Southwestern Cheese Appetizer

• cup olive oil↗1⁄2
• cup white wine vinegar↗1⁄2
• cup fresh lime juice↗1⁄4
• ounces jars roasted red peppers, drained and diced↗3 3⁄4
• green onions, minced↗3
• tablespoons fresh parsley↗3
• tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro3
• teaspoon sugar↗1
• teaspoon salt↗1⁄2
• fresh ground pepper↗1⁄2
• ounces sharp cheddar cheese, chilled↗8
• ounces monterey jack pepper cheese, chilled↗8
• (8 ounce) package cream cheese, chilled↗1

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Whisk together first 3 ingredients until mixture is blended; stir in diced red peppers and next 6 ingredients.

2. 2

   Set marinade aside.

3. 3

   Cut block of cheddar cheese in half lengthwise.

4. 4

   Cut halves crosswise into ¼-inch thick slices.

5. 5

   Repeat procedure with Monterey jack cheese and cream cheese.

6. 6

   Arrange cheese slices alternatively in a shallow baking dish, standing slices on edge.

7. 7

   Pour marinade over cheeses.

8. 8

   Cover and chill at least 8 hours.

9. 9

   Transfer cheese to a serving plate, and spoon remaining marinade over top.

10. 10

    Serve with assorted crackers or even tortilla chips.