If you’re anything like me and love whipping up simple yet impressive appetizers, this Marinated Cheese and Olive Skewers Recipe is going to be a game-changer for your next gathering. I absolutely love how the combination of tangy green olives, sweet piquante peppers, and creamy mozzarella comes together with a bright, herbal marinade that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find that these skewers become a go-to party favorite that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The marinade infuses the cheese, olives, and peppers with a vibrant, zesty blend that wakes up your taste buds.
Super Simple to Make: Just a few ingredients and a bit of waiting, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser ready to go.
Perfect Make-Ahead Appetizer: You can marinate everything hours – even a day ahead – to save stress on party day.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or an elegant starter, these skewers fit right in.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with small cubes of pale yellow cheese mixed with bright red stuffed peppers and green olives skewered with tiny wooden picks. The cheese cubes have a smooth texture with herbs and small bits of green seasoning sprinkled on them. The red peppers are glossy and hollow, showing a shiny surface. Green olives are whole, shiny, and pierced with the picks, adding a round shape to the dish. Fresh green rosemary sprigs are scattered among the ingredients, adding a touch of freshness and texture. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background effect. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that choosing quality ingredients really makes the magic happen in this Marinated Cheese and Olive Skewers Recipe. Each one brings its own unique texture and flavor, and together they create that irresistible combo you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor that complements the marinade perfectly.
Orange: Both zest and juice add a fresh citrus brightness that livens up the whole dish.
Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic gives a subtle punch without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Fresh rosemary: A sturdy sprig infuses an earthy, aromatic note during the warming of the marinade.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle kick of heat that balances the sweetness.
Fresh parsley: Minced and stirred in at the end, it adds that final pop of herbal freshness.
Manzanilla green olives stuffed with pimentos: Their briny tang and firm texture are essential to this recipe.
Juanita piquante peppers (or pimentos/roasted red peppers): These mild peppers bring sweetness and a lovely tender bite.
Fresh mozzarella: Cut into easy-to-skewer cubes, it’s creamy and mild, soaking up the marinade beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Marinated Cheese and Olive Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or need to work around dietary needs, these little skewers are happy to take on whatever creative twist you throw at them.

Spicy variation: I like to swap the red pepper flakes for a few sliced jalapeños in the marinade when I want to turn up the heat—my family goes crazy for the extra kick!
Cheese swap: If you want a sharper flavor, cubed halloumi or aged provolone works beautifully; just keep the texture firm enough for skewering.
Herb remix: Try fresh thyme or oregano instead of rosemary for a different herbal profile—I discovered this trick while experimenting for a summer party.
Vegetarian-friendly: If you want an extra veggie boost, add marinated artichoke hearts or sundried tomatoes to the skewers for colorful variety.

How to Make Marinated Cheese and Olive Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavorful Marinade

Start by combining olive oil, orange zest and juice, thinly sliced garlic, a fresh rosemary sprig, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. The key here is gentle warming—you want to bring it just below a simmer and let it hang out for a couple of minutes until the garlic scent fills your kitchen. This warming process softens the flavors and extracts those vibrant aromas that make this marinade special. Once done, stir in the fresh parsley and set it aside to cool completely before adding it to your ingredients.

Step 2: Prep the Mozzarella, Olives, and Peppers

While the marinade is cooling, cut your fresh mozzarella into roughly 3/4-inch cubes—you’ll want about 36 for this batch. Then, toss those cubes together with your green olives and piquante peppers in a large container or bowl. This is where the magic starts to happen: the creamy cheese, salty olives, and sweet peppers await their flavor bath!

Step 3: Marinate and Chill

Once the marinade has cooled, pour it over the cheese, olives, and peppers. Gentle is the word here—toss everything lightly so you don’t break up the mozzarella, but make sure all pieces soak in the zesty flavors. Cover your container tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Honestly, if you can wait 24 to 48 hours, the flavor deepens beautifully—I learned this patience pays off the hard way after rushing to serve sooner!

Step 4: Assemble Your Skewers Like a Pro

When you’re ready to wow your guests, grab some 5-inch bamboo or wooden skewers. Thread an olive first, followed by a pepper, then a cube of marinated mozzarella, finishing with another olive. This order not only balances the flavors but makes for a delightful bite each time. Arrange your skewers on a serving tray and either serve immediately or cover and keep refrigerated for up to a day.

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Pro Tips for Making Marinated Cheese and Olive Skewers Recipe

Warm but don’t boil the marinade: Gentle heating lets the garlic and herbs infuse without turning bitter—keep it below simmering point.
Use fresh herbs whenever possible: Fresh rosemary and parsley brighten the marinade, but dried herbs can work in a pinch.
Don’t rush the marinating time: Giving it at least 4 hours, or better yet overnight, takes the flavor from good to wow.
Handle mozzarella gently: Cut it into cubes with a sharp knife and toss carefully to avoid breaking the delicate cheese.

How to Serve Marinated Cheese and Olive Skewers Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with small skewers, each with three layers: a green olive on top, a bright red small pepper in the middle, and a cube of pale yellow cheese at the bottom. The plate is garnished with sprigs of green herbs such as rosemary and parsley. The background is a white marbled texture, and a white cloth with a green pattern is placed near the plate. The colors are bright and fresh, with the red peppers contrasting sharply against the green olives and pale cheese photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish off these skewers with a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley or a few tiny basil leaves. The green pop adds a fresh look and a herbaceous lift that I find really complements the marinade’s orange and rosemary notes. A little flaky sea salt on top right before serving is another optional touch that ups the flavor game.

Side Dishes

We often serve these skewers alongside crusty bread or pita chips to scoop up any leftover marinade. A simple arugula salad or tomato bruschetta also pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of cheese and olives with fresh veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the skewers standing up in a decorative glass filled with coarse kosher salt or whole peppercorns – it looks stunning and makes grabbing them easy for guests. Another fun idea is layering skewers on a long wooden board with sprigs of fresh herbs scattered around for a rustic vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be kept covered in the fridge for up to one day. I store the assembled skewers in an airtight container and find the flavors actually taste better the next day as the marinade continues to mingle.

Freezing

Since these skewers feature fresh mozzarella and delicate veggies, I don’t recommend freezing them as it alters the texture. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a day or two of marinating.

Reheating

These skewers are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so I don’t usually reheat them. If you want to bring out some warmth in the marinade, you can gently warm remaining liquid separately and drizzle over the skewers right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cheese in the Marinated Cheese and Olive Skewers Recipe?

Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is traditional for its mild flavor and creamy texture, you can experiment with other firm cheeses like halloumi, feta, or provolone. Just make sure the cheese holds up well when skewered and marinated without falling apart.
How far in advance can I marinate the ingredients?

I recommend marinating the cheese, olives, and peppers for at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld, but you can go as long as 48 hours. The longer it marinates, the more intense and flavorful the skewers will be.
Are these skewers gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this Marinated Cheese and Olive Skewers Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty appetizer for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make a vegan version, substitute the fresh mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative that holds up well on skewers. The rest of the marinade and ingredients work perfectly for vegan diets.

Final Thoughts

This Marinated Cheese and Olive Skewers Recipe truly holds a special place in my appetizer lineup. It’s one of those effortless recipes that feels just fancy enough for company but simple enough for a casual night in. The balance of bold olives, sweet peppers, and tender cheese soaked in a zesty, herbal marinade always brings smiles to the table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these skewers as much as I do—because good food is all about the joy of sharing with friends and family.