How to make about Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring

Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring

The Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring is an appetizing dish inspired by the vibrant atmosphere and flavors encountered at an Italian marketplace. This recipe artfully combines creamy cream cheese and fresh parsley with an assortment of briny marinated olives, creating a harmonious blend of creamy, zesty, and fresh flavors. The contrast between the smooth texture of the cream cheese and the tangy bite of the olives, enriched with the herbaceous notes of parsley, results in a uniquely satisfying appetizer. Perfected after diligent experimentation to capture the essence of Italy, this dish offers a taste of Italian sophistication and conviviality. It's designed to be shared, bringing the joy of communal dining and the elegance of Italian flavors to any gathering.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 16 people

Calories 856 kcal

Equipment

• 1 serving dish

Ingredients

  

• 1 jar pimiento strips
• Toasted French baguette
• 1 tablespoon basil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1 package cream cheese
• 1/3 cup Greek olives
• 1 package) cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup olives

Instructions

 

• Cut sour cream in half horizontally, then cut each piece into 1⁄4- inch cubes slices.
• Arrange the cheeses in a circle on a serving dish, alternate cheese, and cheddar cheese pieces.
• Place the olives in the middle of the plate.
• Whisk together the vinegar, oil, cilantro, mint, and garlic in a small dish; pour over the cheeses and olives.
• Pimientos should be sprinkled on top.
• Refrigerate for at least 8 days in the fridge if covered.
• Serve with pieces of baguette.

Keyword cheddar cheese, cream cheese

Cooking tips about Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring

• Selecting Olives: Go for a mix of green and black olives for variety in both color and flavor. Marinated olives, available at most Italian delis or gourmet food stores, usually come with herbs and garlic, adding an extra layer of taste. If marinating your own, consider using olive oil, vinegar, garlic, lemon zest, and a mix of herbs like thyme and rosemary to infuse the olives with rich flavors.
• Cream Cheese Consistency: For the best texture, allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature before mixing it with the parsley or other herbs. This makes it easier to blend and mold into the desired shape, ensuring a smooth consistency without lumps.
• Incorporating Fresh Herbs: Finely chop fresh parsley to distribute evenly throughout the cream cheese mixture. Fresh herbs bring brightness and a slight peppery note to the creamy base, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Assembling the Ring: Layer or arrange the cream cheese mixture and olives in a circular mold or on a platter to form a ring shape. A springform pan can be an excellent tool for molding, as it allows for easy unmolding without compromising the arrangement’s integrity.
• Marination Time: If you’re combining the olives with the cheese mixture before serving, give them some time to sit together in the refrigerator. This marination step allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more cohesive taste experience. A few hours should suffice, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor infusion.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable crudités. Consider placing a small bowl of extra virgin olive oil in the center of the ring for guests to drizzle over their serving, enhancing the flavors.
• Final Touches: Just before serving, consider garnishing with additional fresh parsley or even some lemon zest to brighten up the presentation and add a hint of citrusy zing that complements the olives’ brininess.
• Pairing with Wines: The rich flavors of the Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring pair beautifully with crisp white wines or light-bodied reds. A Pinot Grigio or a Chianti can complement the dish perfectly, echoing the Italian inspiration behind it.

Serving suggestions about Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring

• Elegant Presentation: Choose an attractive platter for serving the Olive & Cheese Ring. The contrast between the cream cheese’s soft color and the vibrant olives catches the eye, so a dark or neutral-colored plate can make the colors pop even more.
• Room Temperature Serving: Serve the Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring at room temperature. This ensures the cream cheese is soft enough to spread easily, enhancing the eating experience.
• Accompaniments: Pair the Olive & Cheese Ring with a variety of sides for dipping and spreading. Offer guests an assortment of crackers, sliced baguettes, and vegetable crudités. These extras will complement the creamy texture and tangy flavor of the olive and cheese combination perfectly.
• Centerpiece Garnish: If you’ve molded the cheese and olive mixture in a ring form, consider placing a small bowl of extra virgin olive oil or a balsamic glaze in the center of the ring. Guests can drizzle this over their individual servings for an added flavor dimension.
• Drinks Pairing: The rich flavors of the Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring go well with a variety of wines. A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, can balance the creaminess of the cheese and the salty brininess of the olives.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle additional chopped fresh parsley or even small basil leaves around the ring for a burst of color and freshness. This not only adds to the presentation but also introduces a new layer of flavor.
• Early Preparation: If preparing the Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring in advance, cover and refrigerate it. Remember to take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature.
• Interactive Serving: Encourage guests to mix and match their own bites by spreading cream cheese on their choice of bread or cracker, then topping with the marinated olives. This interactive element adds a fun aspect to the dining experience.

Top 5 FAQs about Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring

• What are the main components that make the Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring so special? The unique appeal of this appetizer lies in the harmonious combination of creamy cream cheese, fresh parsley, and an assortment of briny marinated olives. These elements together create a delightful contrast of textures and flavors – from the smoothness of the cream cheese to the tangy bite of the olives, complemented by the freshness of parsley.
• How should I choose the best olives for the Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring? Opt for a variety of green and black olives to add both color and flavor diversity to your ring. Marinated olives, which you can find at Italian delis or gourmet food stores, are preferred as they come infused with herbs and garlic, adding extra depth to the dish. If marinating your own, consider using a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, lemon zest, and herbs like thyme and rosemary.
• What’s the best way to ensure the cream cheese has the right consistency? To achieve the ideal texture, allow your cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing it with parsley or other herbs. This ensures easy blending and molding without lumps, allowing you to create a smooth and cohesive base for your ring.
• Can I prepare the Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring ahead of time? Yes, assembling the Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring in advance is actually beneficial. Once assembled, let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or ideally overnight. This not only allows the flavors to meld together fully but also makes the dish easier to serve as the cream cheese will firm up slightly, retaining its shape better.
• What are some serving suggestions for the Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring? Serve your Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable crudités. Placing a small bowl of extra virgin olive oil in the center of the ring for guests to drizzle over their servings can enhance the flavors. For an additional garnish right before serving, consider adding fresh parsley or lemon zest to brighten the presentation and introduce a hint of citrus.