Best types of cheeses for marinating?

Try mozzarella pearls, goat cheese, feta cheese (cut into rectangles), cheddar, manchego, gouda, and Monterey Jack. To mix things up, layer cream cheese between slices of firmer cheese.

Try sun-dried tomatoes, diced pimientos, dried rubbed sage, celery salt, rainbow peppercorns. Instead of olive oil try macadamia nut oil, or use the oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes.

How long does marinated cheese last?

Marinated cheese will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure it stays covered in the herby oil.

Herby Marinated Cheese | Quick Easy Recipe

Name: Herby Marinated Cheese
Prep time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, or enough to fully cover the cheese; 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, freshly chopped; 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste; 2 twists freshly-cracked black pepper; 1 pound mozzarella pearls (cheese balls) or sliced mozzarella

Herby Marinated Cheese

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5 from 3 reviews

Author: Denay DeGuzman
Total Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes
Yield: 8 Servings 1x

Description

This easy no-cook recipe makes the BEST marinated cheese appetizer. Enjoy at summer parties, and during the festive holiday season. Serve with crostini, crackers, or pieces of crusty baguette.

Ingredients

Units Scale

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, or enough to fully cover the cheese
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, freshly chopped
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
2 twists freshly-cracked black pepper
1 pound mozzarella pearls (cheese balls) or sliced mozzarella

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Instructions

Add olive oil, garlic, chopped fresh herbs, sea salt, and red pepper flakes to a 16-ounce mason jar. Securely attach the lid. Shake well to combine. If you don’t have a jar, use a glass measuring cup and small whisk. For cheese slices, arrange the pieces in a wide shallow bowl so there’s enough room for the herby oil to flow around the slices.
If marinating mozzarella pearls, add cheese balls to the jar. Gently shake the jar back and forth to spread the herbs around so the cheese is well coated. For cheese slices, drizzle the marinade over the cheese. Ensure all pieces are covered in the herby oil.
Cover the jar or bowl. For a mild infusion, marinate 1 hour at room temperature. For a stronger infusion, marinate in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
To serve, remove cheese from the herby oil. Enjoy with crackers or slices of rustic bread.

Equipment

Glass Tulip Jar

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Shallow Bowls

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Notes

WHAT TYPE OF CHEESE TO USE: If the cheese will be enjoyed on its own, or skewered between basil leaves and cherry tomatoes, use mozzarella pearls. If the appetizer will be served with crackers or crostini, use sliced cheese.

HOW TO USE LEFTOVER HERBY MARINADE: Add balsamic vinegar to the herby oil. Serve as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. It’s an ideal starter for Italian meals.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Marinating Time: 1 Hour
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Marinate
Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://www.confettiandbliss.com/marinated-cheese/