MARINATED OLIVE & CHEESE RING

Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring image

We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. -Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 25m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cold
1 package (10 ounces) sharp white cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/3 cup pimiento-stuffed olives
1/3 cup pitted Greek olives
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (2 ounces) pimiento strips, drained and chopped
Toasted French bread baguette slices

Steps:

Cut cream cheese lengthwise in half; cut each half into 1/4-in. slices. On a serving plate, arrange cheeses upright in a ring, alternating cheddar and cream cheese slices. Place olives in center., In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, oil, parsley, basil and garlic until blended; drizzle over cheeses and olives. Sprinkle with pimientos. Refrigerate, covered, at least 8 hours or overnight. Serve with baguette slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 168 calories, Fat 16g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 260mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 6g protein.