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Marinated Cheese and Olives Recipe

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3.9 from 82 reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Marinated Cheese & Olives recipe is a flavorful and easy appetizer featuring cubed Colby-Jack cheese and Kalamata olives marinated in a zesty oil and vinegar dressing infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and fresh rosemary. Perfect for entertaining or adding a savory touch to any gathering, the cheese absorbs the bold marinade flavors after resting in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.

Ingredients

Cheese & Olives

  • 32 ounces cubed Colby-Jack cheese
  • 1 jar (approximately 12 ounces) Kalamata olives, drained

Marinade

  • 16 ounces oil & vinegar or Italian salad dressing
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
  • 6 large garlic cloves, smashed
  • 6 fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix together the cubed Colby-Jack cheese, drained Kalamata olives, oil and vinegar or Italian salad dressing, dried Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and smashed garlic cloves. Be careful to not break up the cheese cubes.
  2. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the mixture for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the cheese and olives.
  3. Jar the Mixture: After marinating, evenly divide the cheese and olive mixture into 6 pint-sized glass jars. Ensure each jar contains one garlic clove for continued flavor infusion.
  4. Add Rosemary and Dressing: Place a fresh rosemary sprig in each jar. Pour any remaining marinade evenly over the contents in each jar, sealing them well.
  5. Storage: Store the sealed jars in the refrigerator. The marinated cheese and olives will keep well for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy this savory appetizer anytime.

Notes

  • Choose mild cheeses like Colby-Jack to best absorb the marinade flavors, but feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties.
  • The olive jar can vary from 10 to 15 ounces depending on your preference for the cheese-to-olive ratio.
  • Kalamata olives are highly recommended for their robust flavor compared to regular black olives.
  • Use a high-quality Italian dressing or oil & vinegar blend that you enjoy, as it is a key flavor component.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://sophiasrecipe.com/marinated-cheese-and-olives-recipe/