I posted this in 2012 and I still make it around the Holidays because it’s delicious, beautiful and easy. 

Original post

This appetizer is perfect for Christmas or New Years Eve with the green and red but can be eaten all year!  I found this recipe in the Southern Living magazine at least 6 or 7 yrs ago!  They actually have two different recipes on their webiste and I have made both, I like this one the most!  The other one has balsamic vinegar in it and so it changes the color of the cheese which I didn't like as much.

Just buy 8 oz bars of cheese and slice them 1/4 inch thick and then in half.  You can see by the picture below the size the cheese should be.  It's kinda amazing how many slices you end up with with just 3 bars of cheese.  

It's very important to let it marinade over night or at least 8 hours.  This will last 3 to 5 days but it's in it's prime the 2nd and 3rd day!

I made this twice last week and didn't take step by step pictures but you can see by the picture below what it should look like.  Just whisk the marinade in a bowl and pour it over the cheese.  I do 3 lines of cheese and place it in a plastic container where the cheese fits snug so that it's not to large of a container, that way the cheese is able to be coated in the marinade.

Here is the plastic container I use and then I just put the lid on it and put it in the fridge!

This is an updated picture in a plastic container with the mixture poured over the cheese then topped with a lid to marinate for at least 8 hours.  I will sometimes put the container on a plate (in case it leaks) so I can turn it upside down half way through. 

*also I found the the roasted sweet red peppers at The Dollar Tree!  They are just as good as the ones I buy at the grocery store!

Southwestern Cheese Appetizers 

1/2 cup olive oil 
1/2 cup white wine vinegar 
1/4 cup fresh lime juice 
1/2 (7.5-ounce) jar roasted sweet red peppers, drained and diced 
3 green onions, minced 
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 
1 teaspoon sugar 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 
1 (8-ounce) block sharp Cheddar cheese, chilled 
1 (8-ounce) block Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, chilled 
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, chilled 

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

Cut block of Cheddar cheese in half lengthwise. Cut halves crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Repeat procedure with Monterey Jack cheese and cream cheese. 

Arrange cheese slices alternately in a shallow baking dish, standing slices on edge. Pour marinade over cheeses. Cover and chill at least 8 hours. Transfer cheese to a serving plate, and spoon remaining marinade over top. Serve with assorted crackers

Funeral Sandwiches - Aka Hot Ham or Turkey Sandwiches

I thought I’d bring these back because they are so good and would be great for New Years Eve!

I often use turkey but the original recipe which is called Funeral Sandwiches, maybe because they are really good and can be a comfort food.

I also get my Hawaiian Rolls at Sam’s or Costco because basically you get 2 for what they cost for 1 in the grocery store. 

From my post on 2013

I had these not long ago and oh are they delicious!!!  It seems weird to pour liquid on top of these but because you baked them they do not get soggy.  Each sandwich has a buttery taste with each sweet savory bite!

These would be great for the Superbowl game or any gathering.  They are also great for lunch with Lay's Potato Chips!  They are kinda look small in size but really 2 are enough for most women and 3 for most men, they are pretty filling.

Make sure and check them after 15 minutes so the tops don't get to brown.  The recipe says 20 to 30 minutes but I found after about 15 to 20 minutes they were done!

I often use Turkey instead of ham both work.

I added all it to many poppy seeds 

I buy these at Sam's Club or Costco, you get 24 for like $3.50 and at the grocery store you get 12 for anywhere from $2.99 to $3.50.

I also buy this at Sam's, I really like Castle Wood products! I also buy their 

              Hickory Smoked Turkey and it's hard for me to buy any other brand!

I used colby jack cheese but you can use any kind of cheese, provolone cheese is also good on these.

                    Line a 9X13 baking pan, the recipe calls for 12 sandwiches but I
have 15 in here.  I added a little more of everything to cover all 15.
                

   In a small sauce pan combine butter, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire and poppy seeds.

Bring to a boil and pour over sandwiches.  Note I forgot to put poppy seeds in the sauce so i sprinkled them on.  Next time I will put them in the sauce ;)   

Like I said I should have added the poppy seeds in the sauce.

Have you ever been to Penzey's?  It's a great store all about spices!  They are popping up everywhere!

I added more poppy seeds than I should have but they were still delicious!!!

Hot Party Ham Sandwiches

1 dozen Hawaiian Rolls

½ lb sliced deli ham- I use honey ham or turkey 

½ cup butter

2 Tbsp brown sugar

1 Tbsp yellow mustard

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp poppy seeds

Preheat oven to 350

Split each diner roll in half.  Make a sandwich of the ham and cheese and the Hawaiian rolls.  Arrange the sandwiches in a 9X13 pan.

In a small sauce pan combine butter, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire and poppy seeds and pour over sandwiches.

Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the tops are brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.