If you’re looking for a great appetizer to help ring in the New Year, you must give this one a try! This recipe was buried deep in “the pile” when I stumbled upon it. It was from a 2006 issue of Southern Living magazine.
I made this recipe for a family get together and it was devoured! What an elegant but easy appetizer! My favorite part was that I could make everything the day before — and you know how I love a recipe that can be made ahead of time!
Here’s a tip: I found that the cream cheese was easier to slice if I stuck it in the freeze for 30 minutes or so.
The cheese looked so festive arranged on the platter! I served it with whole-grain crackers and kielbasa. Mmmmm! Perfection!
What’s your favorite easy appetizer?
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Marinated Cheese
Compliments of It’s a Keeper
www.itisakeeper.com
1 (0.7-oz.) envelope Italian dressing mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 Tbs minced green onion
2 Tbs water
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1 (8-oz.) block Monterey Jack cheese, chilled
1 (8-oz.) block Cheddar cheese, chilled
1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, chilled
1 (4-oz.) jar chopped pimiento, drained
Whisk together the first 6 ingredients. Set aside. Cut Monterey Jack cheese in half lengthwise. Cut each half crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Repeat with Cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Arrange cheese in 4 rows in a shallow 2-qt. baking dish, alternating Monterey Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Pour marinade over cheese. Cover and chill for at least 8 hours. Drain marinade; arrange cheese on a platter in rows. Top with pimiento, and serve with assorted crackers.
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Christina, just one note: if marinating for that length of time or longer, make sure to NOT use a metal baking dish… The acidic nature of vinegar/Italian dressing can react with &/or damage the pan & affect the flavor of the cheese.
BTW, you’ve just given me another easy & delicious treat for my sister’s baby shower. THANX again!!!
Barb…
Found this recipe via Life as Mom and it looks super easy and delish. We usually have a nice shindig for my birthday in March, and I’m thinking this would make an excellent addition. Thanks for the idea!
Happy to help! Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for stopping by and come back soon! 🙂
I have made this recipe during the holiday’s for several years. To make it a little simpler you can substitute Italian dressing in the bottle vs. making your own. Also, I spread the spreadable cream cheese with onion and chives in between the two cheeses when layering on the platter. It is absolutely delicious and goes fast.
Great suggestions, Charla! Thanks so much for sharing. I think I’ll give them a try this weekend!
Thanks for stopping by and come back soon! 🙂