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Home » Recipe Index » Appetisers

Marinated Parmesan

Published: Aug 17, 2021 · Updated: Feb 8, 2023 Author: Alexandra Cook

For the full recipe including quantities and method, click the "jump to recipe" button, or scroll through and read our helpful tips along the way.

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Marinated Parmesan is a simple to prepare appetiser that is packed full of delicious flavours. Garlic, oregano and a little chilli combine with the Parmesan and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and are perfectly complemented by slices of crusty bread. This easy appetiser will become a favourite!

Overhead shot of round white dish of Parmesan, with a spoon scooping some of the cheese out, and some slices of bread in the background.
Jump to:
  • Why you’ll love this recipe:
  • Ingredients in this recipe:
  • How to Make Parmesan Bread Dipping Oil:
  • Tips for Success and FAQs:
  • Variations and substitutions:
  • Serving suggestions:
  • More delicious recipes for you to try:
  • Marinated Parmesan
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Why you’ll love this recipe:

This easy appetiser has been a family favourite for many years. Requiring just a few minutes of preparation time, the flavours of this Marinated Parmesan are vibrant and so delicious.

I have adapted this recipe from one by Bill Granger from his book “Simply Bill”.

You will love this recipe for Marinated Parmesan because:

  • It is a delicious starter that comes together in about 5-10 minutes – they don’t come much quicker or easier than that.
  • This recipe is bursting with garlic and other delicious flavours, and when paired with warm, rustic bread is irresistible!
  • You can omit or swap ingredients depending on your taste or what you have on hand.
  • Easily adjust the quantities to make a larger batch if you are feeding a crowd.
  • It is a unique way to enjoy using Parmesan, which is such a quality ingredient.

Ingredients in this recipe:

Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

Ingredients in this recipe on a white background.

Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

Parmesan cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the most delicious, aged hard cheeses. You can read more about this amazing cheese on the official website. If you are unable to source Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano can also be used in this recipe.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – for the best flavour, we use Extra Virgin Olive Oil. As oil is the base of this dish, use the best olive oil that you can.

Garlic – a clove of garlic that has been minced adds a lovely flavour to the oil.

Chilli/Red pepper flakes – we love the heat of chilli/red pepper flakes. Use more or less, depending on how much you like the heat.

Spring onion/scallion – include the white bulb and some of the green.

Dried oregano – you could also use fresh oregano if you prefer.

How to Make Parmesan Bread Dipping Oil:

Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

Steps 1-2 of preparing this recipe - cutting the Parmesan cheese and all of the ingredients in a bowl ready to mix.

1 – Cut your Parmesan cheese:
Chop your Parmesan into cubes – roughly 1 cm (½ inch).

2 – Combine with your other ingredients:
Add the Parmesan and other ingredients to a bowl. Mix well. Allow the flavours to develop for 30 minutes.

Serve with your favourite bread.

Overhead shot of round white dish of Parmesan, with a spoon scooping some of the cheese out, and some slices of bread and a dish of chilli flakes around the edge.

Tips for Success and FAQs:

As this is such a simple recipe with very few ingredients, we recommend using the best quality products you’re able to find.

A good quality Parmesan cheese makes the difference in a recipe like this, where it is very much the star of the show.

How long will the Marinated Parmesan last?

Up to three days in the fridge, in an air-tight container.

Can I use fresh herbs?

Fresh oregano is also delicious in this recipe, and you could also use fresh chilli if you prefer.

What oil is best to use?

The success of your Marinated Parmesan begins with the quality of the oil which you use. For the best flavour and nutritional benefits, use Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

How should I store leftover Parmesan cheese?

Wrap the cheese in cling wrap or place it in a ziplock bag. If using a ziplock bag, it is recommended to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

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Variations and substitutions:

Parmesan cheese – if you are unable to source Parmigiano Reggiano, I recommend using Grana Padano.

Herbs – use any herbs that you enjoy eating. Both dried or fresh will work in this recipe. Use the recipe as a base and see what flavours you enjoy best.

Round white dish of Parmesan, with a spoon scooping some of the cheese out, and some slices of bread in the background.

Serving suggestions:

This delicious Marinated Parmesan is ideal to serve as a dipping oil along with your favourite bread – we love our easy Spelt Focaccia, but you could also serve it with Crostini or even Pita Chips.

Serve it as part of an antipasto platter with your favourite meats and dips, such as our Cannellini Bean Dip or Roasted Red Pepper Pesto.

I love a recipe that is simple to prepare but tastes incredible, and my Marinated Parmesan is definitely both of those! It is ideal for entertaining – you’ll be able to relax and enjoy this delicious recipe with your guests. 

Let me know in the comments below when you have given this a try!

Alex xx

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    Marinated Feta Cheese
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    Marinated Olives
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    Marinated Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini)
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Round white dish of Parmesan, with a spoon scooping some of the cheese out, and some slices of bread in the background.

Marinated Parmesan

Marinated Parmesan is a simple to prepare appetiser that is packed full of delicious flavours. Garlic, oregano and a little chilli combine with the Parmesan and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which works perfectly with slices of crusty bread. This easy appetiser will become a favourite!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Review
Course: Appetiser, Starter
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Standing Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 359kcal
Author: Alexandra Cook – It’s Not Complicated Recipes

Please note:

For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results. All oven temperatures listed are for fan forced.

Ingredients

  • 200 g (7 oz) Parmesan cheese – I use Parmigiano Reggiano See Note 1
  • 1 clove garlic – minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chilli/red pepper flakes – or to taste
  • ⅓ cup (75 ml) extra virgin olive oil See Note 2
  • 1 spring onion/scallion

Instructions

  • Cut your Parmesan into cubes – roughly 1 cm (½ inch).
  • Add the Parmesan to a bowl, and add your remaining ingredients.
  • Mix together and allow to sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to develop. Serve with fresh bread.

Notes

  1. Parmesan: use good quality Parmesan cheese – I use and recommend Parmigiano Reggiano.
  2. Olive oil: using a good quality Olive Oil is important for the success of this recipe.
  3. Recipe inspiration: I have adapted this recipe from one by Bill Granger from his book “Simply Bill”.
Made this recipe? We’d be so grateful if you could leave a comment and rating at the bottom of the page!

Nutrition Estimate:

Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 806mg | Potassium: 69mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 605mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional Disclaimer:

The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lara

    August 24, 2021 at 3:27 am

    5 stars
    We made this as an appetizer last weekend! My mother loved it!

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      August 25, 2021 at 3:49 pm

      That is great to hear, Lara – thank you! 🙂

      Reply

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