Whip up this easy and flavorful Marinated Cheese & Olives appetizer for your next gathering. It features a delightful mix of olives, sharp cheddar cheese, red peppers, and spicy peperoncino peppers, all beautifully wrapped in a zesty marinade!

Why You’ll Love This Appetizer

• Ease of Preparation – This delightful dish comes together in under 15 minutes! Just make sure to allow for a marinade time of two hours to let the flavors meld. Perfect for planning ahead, but keep this in mind if you’re throwing together a last-minute get-together.
• Flavor Profile – This recipe is a must for olive enthusiasts! With its rich, tangy notes and robust flavors, this appetizer is sure to impress your guests.
• Servings – The recipe yields about 8 servings, making it an excellent choice for gatherings. If you need more or less, you can easily adjust the quantities in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Ingredients

• Red bell pepper: One small red pepper, diced into small pieces for that vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
• Peperoncino: Often found in cans or jars, these small green chili peppers pack a punch and add heat to the mix. Use whole or sliced, as per your preference.
• Olives: A delicious blend of green olives and flavorful kalamata olives gives this dish its character.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: For that rich, tangy kick, sharp cheddar works wonders.
• Olive oil: A good quality olive oil serves as the base for our marinade.
• Vinegar: White wine vinegar is the star here, but feel free to substitute with your favorite white vinegar.
• Herbs and spices: A mix of oregano, thyme, dried chili flakes, salt, and pepper elevates the flavor.

Note: You can find the full recipe and a list of ingredients at the end of the post in the recipe card.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade – In a small glass bowl, mix together olive oil, white wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, dried chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside.
2. Combine All Ingredients – In a larger bowl, toss together the diced red pepper, peperoncino, green olives, black olives, and sharp cheddar cheese. Pour the marinade over everything and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Serving Time – When ready to serve, remove the dish from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for the best taste.

Recipe Tips

• Tweak the Flavor: This marinade is versatile! Adjust the olive oil and vinegar to your taste. Whether you prefer a richer oiliness or tangy punch, tailor it to your liking.
• Make the Marinade Ahead: Feel free to whip up the marinade and store it in a jar in your fridge for up to a week before use.
• Serve at Room Temperature: Bringing this dish to room temperature before serving enhances the flavors, as the marinade tends to thicken when chilled.

Substitutions

• Olives: While I use a combination of green olives and Kalamata, feel free to switch it up with your favorites, such as stuffed olives.
• Red Peppers: If red isn’t your thing, feel free to use yellow, orange, or even omit them entirely.
• Cheese: If sharp cheddar isn’t available, experiment with feta, gouda, or havarti for a different profile.
• Additions: Enhance your mix by adding small pieces of cured meats like salami or pepperoni prior to serving.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil can brighten the dish when served.

Serving Suggestions

This marinated cheese and olive mix is perfect before dinner, with drinks, or as a quick snack. You could even jar it up beautifully as a gift for your foodie friends! Here are some other dishes that pair wonderfully with this appetizer:

Frequently Asked Questions