Description
A flavorful and visually appealing marinated cheese ring featuring layered cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, fresh mozzarella pearls, and a medley of marinated veggies and olives. Perfect for entertaining, this appetizer is enhanced with a garlic-herb balsamic marinade and served with toasted French baguette slices, with an option to add pepperoni for an extra savory touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 8 oz package of cream cheese (cold and sliced)
- 15 oz package of pre-sliced sharp white cheddar cheese
- 8 oz ball of fresh mozzarella pearls
Vegetables & Olives
- 1/2 cup of artichoke hearts
- 1/2 cup of green olives
- 1/2 cup of pitted Greek olives
- 1/4 cup of chopped roasted red peppers
Marinade
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
To Serve
- Toasted French bread baguette slices
- Optional: Sliced pepperoni
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Slice the cold cream cheese into strips, then cut these strips in half to create manageable pieces for layering.
- Form Cheese Ring: On a plate, alternate standing slices of sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese upright around the edge, starting with a slice of sharp cheddar, then cream cheese, and repeating this pattern to form a circular ring.
- Fill Center with Cheese and Vegetables: Layer the center of the ring with fresh mozzarella pearls, artichoke hearts, green olives, pitted Greek olives, and chopped roasted red peppers, evenly distributing the ingredients for a colorful presentation.
- Make Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade.
- Dress the Cheese Ring: Drizzle the prepared marinade evenly over the entire cheese ring and its center filling to infuse all components with flavor.
- Marinate: Cover the plate and refrigerate for 8 hours to allow the marinade to meld with the cheeses and vegetables, enhancing the taste.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator and serve the marinated cheese ring alongside toasted French baguette slices. Optionally, add sliced pepperoni for added savory flavor. Use any leftover marinade as a delicious bread dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is cold before slicing to maintain shape.
- Marinate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, for best flavor infusion.
- Use a sturdy plate or platter to support the cheese ring structure.
- The optional pepperoni adds a nice savory contrast but can be omitted for vegetarian guests.
- Leftover marinade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days as a flavorful dip.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices to add texture and help scoop the cheese and toppings.
