Cheese and Olive Chess Board

Featured in: Savory Toasts

This elegant board combines aged cheddar and firm mozzarella cubes alternated with black and green olives to create a visually appealing chessboard pattern. Ready in 15 minutes, it offers a fresh and flavorful touch when garnished with chopped parsley. Serve alongside crackers or breadsticks for easy entertaining. Variations include swapping cheeses or using stuffed olives for added taste. Perfect for themed gatherings and party platters.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:15:00 GMT
Elegant Cheese and Olive Chess Board appetizer, beautifully arranged with contrasting colors, ready to serve. Save
Elegant Cheese and Olive Chess Board appetizer, beautifully arranged with contrasting colors, ready to serve. | butterhearth.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

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.
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| butterhearth.com

Visual appeal of the Cheese and Olive Chess Board: an eye-catching party appetizer of cheese and olives. Save
Visual appeal of the Cheese and Olive Chess Board: an eye-catching party appetizer of cheese and olives. | butterhearth.com

Recipe Questions

What types of cheese work best for this board?

Aged cheddar and firm mozzarella cubes provide contrasting flavors and textures, but gouda or havarti can be great alternatives.

Can stuffed olives be used?

Yes, stuffed olives add extra flavor but check for any allergens in the stuffing before serving.

How should the cubes be arranged?

Arrange cheese and olives alternately in rows to create a chessboard pattern, ensuring even distribution across the platter.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely, using vegetarian cheeses and olives makes it suitable for vegetarian diets.

What garnishes complement this board?

Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh note without overpowering the flavors.

What drinks pair well with this appetizer?

A crisp white wine or sparkling water pairs nicely, balancing the savory and salty elements.

Cheese and Olive Chess Board

Striking appetizer featuring cheese and olive cubes arranged like a chessboard for parties.

Prep duration
15 min
0
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage International

Output 6 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free, No Gluten, Low in Carbs

Components

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

Stage 01

Arrange alternating cubes: Place cubes of cheddar and mozzarella alternately with black and green olives on a large square or rectangular serving platter, forming a chessboard pattern.

Stage 02

Complete the pattern: Fill the entire platter maintaining the alternating pattern consistently.

Stage 03

Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the assembled board for added color and freshness, if desired.

Stage 04

Serve: Serve immediately accompanied by crackers or breadsticks on the side.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains dairy; check stuffed olive fillings for allergens; verify cheese labels for gluten if serving gluten-sensitive individuals

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 185
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Protein Content: 10 g