Olives and Cheese: A Simple, Delicious Appetizer

Posted on March 11, 2025

Olives and cheese are a timeless pairing that has been a staple at gatherings for centuries. Their harmonious combination of flavors—salty, briny olives and creamy, rich cheeses—makes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday party, enjoying a casual evening with friends, or serving a light snack, this delightful duo is sure to impress. Best of all, olives and cheese can be customized to fit any taste or occasion, making them a versatile and go-to choice for any host.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation
One of the best things about olives and cheese is how simple they are to prepare. There’s no cooking required—just select your ingredients, arrange them on a platter, and voilà! It’s the perfect dish for those moments when you need to put together something quickly and with minimal effort.

Elegant and Versatile
This dish works beautifully for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, a casual wine night, or a holiday celebration, olives and cheese provide a refined touch without requiring hours of preparation. Additionally, it can easily be included in a larger spread, such as a charcuterie board, where it pairs wonderfully with other meats, fruits, and nuts.

Customizable to Your Taste
One of the reasons olives and cheese is so beloved is because it’s highly customizable. You can choose your favorite varieties of olives and cheese, allowing you to mix and match flavors to suit your personal preferences. You can even change up the accompaniments like crackers, bread, or even herbs, creating a different experience every time you make it.

Pairs Perfectly with Drinks
The combination of olives and cheese complements a variety of beverages. Whether you prefer wine (red, white, or sparkling), cocktails, or even non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails, this dish is a crowd favorite that pairs beautifully with almost any drink. It’s also an excellent choice for serving alongside other appetizers during a festive gathering.

Great for Sharing
This is a perfect dish for sharing. Its simplicity and presentation make it easy for guests to help themselves, while the variety of flavors ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re serving it at a large gathering or a more intimate setting, olives and cheese create a communal dining experience that invites everyone to take part.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

To create a well-balanced platter, it’s important to choose high-quality olives and cheese that complement each other. Here’s what you’ll need:

Olives

Kalamata Olives: These deep purple olives have a robust, fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy cheeses.
Castelvetrano Olives: Known for their bright green color and mild, sweet taste, these olives offer a refreshing contrast to saltier varieties.
Black Olives: Rich and savory, these olives are a classic choice for cheese pairings.
Green Olives: A little sharper in flavor, green olives offer a nice balance when paired with creamy cheeses.
Marinated Olives: Marinated olives, often seasoned with garlic, herbs, or citrus, add an extra burst of flavor to your platter.

Cheese

Feta: Crumbly, tangy, and salty, feta is a classic pairing with olives. Its brininess complements the olives perfectly.
Manchego: This Spanish sheep’s milk cheese is firm and slightly nutty, making it a great match for both marinated and brined olives.
Goat Cheese: Soft and tangy, goat cheese is creamy and mild enough to balance out stronger olives.
Cheddar: Sharp cheddar works well with both green and black olives, creating a bold flavor contrast.
Brie: The soft, creamy texture of brie pairs wonderfully with the saltiness of olives, making for an indulgent bite.
Mozzarella Balls: Mild and fresh, mozzarella provides a neutral base that works with almost any type of olive.

Extras

Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil over the olives can add an extra layer of richness, especially if they’re marinated in it.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and parsley not only provide additional flavor but also add a touch of color to the platter.
Cracked Black Pepper: For a hint of spice and extra flavor, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper works wonders.
Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile of both olives and cheese.
Breadsticks, Crackers, or Crusty Bread: These are perfect for serving alongside the olives and cheese, providing a crunchy texture that balances the creaminess of the cheese.

Instructions

Prepare the Olives
Start by selecting a variety of olives. A colorful mix adds both visual appeal and flavor complexity to your platter. Rinse brine-packed olives to reduce excess salt. If you prefer a more flavorful option, you can marinate your olives with olive oil, garlic, herbs (such as rosemary and thyme), and even a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
Prepare the Cheese
For hard cheeses like cheddar or manchego, cut them into cubes or thin slices. Soft cheeses like goat cheese and brie can be served whole or in small bowls, so guests can scoop or spread them. For mozzarella balls, drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or oregano to bring out their mild, fresh flavor.
Assemble the Platter
Arrange the olives and cheese on a large serving platter, making sure to group similar types together. This creates a visually appealing spread and makes it easier for guests to choose their favorite flavors. You can also alternate between olives and cheese to create a balanced look.
Garnish & Serve
Finish the platter by adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes can be sprinkled over the cheese or olives for an added layer of flavor. For extra crunch, serve the platter with a side of breadsticks, crackers, or sliced crusty bread.

Servings & Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as an appetizer.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

While the basic olives and cheese platter is already versatile, you can easily switch up the flavors to suit your preferences or match the theme of your gathering.

Mediterranean Style: Pair olives with creamy feta cheese and serve with pita bread or hummus for an authentic Mediterranean-inspired platter.
Spicy Kick: Add marinated spicy olives or sprinkle chili flakes on the cheese for a little extra heat.
Charcuterie Additions: Add cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or chorizo for a fuller spread.
Sweet and Savory: Dried fruits such as figs, apricots, or raisins add a sweet contrast to the savory olives and cheese. Drizzling honey over the cheese also adds a delightful sweetness.
Herb-Infused: Toss the olives with rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest for an herbaceous twist.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Leftover olives and cheese should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the olives and cheese separate to maintain their freshness.

Reheating: Olives and cheese are best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat.

FAQs

Which olives pair best with cheese?
Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and marinated green olives are great choices due to their robust flavors.
What cheeses work well with olives?
Feta, manchego, goat cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan complement olives beautifully.
Can I marinate store-bought olives?
Yes, marinate olives with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and herbs for a simple, homemade marinade.
How do I make this platter kid-friendly?
Choose mild olives and cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a kid-friendly version.
Can I use flavored cheese?
Absolutely! Herb-infused goat cheese or garlic and herb Boursin add extra flavor.
What drinks pair well with olives and cheese?
Serve with wine (red, white, or sparkling), martinis, or even a citrusy mocktail.
How can I make this platter gluten-free?
Omit bread and crackers or use gluten-free alternatives for serving.
What’s a good way to add color to the platter?
Bright green Castelvetrano olives, vibrant red roasted peppers, and fresh herbs like parsley and rosemary can help create a colorful presentation.
Can I serve this dish warm?
Warm olives with olive oil and herbs can be a comforting addition, but cheese is typically best served at room temperature.
Can I make this platter ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the platter up to 2 hours in advance and cover it with plastic wrap. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Olives and cheese are an elegant, simple, and adaptable appetizer that can be tailored to fit any event, from intimate gatherings to large parties. With a perfect balance of salty olives and creamy cheeses, this dish is always a hit. The best part is that it takes minimal time to prepare, yet it feels like a sophisticated treat. Whether you’re entertaining or just enjoying a quiet night, this pairing is guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy!