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Cheese and Olive Board

Featured in: Quick Everyday Meals

This dish showcases a creative board with cubes of aged cheddar and firm mozzarella alternated with black and green olives in a chessboard pattern. It’s an effortless appetizer to assemble with no cooking needed, perfect for gatherings and parties. A fresh garnish of parsley adds a touch of color and flavor, while serving it alongside crackers or breadsticks complements the savory bites. Variations include swapping cheeses or using stuffed olives to enhance taste.

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Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:34:00 GMT
Golden cheddar and mozzarella cheese cubes and olives form a stunning Cheese and Olive Chess Board. Save to Pinterest
Golden cheddar and mozzarella cheese cubes and olives form a stunning Cheese and Olive Chess Board. | messlitreats.com

A visually striking appetizer featuring alternating cubes of cheese and olives arranged like a chessboard. Perfect for parties and gatherings.

I first served this at a family get-together and everyone loved the unique presentation and easy assembly.

Ingredients

  • Cheese: 100 g aged cheddar cheese cut into 1.5 cm cubes, 100 g firm mozzarella cheese cut into 1.5 cm cubes
  • Olives: 100 g black olives pitted and drained, 100 g green olives pitted and drained
  • Garnish (optional): 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, Crackers or breadsticks for serving

Instructions

Step 1:
Arrange the cheese cubes and olives alternately on a large square or rectangular platter to mimic a chessboard pattern (e.g., cheddar, black olive, mozzarella, green olive, etc.)
Step 2:
Continue until the platter is filled keeping the pattern consistent
Step 3:
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the board for a fresh touch (optional)
Step 4:
Serve immediately with crackers or breadsticks on the side
This Cheese and Olive Chess Board appetizer displays a beautiful array of cheese and olives, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
This Cheese and Olive Chess Board appetizer displays a beautiful array of cheese and olives, ready to serve. | messlitreats.com

This appetizer always sparks conversation and adds a fun twist to our gatherings.

Required Tools

Large serving platter or tray Small knife Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese) Olives are usually safe but check stuffing for allergens if using stuffed olives Double-check cheese labels for gluten if serving to gluten-intolerant guests

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories 185 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 3 g Protein 10 g

Imagine the vibrant alternating pattern of cheese and olives in this delicious Cheese and Olive Chess Board arrangement. Save to Pinterest
Imagine the vibrant alternating pattern of cheese and olives in this delicious Cheese and Olive Chess Board arrangement. | messlitreats.com

This cheese and olive chess board is a simple yet elegant appetizer that will impress your guests.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, semi-firm cheeses like gouda or havarti can substitute cheddar or mozzarella for varied flavors and textures.

→ How should the olives be prepared?

Olives should be pitted and drained to ensure easy eating and to avoid excess liquid on the board.

→ Is there a vegan alternative?

Plant-based cheeses can replace dairy options, offering a vegan-friendly version with similar texture and taste.

→ What is a good accompaniment for serving?

Crackers or breadsticks are ideal for pairing, adding crunch and making the platter more substantial.

→ How to create the chessboard pattern?

Arrange cheese cubes and olives alternately on a square or rectangular platter, repeating the pattern evenly across the board.

Cheese and Olive Board

A striking platter featuring alternating cubes of cheddar, mozzarella, and olives for entertaining.

Prep Duration
15 min
0
Overall Duration
15 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin International

Portion Yield 6 People served

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, Reduced Carb

List of Ingredients

Cheese

01 3.5 oz aged cheddar cheese, cut into 0.6 inch cubes
02 3.5 oz firm mozzarella cheese, cut into 0.6 inch cubes

Olives

01 3.5 oz black olives, pitted and drained
02 3.5 oz green olives, pitted and drained

Garnish

01 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
02 Crackers or breadsticks, for serving

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Arrange Chessboard Pattern: Place cheese cubes and olives alternately on a large square or rectangular platter to create a chessboard effect, alternating cheddar, black olives, mozzarella, and green olives.

Step 02

Fill Platter Consistently: Continue arranging ingredients until the entire platter is evenly covered with the alternating pattern.

Step 03

Add Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle the finely chopped parsley evenly over the arranged pieces for a fresh accent.

Step 04

Serve: Present immediately alongside crackers or breadsticks.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large serving platter or tray
  • Small knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains dairy from cheese.
  • Check olive stuffing for potential allergens.
  • Verify gluten content in cheese for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 185
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Proteins: 10 g