Dirty Jartini Marinated Cheese Recipe

Name: Dirty Jartini Marinated Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 4 ounces feta, cubed; 4 ounces havarti, cubed; 4 ounces blue cheese, cubed; ½ cup Blue cheese stuffed olives, reserve 3 Tablespoons brine; 3/4 cup Olive Oil; 3 Tablespoons Olive brine; 1 Tablespoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 ounces Gin

Ingredients

This recipe was created for 8 servings. Quantities are automatically adjustable, but cooking steps remain the same. Note that scaling may not always be perfect.

4 ounces feta, cubed
4 ounces havarti, cubed
4 ounces blue cheese, cubed
cup blue cheese stuffed olives (reserve 3 tablespoons brine)
3/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons olive brine
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 ounces gin

Directions

Place the feta, havarti, blue cheese, and olives into a large jar.
Add the olive oil, reserved brine, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and gin into the jar.
Gently shake the jar until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Refrigerate the mixture until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 362
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 37mg
Sodium: 760mg
Carbohydrates: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 9g
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 250mg
Iron: 0mg
Potassium: 77mg

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may vary. Nutrient information may not be available for all ingredients. Consult a medical professional if you have dietary restrictions.

The Story Behind Dirty Jartini Marinated Cheese

The Dirty Jartini Marinated Cheese is a modern twist on traditional marinated cheeses, drawing inspiration from the classic dirty martini cocktail. Emerging in the early 21st century, this recipe was created by adventurous home cooks and bartenders who wanted to combine the briny, savory flavors of cheese with the sophisticated notes of gin and olives. The idea was simple yet innovative: infuse familiar cheeses with a cocktail-inspired marinade to create a bold appetizer that works both as a party starter and a gourmet snack.

Regional Characteristics

Although rooted in American cuisine, Dirty Jartini Marinated Cheese carries influences from Mediterranean and European traditions. Feta, blue cheese, and havarti each bring their heritage to the dish, reflecting Greek, Danish, and general European cheesemaking styles. In coastal and urban American regions, where mixology and artisanal foods are highly celebrated, this dish often appears in trendy bistros and wine bars. Its regional identity is therefore a blend of Mediterranean flavor profiles with contemporary American creativity.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Marinated cheeses are common in many culinary traditions, but Dirty Jartini Marinated Cheese distinguishes itself through its cocktail-inspired infusion. Unlike simple olive oil or herb marinades, this recipe incorporates gin and olive brine, giving the cheese a subtly boozy and salty complexity reminiscent of a dirty martini. The combination of three distinct cheeses ensures a balance of textures and flavorsfrom the creamy, mild havarti to the tangy, crumbly feta and the pungent, strong blue cheese. This complexity makes it stand out among other marinated cheese recipes that rely solely on herbs, spices, or vinegar.

Typical Serving Occasions

Dirty Jartini Marinated Cheese is most often served as an appetizer or a sophisticated snack. It pairs beautifully with cocktails, particularly gin-based drinks, and is a favorite at dinner parties, wine tastings, and holiday gatherings. Some upscale restaurants also include it on charcuterie boards or as part of a small plate menu. It is generally chilled and served in jars or small bowls, allowing guests to scoop out individual portions with toothpicks or small forks.

Interesting Facts

The name Dirty Jartini cleverly references both the dirty martini cocktail and the jar used for marination.
This dish is a creative way to enjoy the flavor of a cocktail without consuming alcohol in liquid formmaking it popular for pairing with non-alcoholic drinks as well.
Because it combines three types of cheese with gin and brine, the dish has become a staple for mixologists looking to impress guests with an edible cocktail experience.
Marination allows the flavors to meld over time, making it ideal for preparing a day in advance and letting the cheese absorb the herbal and briny notes fully.
While blue cheese can be polarizing, the blend with feta and havarti tempers its intensity, making it accessible to a wider range of palates.

FAQ about Dirty Jartini Marinated Cheese Recipe

The marinated cheese can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure the cheese is fully submerged in the marinade to maintain freshness.

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the texture of the cheeses and olives may become grainy and watery upon thawing.

Yes, you can substitute cheeses or olives based on preference. Firm cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack work well, and any brine-stuffed olives can be used. Adjust the marinade proportionally if the flavors are stronger or milder.

For best flavor, allow the cheese to marinate for at least 2–4 hours before serving. Overnight marination intensifies the flavor even more.

Yes, ingredient amounts can be scaled up or down. Keep in mind that marination time may need slight adjustment for smaller or larger batches to ensure even flavor absorption.

This recipe contains dairy, alcohol, and high sodium. People with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or alcohol restrictions should avoid or modify ingredients accordingly. Consult a healthcare professional if unsure.

Yes, you can omit the gin. Use additional olive brine or a mild vinegar to maintain the tangy flavor, though the unique 'Dirty Martini' taste will be less pronounced.

Gently shake the jar after mixing all ingredients to ensure even coating of the marinade over the cheese and olives. Avoid vigorous shaking, which may break up the cheese cubes.

Yes, you can serve the marinated cheese at room temperature, but remove it from the fridge about 15–20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

Use a clean glass or food-safe plastic jar with a tight-fitting lid. Avoid reactive metals like aluminum, which can affect the taste of the cheese and brine.