Introduction: An Olives and Cheese Platter is a classic, easy-to-prepare appetizer that perfectly balances the savory, briny flavors of olives with the creamy richness of various cheeses. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, enjoying a casual get-together, or looking for the perfect pairing for your wine night, this combination never fails to impress. It’s simple, elegant, and entirely customizable to suit your preferences and the occasion. With no cooking required, it’s the ideal appetizer to throw together with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Simple – Requires no cooking, just assemble and serve.
- Versatile – Perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual snacks to upscale charcuterie boards.
- Customizable – Choose from a wide range of olives and cheeses to suit your taste.
- Effortlessly Elegant – A beautiful, sophisticated platter that requires minimal effort yet looks impressive.
- Great for Sharing – Whether for two or twenty, this dish is easy to scale for any number of guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- A variety of olives (such as Kalamata, Castelvetrano, black, or green olives, or your favorite marinated olives)
- Cheese selection (options include feta, manchego, goat cheese, mozzarella balls, brie, cheddar, or gouda)
- Olive oil (optional, for marinated olives)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley for garnish)
- Cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes (optional, for extra flavor)
- Breadsticks, crackers, or crusty bread (optional for serving)
Directions
1. Select and Prepare the Olives:
Start by choosing a mix of olives to add variety to your platter. Rinse any brine-packed olives to remove excess salt, then marinate them if desired. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor of the olives. Allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Cheese:
For a well-rounded platter, include a selection of both soft and hard cheeses. Cut any hard cheeses (like cheddar or gouda) into cubes or slices for easy serving. Soft cheeses (such as goat cheese or brie) can be served whole or placed into small bowls. If using mozzarella balls, drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
3. Assemble the Platter:
Once your olives and cheeses are ready, it’s time to assemble your platter. Start by arranging the cheeses in groups on a large serving board or platter. Place the marinated olives in a small bowl or scatter them around the platter. Be sure to visually group the similar items together to create an appealing look.
4. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, garnish the platter with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley, and sprinkle some cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes on the cheese for added flavor. You can also serve the platter with breadsticks, crackers, or slices of crusty bread for guests to enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6 people as an appetizer
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
This recipe is highly versatile, and you can customize the platter to fit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Mediterranean Style: Pair olives with creamy feta cheese and serve with pita bread or hummus for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
- Spicy Kick: Add marinated spicy olives or sprinkle chili flakes on the cheese to introduce some heat to the platter.
- Charcuterie Additions: If you prefer a more substantial spread, include cured meats like salami, prosciutto, or chorizo alongside the olives and cheese.
- Sweet and Savory: Add dried fruits like apricots or figs for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the olives and cheese. Drizzle honey over the cheese for a touch of sweetness.
- Herb-Infused: For added depth of flavor, toss the olives with fresh rosemary, thyme, and a little lemon zest before serving.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Leftover olives and cheese should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The olives will stay fresh for up to 3 days, while cheese can last up to 5 days depending on the type.
- Reheating: These ingredients are best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating.
Olives and Cheese Platter
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed olives (green, Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or marinated)
- 1 cup feta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup manchego cheese, cubed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil optional for marinated olives
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper optional for garnish
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for garnish
- 1 package breadsticks, crackers, or crusty bread optional for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the olives: Rinse any brine-packed olives and, if desired, marinate with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- Prepare the cheese: Cut hard cheeses like cheddar and manchego into cubes. Leave soft cheeses such as goat cheese whole or crumble them. If using mozzarella balls, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs.
- Assemble the platter: Arrange the olives and cheeses on a large serving platter, grouping similar types together for an aesthetically pleasing display.
- Garnish: Top with fresh herbs, cracked black pepper, or red pepper flakes for added flavor and decoration.
- Serve: Provide breadsticks, crackers, or slices of crusty bread for guests to pair with the olives and cheeses.
Nutrition
FAQs
1. What type of olives pair best with cheese?
Olives with a robust flavor work best with cheese. Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and marinated green olives are all great options. They have distinct, vibrant flavors that complement the creamy textures of many cheeses.
2. What cheeses work well with olives?
Cheeses like feta, manchego, goat cheese, and mozzarella are excellent choices to serve with olives. You can also include firmer cheeses like cheddar or gouda to add variety.
3. Can I marinate store-bought olives?
Absolutely! Marinating store-bought olives is a quick and easy way to enhance their flavor. Simply toss them with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a flavorful homemade marinade.
4. How do I make this platter kid-friendly?
For younger palates, choose mild cheeses such as mozzarella and cheddar, and opt for milder olives. You can also add more neutral accompaniments like crackers or plain bread to balance the flavors.
5. Can I use flavored cheese?
Definitely! Flavored cheeses such as herb-infused goat cheese or garlic-and-herb Boursin will add extra layers of flavor and variety to the platter.
6. What drinks pair well with olives and cheese?
Olives and cheese pair well with a variety of beverages. Serve them with a glass of wine (whether red, white, or sparkling), martinis, or even a refreshing citrusy mocktail.
7. How can I make this platter gluten-free?
For a gluten-free option, simply omit the breadsticks, crackers, or bread. You can substitute gluten-free crackers or bread for those with dietary restrictions.
8. What’s a good way to add color to the platter?
Incorporate brightly colored ingredients to make the platter more visually appealing. Castelvetrano olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary all add a burst of color.
9. Can I serve this dish warm?
While warm olives tossed with olive oil and herbs are delicious, cheese is generally best served at room temperature. Keep the cheese chilled until serving, and then bring it to room temperature for optimal flavor.
10. Can I make this platter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the platter up to 2 hours in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in a cool place until ready to serve. If you do make it ahead, let the platter come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors.
Conclusion
An Olives and Cheese Platter is a timeless, crowd-pleasing appetizer that is both simple and sophisticated. With its combination of briny, flavorful olives and creamy, savory cheeses, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a special holiday gathering, a casual snack, or part of a larger charcuterie board, this platter is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can create your perfect pairing every time. Enjoy this delightful appetizer and watch your guests enjoy every bite!
