Pin it A visually striking appetizer featuring alternating cubes of cheese and olives arranged like a chessboard. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
This appetizer is always a hit at my gatherings and is visually impressive without much effort.
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.
Pin it This recipe brings everyone together around the table for a fun start to any party.
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. Doublecheck cheese labels for gluten if serving to glutenintolerant guests.
Nutritional Information
Calories 185 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 3 g Protein 10 g per serving
Pin it 
This easy appetizer elevates any gathering with taste and style.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses work best for this board?
Aged cheddar and firm mozzarella provide contrasting textures and mild flavors, but gouda or havarti are good alternatives.
- → Can I use different types of olives?
Yes, both green and black olives work well; stuffed olives add an extra burst of flavor to the presentation.
- → How should the cheese and olives be prepared?
Cut cheeses into uniform 1.5 cm cubes and drain olives thoroughly for neat arrangement and easy serving.
- → What garnishes complement this board?
Freshly chopped parsley adds color and freshness, and serve with crackers or breadsticks for texture contrast.
- → Is this board suitable for special diets?
It suits vegetarian diets and can be gluten-free if gluten-free cheeses are chosen; vegan options require plant-based cheeses.