Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

5 Easy Cheese Appetizers Perfect for Parties (Marinated Cheese, Salsa Verde Mozzarella & More!)

Login to Save
280K views👍 8.2K
A
Allrecipes

Recipes in this Video

6 recipes
vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cheese (feta or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1Cut the cheese into bite-sized cubes if using feta or leave mozzarella balls whole.
  2. 2In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt.
  3. 3Add the cheese to the bowl and gently toss to coat the cheese in the marinade.
  4. 4Transfer the cheese and marinade to a jar or airtight container.
  5. 5Add the chopped parsley on top of the cheese.
  6. 6Seal the jar or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. 7Before serving, let the marinated cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
  8. 8Serve the marinated cheese as an appetizer with crusty bread or crackers.

Equipment

bowljar or airtight containerknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Pickle-marinated cheese is a popular snack in various cultures, often enjoyed at parties or as a bar snack.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cheese cubes (cheddar, gouda, or your choice)
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1In a clean glass jar, combine the cheese cubes and sliced dill pickles.
  2. 2In a separate bowl, mix the dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. 3Pour the pickle juice mixture over the cheese and pickles in the jar, ensuring everything is submerged.
  4. 4Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. 5For best results, let it marinate for 3-5 days before serving.
  6. 6When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator and enjoy as a snack or appetizer.

Equipment

glass jarmixing bowlmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes

Instructions

  1. 1In a food processor, combine the basil, parsley, capers, and garlic.
  2. 2Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. 3With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is well blended.
  4. 4Add the red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper, and pulse a few more times to combine.
  5. 5In a bowl, combine the mozzarella cubes and the salsa verde mixture, ensuring the cheese is well coated.
  6. 6Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. 7Before serving, stir the mixture gently to redistribute the salsa verde.
  8. 8Serve chilled or at room temperature as an appetizer or side dish.

Equipment

food processormixing bowlplastic wrap

Cheesy Bites are a popular American snack, often served at parties and gatherings. They embody the comfort of melted cheese and crispy textures, making them a favorite finger food. Variations exist worldwide, with different cheeses and spices being used to cater to local tastes.

Ingredients

  • cheddar cheese
  • cream cheese
  • flour
  • butter
  • egg
  • baking powder
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • parsley
  • milk
  • bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2In a mixing bowl, combine cheddar cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
  3. 3Add flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the cheese mixture; mix well.
  4. 4In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
  5. 5Gradually add the egg mixture to the cheese mixture, stirring until combined.
  6. 6Form the mixture into small balls or puffs and roll them in bread crumbs for coating.
  7. 7Place the cheesy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. 8Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. 9Alternatively, heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  10. 10Fry the cheesy bites in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  11. 11Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
  12. 12Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

Ingredient Alternatives

cream cheese

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cheddar cheese

Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar maintains flavor with fewer calories

Techniques

mixingbakingfrying

Equipment

mixing bowlbaking sheetparchment paperwhiskdeep fryer
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Cheese PuffsCheese Balls

Ingredients

  • 1 lb queso blanco or feta cheese
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Cut the cheese into cubes or slices and place them in a large glass jar or container.
  2. 2In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
  3. 3Pour the marinade over the cheese in the jar, ensuring the cheese is fully submerged.
  4. 4Add the chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños (if using) to the jar.
  5. 5Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. 6After marinating, the cheese can be served as an appetizer or used in salads, tacos, or sandwiches.
  7. 7Store any leftover marinated cheese in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Equipment

large glass jarmixing bowlwhisk
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low
vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 8 oz feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1Cut the feta cheese into bite-sized cubes and place them in a glass jar or container.
  2. 2In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
  3. 3Pour the marinade over the feta cheese cubes in the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  4. 4Add the chopped parsley and sun-dried tomatoes to the jar, mixing gently to combine.
  5. 5Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. 6Before serving, let the cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
  7. 7Serve the marinated cheese with crusty bread or as part of a cheese platter.

Equipment

glass jarbowlwhisk
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

More Marinated Cheese Videos

(8 videos)

Similar Italian Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Recipes From Other Cuisines

(24 videos)