Irresistible Olives and Cheese Recipe for Snack Lovers

Mediterranean flavors dance through this olives and cheese recipe that promises a delightful burst of taste.

Crisp, salty olives mingling with creamy, rich cheese on your plate.

Senses awaken as each ingredient tells a story of sun-drenched landscapes and traditional cooking.

Carefully selected olives bring a robust, earthy character to the dish.

cheese adds a smooth, luxurious texture that complements the briny olive notes perfectly.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.

Why Olives And Cheese Are Always A Hit

• Quick Flavor Explosion: Marinating olives with zesty lemon, aromatic rosemary, and fragrant thyme creates an instant burst of Mediterranean-inspired taste that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• Super Easy Entertaining Hack: This no-cook recipe allows you to assemble a stunning appetizer platter in minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings, wine nights, or unexpected guests without stress or complicated cooking.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the platter by mixing different cheese varieties, playing with herb combinations, and adding colorful Mediterranean accompaniments like artichoke hearts and roasted peppers to suit any palate or dietary preference.
• Sensory Delight Presentation: The vibrant colors, varied textures of cheeses and olives, and fresh herb garnish create a visually appealing spread that looks professionally prepared while being incredibly simple to create.

What You’ll Need For Olives And Cheese

Marinated Olives and Cheese Platter:

• Mixed Olives: Rich Mediterranean flavor with a briny, complex taste. Look for a variety of colors and types for visual appeal.
• Olive Oil: Helps to infuse and coat the olives with additional flavor. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes to enhance the olive marinade. Fresh zest provides the most intense flavor.
• Rosemary, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that complement the olives with earthy and fragrant undertones. Fresh herbs are preferable to dried.

• Soft Cheese, Hard Cheese: Provides creamy and firm texture contrasts. Mix different milk types like cow, goat, or sheep for variety.

• Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Tangy Mediterranean addition with a tender texture. Choose hearts packed in olive oil.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky element that adds color to the platter. Jarred or freshly roasted work well.
• Fresh Herbs (for Garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh aroma. Soft herbs like parsley or basil work great.
• Crackers, Bread: Crisp vehicle for serving cheese and olives. Select artisan or rustic styles for authenticity.

How To Prep A Simple Olives And Cheese Plate

Step 1: Awaken the Olives

• Mixed olives
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly grated lemon zest
• Chopped rosemary
• Crushed thyme leaves

Gently toss the ingredients until olives are completely coated. Let the mixture rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and deepen.

Step 2: Create a Stunning Cheese Display

• Crumbly feta
• Creamy goat cheese
• Sharp aged cheddar
• Soft brie

Space the cheeses to create visual interest and encourage guests to explore.

Step 3: Enhance With Vibrant Companions

• Marinated artichoke hearts
• Roasted red pepper strips
• Sundried tomatoes
• Pickled vegetable medley

Scatter these items between cheese clusters to create a dynamic and inviting presentation.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

• Chopped parsley
• Delicate oregano leaves
• Snipped chives

Provide an assortment of rustic bread, crisp crackers, and optional honey or fruit preserves on the side.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Present the platter at room temperature, allowing guests to explore and savor the Mediterranean flavors. Encourage interactive dining and conversation around this beautiful spread.

Tips For A Better Olives And Cheese Combo

• Boost Olive Flavor: Marinate olives for at least 15 minutes to allow herbs and lemon zest to deeply infuse their delicious Mediterranean essence.
• Cheese Presentation Trick: Group different cheese varieties strategically on the platter to create visual interest and make serving more appealing.
• Mediterranean Mix Master: Incorporate artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers to elevate the platter's complexity and provide diverse textures.
• Herb Enhancement Technique: Sprinkle fresh herbs not just for garnish, but to add a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch that brightens the entire dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare marinated olives and prep platter components in advance to reduce last-minute stress during entertaining.

Keep Olives And Cheese Fresh Longer

• Refrigerate: Store leftover olives and cheeses in airtight containers separately to maintain their distinct flavors and prevent cross-contamination.
• Cool Down: Allow the marinated olives to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Consume Quickly: Enjoy the olives and cheeses within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality, as soft cheeses and marinated items have shorter shelf lives.
• Gentle Reheating: Bring cheese to room temperature before serving by removing from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to enjoying, which helps restore its original creamy texture and full flavor profile.

