Mini Marinated Gouda Cheese Jars for Appetizers

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Old Amsterdam. All opinions are my own.

Summer calls for simple food, easy entertaining, and as many outdoor meals as possible. When the weather is warm, quick appetizers and make-ahead snacks are always the best choice, especially when you can avoid turning on the oven. These mini marinated Gouda jars are flavorful, elegant, and incredibly easy to prepare. They make a beautiful individual appetizer for small gatherings, picnic-style meals, cheese boards, or casual outdoor dinners.

The idea is simple: cubes of Gouda are packed into small jars with olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon peel, and garlic. As the cheese sits, it absorbs the flavors and becomes rich, aromatic, and perfect for serving with crackers, fruit, nuts, or bread. You can use a quick warm oil method when you are short on time, or let the jars chill overnight for deeper flavor.

Here is what you will need to make these easy marinated Gouda appetizer jars:

• About 2 ounces of cheese per person
• Good-quality olive oil, or another neutral oil such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil
• A handful of fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, or dill
• Aromatics such as lemon peel, garlic, or bay leaves
• Spices such as peppercorns or chili flakes
• Heat or time, depending on the marinating method you choose
• Individual serving jars or small glasses, about 4 to 8 ounces each

What Cheese Is Best for Marinating?

For these marinated cheese jars, I used Old Amsterdam goat Gouda. This semi-hard Gouda is buttery, creamy, and mild enough to pair well with a wide variety of flavors. It works especially well with bright herbs, lemon peel, garlic, and olive oil. A pinch of chili flakes would also be a lovely addition if you want a little heat.

Other cheeses that work well for marinating include:

• Feta
• Goat cheese
• Mozzarella
• Some semi-hard cheddars
• Other mild, slightly porous cheeses

The best cheese for marinating is one with a fairly neutral flavor and a texture that can hold its shape. A semi-hard cheese is ideal because it stays intact in the oil while still being soft enough to enjoy with crackers or bread. Once the cheese has marinated, you can serve it directly in the oil for a rustic presentation, or drain the oil before serving. If you drain it, reserve the flavored oil for another use, such as drizzling over bread, vegetables, or a simple salad.

To Heat or Not to Heat…

For this marinated Gouda recipe, you can choose the method that works best for your schedule.

The heat method speeds up the marinating process by gently infusing the olive oil with garlic, herbs, and lemon peel. This is the best option when you need a faster appetizer. The cheese still needs time to absorb the flavor, so plan for at least 1 to 2 hours of marinating before serving.

The chill method takes longer, but it gives the ingredients more time to develop. With this method, the cheese, herbs, garlic, lemon peel, and oil are added directly to the jars and refrigerated for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight. Before serving, bring the jars to room temperature so the oil loosens and the cheese has the best texture.

What Pairs Best with Gouda?

Gouda is a versatile cheese, which makes these mini marinated Gouda jars easy to serve with many different accompaniments. When building a small cheese board or appetizer plate, look for pairings that add sweetness, crunch, freshness, or a little spice.

• Autumn fruits such as apples, pears, figs, and grapes
• Sweet jams and chutneys
• Nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios
• Spicy mustards
• A variety of breads, crostini, and crackers

For a summery appetizer plate, sweet red cherries, water crackers, and truffle Marcona almonds are especially delicious with the lemony herb-marinated Gouda. A can of sparkling rosé also makes a light, refreshing drink pairing. Serve each person their own little jar for an easy, polished appetizer that feels special without requiring much effort.

Make It Special and a Little Extra

Entertaining during the time of COVID looked different, and small gatherings called for more thoughtful serving ideas. Instead of focusing on what could not be done, this recipe leans into simple ways to make food feel safe, personal, and special. Individual servings are practical, but they also make appetizers feel intentional and beautifully presented.

If you are planning an outdoor gathering, here are a few helpful tips:

• Keep it outside as much as possible: Embrace al fresco dining when the weather allows. To help deter bugs, place small containers of basil, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, or mint around the eating area. Choose seating and serving surfaces that are easy to clean.
• Serve individual portions: Instead of family-style platters, offer personal servings on small boards, plates, jars, or cups. These mini marinated Gouda jars are a simple and stylish place to start.
• Choose individual drinks: Canned drinks, bottled beverages, or drinks served in individual jars are easy to manage and perfect for casual outdoor entertaining.

Try strawberry and lavender prosecco popsicles for a fun summer dessert.