Zesty Olives and Cheese Recipe: A Savory Party Delight

Mediterranean flavors dance brilliantly in this olives and cheese combination that whispers comfort.

Small plates inspire culinary adventures across rustic kitchen spaces.

Gathering ingredients becomes a delightful sensory experience when regional cheeses mingle with briny olives.

Vibrant textures promise unexpected delights for anyone seeking something beyond standard appetizers.

Simple yet sophisticated, these bite-sized morsels carry stories of sunny coastal landscapes.

Regional traditions blend seamlessly through carefully selected ingredients that sing with authenticity.

You’ll savor each delectable moment as Mediterranean magic unfolds on your plate.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate!

Why Olives and Cheese Always Work on a Platter

• Create a stunning Mediterranean-style appetizer that impresses guests with minimal preparation, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or elegant parties.
• Marinating olives for just 15 minutes transforms ordinary ingredients into a gourmet experience, infusing rich herbal notes and zesty citrus undertones.
• Adaptable platter allows easy customization with various cheeses, Mediterranean extras, and herbs, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Simple assembly technique makes this recipe foolproof for home cooks of all skill levels, offering a professional-looking spread with minimal culinary expertise required.

What You’ll Need for Olives and Cheese

Mediterranean Platter Ingredients:

• Mixed Olives: A flavorful base for the Mediterranean platter, bringing briny and rich taste. Kalamata or mixed variety work best for authentic flavor.
• Olive Oil: Perfect for marinating olives and adding smooth, rich texture. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best quality.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that enhance the olive marinade. Fresh zest provides the most vibrant flavor.
• Rosemary, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that infuse Mediterranean essence into the olives. Fresh herbs preferred over dried.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbly, tangy cheese that represents Greek culinary tradition. Opt for authentic Greek or high-quality domestic versions.
• Soft Cheese, Hard Cheese: Variety in texture and flavor for the platter. Consider mild goat cheese or sharp aged cheddar.

• Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Tender vegetable adding Mediterranean charm. Jarred or canned varieties work well.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky element for color and flavor. Jarred peppers provide convenience.
• Fresh Herbs: Decorative and aromatic finishing touch. Parsley or oregano recommended.
• Crackers, Bread: Serving companions for the platter. Rustic or Mediterranean-style breads preferred.

Assemble the Best Olives and Cheese Combo

Step 1: Infuse Olives With Herbal Magic

• Mixed olives
• Olive oil
• Lemon zest
• Rosemary sprigs
• Thyme leaves

Gently toss everything until olives are completely coated. Let the olives rest and absorb the aromatic herbs for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Create A Stunning Cheese Display

• Soft creamy cheese
• Hard aged cheese
• Blue cheese

Place the herb-infused olives in a small decorative bowl at the center or scatter around the cheese landscape.

Step 3: Elevate With Mediterranean Treasures

• Marinated artichoke hearts
• Roasted red peppers
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Kalamata olives

Distribute these colorful ingredients across the board to create visual interest.

Step 4: Add Final Flourishes

Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or oregano over the entire display. Provide crispy crackers and rustic bread on the side. Serve immediately and watch guests marvel at your culinary creation.

Tips for Serving Olives and Cheese Beautifully

• Boost Olive Flavor: Extend marinating time up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to allow herbs and lemon zest to deeply penetrate olives, creating more intense taste profiles.
• Cheese Selection Strategy: Choose varieties with different textures and milk types- like soft goat cheese, hard aged cheddar, and creamy brie- to provide diverse flavor experiences for guests.
• Herb Fresh Factor: Chop fresh rosemary and thyme right before adding to olives to release maximum essential oils and enhance aromatic qualities of the dish.
• Mediterranean Platter Pro Tip: Create visual interest by using varied heights, shapes, and colors of serving vessels and arranging items in asymmetrical clusters for an elegant presentation.
• Temperature Matters: Remove cheeses from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before serving to allow them to reach room temperature, which dramatically improves flavor and spreadability.

Store Olives and Cheese Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover olives and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate soft and hard cheeses to prevent flavor mixing.
• Let the platter contents reach room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Bring cold cheese to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its original flavor and creamy consistency.
• Check for any signs of spoilage like unusual odors or mold before consuming stored olives and cheese, and when in doubt, throw it out.

What Goes Well with Olives and Cheese

• Select a bright, zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the herbal notes of rosemary and thyme in the marinated olives, cutting through the richness of the cheese.
• Mix a refreshing Aperol Spritz or Limoncello Spritzer to echo the citrusy lemon zest and herbal elements, providing a light, bubbly contrast to the salty olives and creamy cheeses.
• Choose rustic sourdough or crusty ciabatta to soak up olive oil and provide a perfect textural counterpoint, allowing guests to build delightful bite-sized combinations of cheese, olives, and bread.
• Add thin slices of prosciutto or salami to introduce a savory protein element that harmonizes with the Mediterranean flavors, creating a more substantial and complex tasting experience.

Olives and Cheese Combinations to Try

• Mediterranean Vegan Platter: Replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese or almond-based spreads, using plant-based olives and herb-infused olive oil for a completely vegan experience.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select low-salt olives and use fresh herbs instead of salt-heavy seasonings, creating a heart-healthy version with reduced sodium content.
• Gluten-Free Serving Style: Swap traditional crackers with gluten-free rice crackers, corn chips, or vegetable sticks to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests while maintaining the authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, drizzle hot chili oil, and include spicy marinated peppers to transform the classic platter into a zesty, heat-packed appetizer experience.

FAQs About Olives and Cheese Pairings

• What type of olives work best for this recipe?

Mixed Mediterranean olives like Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and green olives are perfect. These varieties offer different textures and flavor profiles that complement each other beautifully.

• How long can I prepare the olives in advance?

You can marinate the olives up to 24 hours before serving. Store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain their fresh herb-infused flavor.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried herbs work well. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, use 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.

• Do I need special equipment to make this platter?

No special equipment is needed. A wooden board, large plate, or serving platter will work perfectly. The key is to create an inviting and visually appealing arrangement.

Olives And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean olives and cheese bring rustic charm to your table, dancing with tangy flavors and Mediterranean spirit. Savor each bite of this simple yet elegant appetizer that connects tradition with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Cheeses:

• 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 Accompaniments:

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

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 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 a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired olive medley by gently combining mixed olives with fragrant olive oil, zesty lemon zest, aromatic rosemary, and earthy thyme in a small mixing vessel. Allow the olives to luxuriate in these flavors for a minimum of 15 minutes, ensuring maximum flavor infusion.
2. Select a spacious serving board or elegant platter as your canvas, strategically positioning various cheese varieties to create visual appeal and textural diversity.
3. Carefully transfer the marinated olives into a complementary small bowl or artfully distribute them across the platter’s landscape, creating an inviting presentation.
4. Enhance the culinary tableau by incorporating additional Mediterranean delicacies such as tender marinated artichoke hearts and richly roasted red peppers, filling any remaining spaces with colorful, flavorful accompaniments.
5. Complete the composition by delicately garnishing the platter with fresh, verdant herbs, imparting a final touch of sophistication and natural beauty.
6. Provide an assortment of crisp crackers or rustic bread alongside the platter, inviting guests to explore and savor the harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors.

Notes

• Gently massage herbs into olives to enhance flavor absorption and release aromatic oils.
• Choose room temperature cheeses for optimal taste and smooth spreading texture.
• Select varied cheese textures like soft brie, hard parmesan, and creamy goat cheese to create interesting flavor profiles.
• Prep platter ingredients ahead of time and allow olives to marinate for deeper Mediterranean-inspired taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg