Italian Marinated Olives and Cheese Cubes are a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. This dish combines briny olives and creamy cheese cubes infused with aromatic herbs, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.

The result is a flavorful, colorful, and elegant mix perfect for snacking, entertaining, or adding to a charcuterie board. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a light bite for wine night, these marinated bites add rustic charm and irresistible flavor to any occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary with minimal effort. It’s the perfect marriage of salty, tangy, creamy, and herby flavors. The olive oil and herbs infuse every bite, making the cheese and olives taste like they’ve been kissed by the Italian sun.

Another reason I adore it is its versatility — you can use your favorite cheeses, olives, and herbs to suit your palate.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly elegant. The combination of creamy cheese cubes and marinated olives offers a balance of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for both casual get-togethers and formal events.

Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly — meaning the flavors deepen over time, making it ideal for entertaining. Served with bread, crackers, or wine, it feels like something you’d find in an authentic Italian trattoria.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marination Time: 2 hours (minimum, or overnight for best flavor)
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes active + 2 hours marination
• Servings: 8–10 servings
• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving
• Course: Appetizer / Snack
• Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean

Ingredients

• 1 cup mixed olives (green, kalamata, or black; pitted)
• 1 ½ cups firm cheese cubes (such as provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Combine the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest in a medium bowl or jar.
2. Add the olives and cheese cubes, gently tossing to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to develop.
4. Before serving, bring the mixture to room temperature and stir gently.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra olive oil if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare Ingredients: Drain olives if they’re stored in brine, and pat dry. Cut cheese into bite-sized cubes (¾-inch pieces work best).
2. Mix Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sliced garlic, herbs, pepper flakes, lemon zest, and salt.
3. Add Olives and Cheese: Add the olives and cheese cubes to the marinade, gently stirring to ensure everything is well coated.
4. Marinate: Transfer the mixture to a glass jar or airtight container. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
5. Serve: Before serving, allow the mixture to come to room temperature for about 20–30 minutes. Stir gently, and drizzle with extra olive oil if needed.

How to Serve

Serve Italian Marinated Olives and Cheese Cubes in a small bowl or on a platter with toothpicks or cocktail skewers. They pair beautifully with crusty Italian bread, crostini, crackers, or a selection of cured meats like salami and prosciutto. For a stunning presentation, place them at the center of a charcuterie board alongside grapes, nuts, and roasted peppers. They also make a fantastic topping for salads or pasta dishes.

Recipe Tips

• Use firm cheese like provolone, manchego, or aged cheddar — soft cheeses may break down in the marinade.
• Marinate overnight for the richest flavor. The olive oil and herbs will infuse beautifully over time.
• Don’t over-salt. Olives and cheese are already salty, so season lightly.
• Use high-quality olive oil — it makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Serve at room temperature to bring out the full aroma and richness of the olive oil and herbs.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes or a few slices of fresh jalapeño for a kick.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice for a bright, refreshing flavor.
• Greek-Inspired: Use feta cheese, oregano, and kalamata olives with a drizzle of lemon juice.
• Herb-Heavy: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, dill, or mint for different aromatic notes.
• Vegan Version: Skip the cheese and replace it with marinated tofu cubes for a dairy-free appetizer.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store marinated olives and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cheese may change texture and olives can become mushy when thawed.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this recipe up to 3 days in advance — in fact, the flavors improve with time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium mixing bowl or glass jar with lid
• Whisk or fork (for mixing the marinade)
• Small knife and cutting board
• Airtight container or mason jar for marinating

FAQ

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Yes! Try provolone, asiago, gouda, or marinated feta for variation. Just avoid soft cheeses like brie or ricotta.

Q: How long should I marinate the olives and cheese?
A: At least 2 hours, but overnight is best for deep, developed flavor.

Q: Can I reuse the leftover marinade?
A: Yes, you can use it as a salad dressing or drizzle it over roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from crumbling?
A: Use firm cheese and handle gently when stirring. Marinate in the refrigerator to maintain texture.

Q: Can I serve it warm?
A: It’s best served at room temperature, but you can slightly warm the mixture (not melt) to enhance the olive oil’s aroma.

Conclusion

Italian Marinated Olives and Cheese Cubes are the epitome of simple sophistication. Bursting with Mediterranean flavor, this dish combines the creaminess of cheese with the briny richness of olives, all enhanced by herbs, garlic, and olive oil. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit at any gathering. Whether you serve it as part of a charcuterie board or a standalone appetizer, these marinated bites deliver elegance and flavor in every mouthful. A truly timeless recipe that brings a touch of Italy to your table.