If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavor-packed appetizer, Marinated Cheese and Olives delivers in the most delightful way. This dish brings together the creamy richness of feta and mozzarella with the briny, tangy punch of mixed olives, all lovingly soaked in a fragrant marinade of herbs, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly elegant yet is incredibly simple to pull together—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a savory snack anytime. Trust me, once you try this Marinated Cheese and Olives recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Marinated Cheese and Olives, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and color—whether it’s the creamy cheese, the salty olives, or the bright, herb-infused marinade. Gathering quality ingredients is the first step towards an irresistible appetizer.
- Feta cheese (200 g, cubed): Offers a salty, tangy flavor and crumbly texture that pairs beautifully with olives.
- Mozzarella cheese (200 g, cubed): Adds a milder, creamy contrast to the sharpness of the feta for a wonderful balance.
- Mixed olives (200 g, like Kalamata and green): Bring a briny, punchy bite with a mix of textures and colors that brighten the dish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the marinade with a rich, aromatic depth that wakes up every bite.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A classic herb that perfectly complements Mediterranean flavors and adds an earthy hint.
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Provides a piney, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with both cheese and olives.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a subtle kick that gives the dish a little extra warmth.
- Olive oil (120 ml): Acts as the luscious base of the marinade, enhancing richness and helping flavors meld.
- Balsamic vinegar (60 ml): Adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that perfectly balances the savory elements.
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste): Enhances overall flavor with just a hint of sharpness without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Marinated Cheese and Olives
Step 1: Combine Cheese and Olives
Start by placing the cubed feta and mozzarella cheeses together with your selection of mixed olives in a large bowl. This forms the hearty base of your Marinated Cheese and Olives. Mixing them gently here will prepare your ingredients to absorb the marinade later on.
Step 2: Whip Up the Marinade
In a smaller bowl, whisk together minced garlic, dried oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and freshly cracked black pepper. This vibrant, herbaceous mix will infuse the cheese and olives with layers of flavor and a slight kick.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the marinade over your cheese and olive mixture, then gently toss until every piece is coated. This step is key because it ensures that every bite bursts with a perfect harmony of creamy, salty, and tangy flavors.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Marinate
Transfer the mixture to a glass jar or airtight container, making sure the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed throughout. Seal with a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This resting time allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, turning simple ingredients into a sensational appetizer.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After marinating, serve your Marinated Cheese and Olives chilled or at room temperature. It’s fantastic on its own or alongside crusty bread and your favorite crackers for a casual yet sophisticated nibble.
How to Serve Marinated Cheese and Olives
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving brings a burst of color and freshness. A few lemon zest shavings can also brighten the dish, enhancing the herbal marinade and adding a pleasant zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with rustic bread, crostini, or crunchy crackers. For more substantial pairings, offer alongside a light salad of arugula or mixed greens tossed with a simple vinaigrette. The saltiness and richness of the marinated cheese and olives provide a satisfying complement to crisp, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Marinated Cheese and Olives in individual small bowls for dinner parties or arranging them as part of a larger mezze platter alongside roasted vegetables, hummus, and pita bread. This dish also shines as a topping for bruschetta or stirred into a grain salad, adding a pop of Mediterranean brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Marinated Cheese and Olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier as time goes on. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Marinated Cheese and Olives because the texture of fresh cheeses like mozzarella and feta tends to change when frozen and thawed, potentially becoming crumbly or watery, which can affect the overall enjoyment of the dish.
Reheating
This is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can briefly warm the marinated mixture slightly, but avoid heating for long as it may melt the cheese and alter the texture. A quick toss on warm bread right before serving is a lovely option.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for Marinated Cheese and Olives?
Absolutely! While feta and mozzarella are traditional and provide great texture and flavor balance, feel free to experiment with cheeses like halloumi, goat cheese, or even aged cheddar, keeping in mind how their flavors will interact with the olives and marinade.
How long should I marinate the cheese and olives for the best flavor?
While 2 hours is a good minimum, marinating overnight is ideal. This allows the garlic, herbs, and vinegar to deeply penetrate the cheese and olives, resulting in a richer, more harmonious taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Marinated Cheese and Olives recipe is completely vegetarian as it contains no meat or animal-derived rennet products if you choose suitable cheeses. It’s a perfect appetizer for vegetarians who enjoy Mediterranean flavors.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! You can leave out the red pepper flakes for a milder version or increase the amount if you like more heat. The spice is flexible to suit your personal taste perfectly.
What is the best way to serve this dish at a party?
Serve it chilled in a beautiful glass bowl or layered in a clear jar to show off the colorful ingredients. Provide a selection of bread, crackers, and perhaps some fresh vegetables like cucumber slices or bell peppers for dipping, so guests can enjoy it easily.
Final Thoughts
Making Marinated Cheese and Olives is like inviting a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table. Its simplicity, combined with bold, bright flavors, never fails to impress. Whether you’re crafting an effortless appetizer for guests or craving a snack that feels special, this recipe is your go-to. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever entertained without it!
PrintMarinated Cheese and Olives
This Marinated Cheese and Olives appetizer features a vibrant blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses paired with mixed olives, all soaked in a flavorful marinade of garlic, herbs, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining or as a savory snack, it brings Mediterranean flair to your table with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheese and Olives
- 200 g feta cheese, cubed
- 200 g mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 200 g mixed olives (e.g., Kalamata, green)
Marinade
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 120 ml olive oil
- 60 ml balsamic vinegar
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Cheese and Olives: In a large bowl, add the cubed feta, mozzarella, and mixed olives, ensuring even distribution of all elements.
- Prepare Marinade: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together minced garlic, dried oregano, dried rosemary, red pepper flakes (if using), olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and freshly cracked black pepper until well blended.
- Marinate Ingredients: Pour the prepared marinade over the cheese and olive mixture. Gently toss everything together so that all components are evenly coated with the flavorful marinade.
- Transfer to Container: Move the marinated cheese and olives into a glass jar or container. Ensure that garlic and herbs are spread evenly throughout the mixture.
- Refrigerate: Seal the container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Serve: Serve the marinated cheese and olives chilled or at room temperature as an appetizer alongside bread or crackers.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Customize by adding herbs like thyme or basil, or include extras like sun-dried tomatoes for variety.