Mexican-Style Marinated Cheese
Mexican-Style Marinated Cheese is an easy appetizer bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, jalapeños, and citrus. The rich cheese absorbs every flavorful ingredient during marination. It requires very little hands-on preparation while delivering impressive results. Serve it chilled or at room temperature with crackers or crusty bread. Every bite offers creamy texture, zesty flavor, and aromatic herbs. It's an ideal recipe for parties, holidays, and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
- 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cube both cheeses into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange the cheese cubes inside a large glass container.
- Combine olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, oregano, cumin, paprika, cilantro, parsley, lime zest, lime juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Whisk until fully combined.
- Pour the marinade evenly over the cheese.
- Gently stir to coat every cube.
- Cover the container tightly.
- Refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- Stir once or twice while marinating.
- Allow the cheese to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality block cheese for the best texture.
- Avoid pre-shredded cheese.
- Glass containers preserve flavor best.
- Fresh herbs provide brighter flavor.
- Marinate overnight for maximum taste.
- Stir gently to prevent breaking the cheese.
- Keep refrigerated until serving.
- Consume within five days.