Cheese Olive Chessboard Appetizer

This appetizer presents alternating cubes of aged cheddar and firm mozzarella alongside pitted black and green olives arranged in a chessboard pattern. Garnished with fresh parsley and paired with crackers or breadsticks, it creates a visually appealing and flavorful starter ideal for gatherings. The combination offers a balance of creamy cheese and briny olives with options for customization and dietary considerations.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT
A beautiful Cheese and Olive Chess Board: a savory appetizer with squares of cheese and olives. Save
A beautiful Cheese and Olive Chess Board: a savory appetizer with squares of cheese and olives. | cocoabluff.com

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

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

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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.
Product image
Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.
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Product image
Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.
Check price on Amazon
Prepare for your guests a festive Cheese and Olive Chess Board appetizer, ready in minutes for enjoyment. Save
Prepare for your guests a festive Cheese and Olive Chess Board appetizer, ready in minutes for enjoyment. | cocoabluff.com

This Cheese and Olive Chess Board presents a delicious arrangement of textures; enjoy the salty, fresh flavors. Save
This Cheese and Olive Chess Board presents a delicious arrangement of textures; enjoy the salty, fresh flavors. | cocoabluff.com

Recipe FAQs

What types of cheese work well in this dish?

Aged cheddar and firm mozzarella provide contrasting textures and flavors, but gouda, havarti, or other semi-firm cheeses can also be used.

Can I use stuffed olives in the arrangement?

Yes, stuffed olives add extra flavor, but be sure to check for allergens if serving guests with sensitivities.

How should the cheese and olives be prepared?

Cut cheeses into 1.5 cm cubes and use pitted, drained olives for easy arrangement and eating.

Is garnishing necessary?

Sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley adds a fresh touch but is optional based on your preference.

What is the best way to serve this appetizer?

Serve immediately on a large platter with crackers or breadsticks on the side for added crunch.

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Cheese Olive Chessboard Appetizer

An elegant arrangement of cheddar, mozzarella, and olives for easy entertaining.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
0
Time Required
15 minutes
Recipe by Aubrey Gray


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Serves 6 Portions

Dietary Details Vegetarian Friendly, Free from Gluten, Low in Carbs

What You’ll Need

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 (optional)

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

Directions

Step 01

Arrange ingredients: Alternately place the cheddar cubes, black olives, mozzarella cubes, and green olives on a large square or rectangular serving platter to create a chessboard pattern.

Step 02

Fill the platter: Continue arranging the pieces in the established pattern until the entire platter surface is covered.

Step 03

Add garnish: Evenly sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the assembled board to add a fresh element; this step is optional.

Step 04

Serve: Present the assembled cheese and olive board immediately alongside crackers or breadsticks.

What You Need

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

Allergy Info

Review every item to spot allergens. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy from cheese
  • Verify olive stuffing for potential allergens if using stuffed olives
  • Check cheese labels for gluten content when serving guests with gluten intolerance

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

This nutrition data is here for reference and shouldn’t substitute for your medical professional’s advice.
  • Calorie Count: 185
  • Fat content: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 3 grams
  • Proteins: 10 grams