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Looking for a unique appetizer or main feature for your charcuterie board? This honey-thyme marinated cheddar cheese has an irresistible and unforgettable flavor!

When it comes to classic pairings, wine and cheese might rival peanut butter and jelly. Perhaps that’s why charcuterie boards seem to be all the rage these days.
If you’ve been looking for a standout recipe to liven up your next cheese board, this honey-thyme marinated cheddar cheese is always a show stopper! The flavors are so unique, something about it will keep you reaching for bite after bite.
I love making this recipe to enjoy with a bottle of wine or whenever I’m entertaining dinner guests. First of all, it’s so delicious. Second, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Whether you’re ready to take your charcuterie to the next level or you simply want to treat yourself to a wine-and-cheese night, give this recipe a try. You’ll wonder why you’ve never made marinated cheese before!
How to make honey-thyme marinated cheddar cheese
This simple dish comes together in just four easy steps. Let’s see how it’s done!
Step 1: Place the cheese cubes and thyme sprigs in a small jar.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, salt, and red pepper.
Step 3: Pour the olive oil mixture over the cheese in the jar. Turn the jar upside down a few times to saturate all of the cheese.
Step 4: Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
Your marinated cheese is ready to enjoy! I like to stick a few cubes on bamboo knot picks and drizzle with some of the marinating oil for a lovely presentation that’s easy to eat.
What to enjoy with this dish
Looking for more snacks or appetizers to round out a charcuterie board or snack spread? Luckily, cheese goes with just about everything!
Personally, I love enjoying cheese with pickles. This low-sodium pickles recipe is so easy to make at home and compliments the cheddar beautifully.
And what would a cheeseboard be without a little crunch? I recommend some Italian herbed nuts for a burst of flavor that’s easy to whip up!
Storage
Leftover marinated cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
If you notice the flavor becoming too strong, transfer the cheese from the marinating jar to a standard airtight container. Or, if you prefer a strong flavor, let it stay in the marinade until you run out!
Other delicious appetizer recipes
Looking for a few more dishes that are great for entertaining or treating yourself to some delicious snacking? I love throwing together a few appetizers to enjoy with some wine!
Here are a few of my favorites I know you’ll enjoy:
When you’ve tried this dish, please don’t forget to let me know how you liked it and rate the recipe in the comments below!
Honey-Thyme Marinated Cheddar Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounce extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, (cut into half-inch cubes)
- 4 to 5 sprigs of fresh thyme
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper, (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Place the cheese cubes and thyme sprigs in a small jar.8 ounce extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, 4 to 5 sprigs of fresh thyme
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, salt, and red pepper.⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the cheese in the jar. Turn the jar upside down a few times to saturate all of the cheese.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.