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Cheese Olive Chessboard Appetizer

Featured in: Everyday Recipe Ideas

This elegant dish features alternating cubes of aged cheddar and firm mozzarella cheeses paired with black and green olives. Arranged on a platter in a chessboard pattern, it creates a striking visual and delightful bite. With minimal preparation and no cooking time, it's perfect for parties and gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness, and serve alongside crackers or breadsticks to complement the flavors.

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Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:09:00 GMT
A close-up view of the cheese and olive chess board appetizer, colorful and appetizing looking. Save
A close-up view of the cheese and olive chess board appetizer, colorful and appetizing looking. | suggestionsforever.com

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 when I bring it to gatherings because it looks elegant yet is so easy to prepare.

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
The cheese and olive chessboard appetizer, beautifully arranged with contrasting colors, ready to serve. Save
The cheese and olive chessboard appetizer, beautifully arranged with contrasting colors, ready to serve. | suggestionsforever.com

This recipe reminds me of serving snacks to my family on game night, where everyone enjoys picking their favorites from the board.

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

Calories: 185, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 3 g, Protein: 10 g per serving

Freshly assembled cheese and olive chessboard, ideal for sharing, offering a delightful bite. Save
Freshly assembled cheese and olive chessboard, ideal for sharing, offering a delightful bite. | suggestionsforever.com

This easy appetizer always adds a touch of class and flavor to any event and is sure to impress your guests.

Recipe Help & FAQs

→ What cheeses work best for this dish?

Aged cheddar and firm mozzarella hold their shape well and provide contrasting flavors. You can also try gouda or havarti.

→ Can olives be substituted or varied?

Yes, black and green olives offer a nice color contrast, but stuffed or marinated olives can add extra flavor.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this combination of cheese and olives fits vegetarian preferences and can be made gluten-free with the right cheese choice.

→ How should the chessboard pattern be arranged?

Alternate cheese cubes and olives in rows and columns on a large platter, similar to a chessboard layout.

→ What are good accompaniments to serve with this?

Crackers or breadsticks are ideal to pair with the cheese and olives, enhancing texture and flavor balance.

Cheese Olive Chessboard Appetizer

Alternating cubes of cheddar and mozzarella with black and green olives arranged in a chessboard pattern.

Prep Time
15 mins
0
Overall Time
15 mins
Created by Suggestions Forever Hannah Lewis


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 6 Serving Count

Diet Details Meat-Free, No Gluten, Low Carb

Ingredient List

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

Directions

Step 01

Arrange chessboard pattern: Place the cheese cubes and olives alternately on a large square or rectangular platter to create a chessboard design, starting with cheddar, followed by black olives, then mozzarella, and green olives.

Step 02

Complete the pattern: Continue placing the ingredients in the alternating pattern until the entire platter is filled uniformly.

Step 03

Add garnish: Evenly sprinkle the finely chopped parsley over the arranged cheese and olives to add a fresh touch, if desired.

Step 04

Serve with accompaniments: Present immediately alongside crackers or breadsticks for guests to enjoy.

Needed Equipment

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

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient to check for allergens. Ask a healthcare specialist if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cheese. Verify cheese labels for gluten if serving gluten-sensitive guests. Check stuffing ingredients in olives if using stuffed varieties.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details shown are for reference. Always check with your healthcare provider for advice.
  • Calories: 185
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Proteins: 10 g