Marinated Cheese Plate

Instructions

  1. Chill the Cream Cheese: Place the unopened packages of cream cheese in the freezer for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This will make it much easier to slice cleanly.

  2. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, chopped red peppers, green onions, garlic, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well blended. Set aside.

  3. Slice the Cheeses: Slice the blocks of cheddar and mozzarella cheese into ¼-inch thick squares or rectangles. Remove the cream cheese from the freezer and slice it into similar-sized pieces.

  4. Assemble the Dish: Arrange the cheese slices upright in a 11×7-inch baking dish, alternating between the mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese. Continue until the dish is full in a single layer.

  5. Add the Marinade: Give the marinade another quick whisk, then pour it evenly over the arranged cheese slices, ensuring everything is well-coated.

  6. Marinate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or ideally, overnight. This allows the flavors to fully meld.

  7. Serve: To serve, carefully lift the marinated cheese slices onto a platter. Spoon some of the extra marinade and peppers over the top. Arrange on a platter with your chosen crackers, pretzels, or toasted bread.

Chef’s Tip: For a beautiful presentation, use a mix of white and sharp orange cheddar. Let the dish sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the cheeses to soften slightly for easier spreading.

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