Cheese and Olive Chessboard

Featured in: Soft Glow Homestyle Dinners

This dish features alternating cubes of aged cheddar and mozzarella paired with black and green olives, arranged in a chessboard style on a platter. It’s a no-cook, visually appealing starter perfect for social occasions. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness. Serve alongside crackers or breadsticks to complement the rich flavors of the cheeses and briny olives. Variations can include different cheese types or stuffed olives.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:34:00 GMT
A colorful cheese and olive chess board appetizer, ready to serve at your next party. Save
A colorful cheese and olive chess board appetizer, ready to serve at your next party. | maplelumen.com

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

This cheese and olive chess board always impresses guests with its unique presentation and delicious flavor combinations.

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
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Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
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Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
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Save
| maplelumen.com

Family and friends love sharing this appetizer during gatherings making every occasion special

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

Salty green and black olives are paired with cheddar and mozzarella in this cheese and olive chessboard. Save
Salty green and black olives are paired with cheddar and mozzarella in this cheese and olive chessboard. | maplelumen.com
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This appetizer is a simple yet elegant addition to any party and can be customized easily to suit your taste.

Recipe FAQs

What cheeses work best for this board?

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

Can I use other types of olives?

Yes, stuffed olives or other varieties can enhance flavor, just ensure they are pitted and drained.

How should I arrange the cubes and olives?

Place them alternately on a large platter in a checkerboard pattern for visual appeal and easy serving.

Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this arrangement uses vegetarian-friendly cheeses and olives, and can be gluten-free with the right cheese choice.

What accompaniments pair well with this dish?

Serve with crackers, breadsticks, or a crisp white wine to balance the rich, savory flavors.

Cheese and Olive Chessboard

Alternating cheese cubes and olives arranged beautifully for an elegant party appetizer.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1 minutes
Overall Duration
16 minutes
Created by Zoe Collins


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Portion 6 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free, No Gluten, Reduced 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

How To Make It

Step 01

Arrange ingredients: Place cheese cubes and olives alternately on a large square or rectangular serving platter to form a chessboard pattern, such as cheddar, black olive, mozzarella, green olive, and so forth.

Step 02

Complete pattern: Continue arranging the pieces until the platter is fully covered, maintaining the alternating pattern.

Step 03

Add garnish: Sprinkle the finely chopped parsley evenly over the arrangement for a fresh accent, if desired.

Step 04

Serve: Present immediately alongside crackers or breadsticks for accompaniment.

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens and speak with your health provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy. Verify olive stuffing for potential allergens. Confirm cheese labels if gluten intolerance is a concern.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Provided for informational purposes—always consult your health advisor.
  • Energy (Calories): 185
  • Total Fat: 14 grams
  • Total Carbs: 3 grams
  • Proteins: 10 grams