Mediterranean Marinated Cheese Curds

Bold. Briny. Snackable as hell.

These aren’t your average cheese curds. Gardner’s Original Cheese Curds take on new life when infused with olive oil, briny olives, garlic, and fresh herbs. This no-cook appetizer delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for impressive grazing boards, elevated crusty bread, or late-night fridge raids.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Gardner’s Original Cheese Curds (6 oz)

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ¼ cup chopped olives (Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or a mix)

• 1 to 2 garlic cloves, smashed

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme

• 2 sprigs fresh oregano

• Zest of ½ a lemon

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. In a clean jar or airtight container, layer the cheese curds and chopped olives.

2. Add the garlic, lemon zest, and whole herb sprigs. Keeping herbs on the stem makes them easier to remove later.

3. Pour the olive oil over everything until the curds are well coated. Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.

4. Seal the jar and gently tilt it back and forth to mix.

5. Let it marinate in the fridge for minimum 1 hour (overnight is ideal for max marination, but we get it if you can't wait).

6. When ready, remove the garlic and herb sprigs, bringing to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to unlock the full squeaky fresh flavor.

Makes & Serves:
Yield: About 8oz
Perfect for: Snack plates, antipasto boards, or impressing guests without even turning on the stove.

Why We Love It:
It’s fresh, punchy, and super flexible. The curds soak up every note of the Mediterranean marinade, making each bite salty, savory, and full of personality.

Craving it now? Shop Gardner’s Original Cheese Curds here

Tag @gardnerswisconsincheese when you make it. We might just feature you.