Save to Pinterest 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.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
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
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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
Save to Pinterest This appetizer always sparks conversation and adds a fun twist to our gatherings.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
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
Save to Pinterest 
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.