What Matches Well With Olives And Cheese

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair the olives and cheese platter with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity and light body perfectly complement the briny olives and rich cheeses.
• Match with Rustic Bread Selection: Serve an assortment of crusty artisan breads like ciabatta, sourdough, or focaccia to provide delightful texture and help soak up the herbal olive oil marinade.
• Enhance with Mediterranean Charcuterie: Add slices of prosciutto, salami, or Spanish chorizo to introduce savory meat elements that balance the salty olives and creamy cheeses.
• Boost with Herbal Cocktail Companion: Create a refreshing herb-infused cocktail like a rosemary gin fizz or thyme-garnished martini that echoes the aromatic herbs used in the olive marinade.

Fun Mixes Of Olives And Cheese To Try

• Mediterranean Citrus Olive Mix: Swap rosemary and thyme with fresh orange and grapefruit zest for a bright, zesty flavor profile that enhances the olives' natural richness.
• Spicy Herb Cheese Spread: Blend soft cheese with red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to create a bold, spreadable accompaniment that adds kick to the platter.
• Smoky Grilled Vegetable Accent: Grill artichoke hearts and peppers with smoked paprika before adding them to the board, introducing a deep, charred flavor that complements the olives and cheeses.
• Aged Balsamic Drizzle Option: Reduce balsamic vinegar into a thick glaze and carefully drizzle over the cheese and olives, creating an elegant, tangy finish that elevates the entire presentation.

FAQs About Olives And Cheese

• Why marinate olives before serving?

Marinating olives helps enhance their natural flavors by infusing them with herbs like rosemary and thyme, and adds a bright, zesty note from the lemon zest. This simple step transforms ordinary olives into a more complex and delicious appetizer.

• What types of olives work best for this recipe?

Mixed olives like Kalamata, green Spanish olives, and black Mediterranean olives create a beautiful variety of flavors and colors. Choose olives that are plump, firm, and have a rich, briny taste for the best results.

• How long can I prepare this platter in advance?

You can marinate the olives up to 24 hours ahead of time, which actually helps the flavors develop more deeply. The cheese and additional ingredients can be arranged on the platter a few hours before serving, making it perfect for entertaining.

• Do I need special equipment to create this platter?

Not at all! A simple wooden cutting board, serving platter, or even a large plate works perfectly. The key is arranging the items attractively and ensuring you have small dishes for the marinated olives.

Olives And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds with these irresistible olives and cheese delights, blending tangy flavors and rich textures. Quick and easy appetizers promise a delectable journey through southern European culinary traditions you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar
• 1 cup cubed Gouda or Havarti
• ½ cup crumbled feta or small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• ¼ cup Parmesan shards

Olives and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed olives (green, black, Kalamata, or Castelvetrano)
• ¼ cup marinated artichoke hearts
• ¼ cup roasted red peppers, sliced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Garnish and Serving:

• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
• Crackers, baguette slices, or breadsticks

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Instructions

1. Prepare the olive infusion by blending mixed olives with fragrant olive oil, zesty lemon zest, aromatic rosemary, and delicate thyme in a mixing vessel. Allow the olives to luxuriate in these vibrant flavors for a minimum of 15 minutes, enabling complete flavor absorption.
2. Select an elegant serving board or platter and strategically position various cheese varieties, creating visually appealing groupings that showcase their unique textures and colors.
3. Transfer the richly marinated olives into a complementary small bowl or artfully distribute them across the platter’s surface, ensuring an inviting and balanced presentation.
4. Enhance the Mediterranean-inspired landscape by introducing complementary elements such as tender marinated artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers, which will add depth and complexity to the culinary tableau.
5. Complete the composition by delicately scattering fresh herb sprigs across the platter, providing a vibrant and aromatic finishing touch that elevates the entire sensory experience.
6. Accompany the assembled platter with a selection of crisp crackers or rustic bread, inviting guests to create their own personalized flavor combinations.

Notes

• Elevate olive marination by using high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richer, more complex flavor profiles.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like oregano or za’atar to create unique Mediterranean-inspired taste experiences.
• Allow olives to reach room temperature before serving to maximize their aromatic properties and enhance overall taste sensation.
• Select cheeses with varying textures and milk types (cow, goat, sheep) to create a diverse and interesting platter that appeals to different palates.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg