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Cheese Olive Chess Board

Featured in: Simple Everyday Plates

This appetizer features alternating cubes of aged cheddar, firm mozzarella, and pitted black and green olives arranged on a platter to mimic a chessboard pattern. It offers a visually appealing presentation perfect for parties and gatherings, with an option to garnish with fresh parsley. The dish requires minimal prep time and no cooking, making it ideal for quick and elegant serving alongside crackers or breadsticks.

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Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:14:00 GMT
Arranged on a platter, this cheese and olive chessboard appetizer displays alternating squares of flavor. Save
Arranged on a platter, this cheese and olive chessboard appetizer displays alternating squares of flavor. | birchplate.com

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

This appetizer quickly became my go-to for gatherings because it’s simple yet impressive.

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

Arrange:
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.)
Fill:
Continue until the platter is filled keeping the pattern consistent
Sprinkle:
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the board for a fresh touch (optional)
Serve:
Serve immediately with crackers or breadsticks on the side
A visually appealing cheese and olive chessboard, ready to serve with crackers for your next gathering. Save
A visually appealing cheese and olive chessboard, ready to serve with crackers for your next gathering. | birchplate.com

My family loves gathering around this board as we chat and snack during parties.

Notes

For a vegan version use plant-based cheeses. Perfect with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.

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.

The savory cheese and olive chessboard, a delicious appetizer with perfect contrast and texture. Save
The savory cheese and olive chessboard, a delicious appetizer with perfect contrast and texture. | birchplate.com

This appetizer is a sure crowd-pleaser that looks elegant with minimal effort.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What cheeses work best for the board?

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

→ Can I use stuffed olives?

Yes, stuffed olives add extra flavor and variety, just be mindful of potential allergens in the stuffing.

→ How should I arrange the ingredients?

Alternate cheese cubes and olives in a square or rectangular pattern resembling a chessboard for visual impact.

→ Is there a suggested garnish?

Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch and subtle freshness to the board.

→ What are good accompaniments?

Serve with crackers or breadsticks and pair nicely with crisp white wine or sparkling water.

Cheese Olive Chess Board

Alternating cubes of cheddar, mozzarella, and olives arranged for an eye-catching appetizer board.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
0
Overall Time
15 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Servings produced 6 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly, Wheat-Free, Reduced Carb

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

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Arrange cheese and olives: Place cheese cubes and olives alternately on a large square or rectangular serving platter in a chessboard pattern, starting with cheddar, then black olive, mozzarella, and green olive.

Step 02

Fill the platter: Continue the alternating pattern until the entire platter surface is covered uniformly.

Step 03

Add garnish: Optionally, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley evenly over the arrangement to enhance freshness.

Step 04

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cheese.
  • Verify olive stuffing for potential allergens if using stuffed olives.
  • Check cheese labels for gluten if serving guests with gluten intolerance.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 185
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Proteins: 10 g