Quick Rustic Olives and Cheese Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Afternoons at home call for simple, rustic olives and cheese that burst with Mediterranean charm.

Each bite of this delectable olive and cheese appetizer transports you to sun-drenched coastal villages.

Briny olives mingle with rich, creamy cheese, creating a harmony of flavors that dance on your palate.

The recipe combines pantry staples into an effortless nibble that sparks conversation and whets appetites.

Salty, tangy notes merge seamlessly with smooth cheese textures, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Serve this elegant yet uncomplicated dish when friends gather or as a quick indulgence during quiet moments.

Prepare to savor a timeless combination that celebrates the art of simple, delicious eating.

What Goes into Olives and Cheese Platter

• Mixed Olives: Briny Mediterranean gems that add bold, tangy flavor and visual interest to the platter.
• Olive Oil: Silky base that helps herbs cling to olives and enhances their rich, smooth texture.
• Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy notes that lift and freshen the olive marinade with zingy complexity.
• Rosemary: Aromatic herb that introduces earthy, pine-like undertones and classic Mediterranean essence.
• Thyme: Delicate herb bringing subtle, woody warmth and complementing the olives' robust character.

• Cheeses: Select a mix of textures and intensities, ranging from creamy soft to sharp aged varieties for delightful contrast.

• Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Tender, briny vegetables that add Mediterranean elegance and additional layer of flavor.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet, smoky elements that provide vibrant color and rich, mellow taste.
• Fresh Herbs: Crisp green garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle freshness to the entire presentation.
• Crackers or Bread: Crunchy accompaniments for scooping and enjoying the olives and cheeses.

Tools to Arrange Your Cheese Board Like a Pro

• Serving board or platter: Large flat surface for arranging cheeses and appetizers.
• Small bowl: Perfect for marinating olives and holding them during serving.
• Mixing bowl: Used for tossing olives with herbs and olive oil.
• Zester or grater: Essential for creating fresh lemon zest.
• Knife: Helps with cutting herbs and preparing ingredients.

Putting Together a Simple Olive & Cheese Plate

• Infuse Olives with Zesty Herbs

Grab a bowl and mix olives with fragrant olive oil, bright lemon zest, and aromatic rosemary and thyme. Let the olives soak up these incredible flavors for about 15 minutes, creating a mouthwatering Mediterranean experience.

• Create a Stunning Cheese Landscape

Spread your favorite cheeses across a beautiful serving board, creating delightful groupings that catch the eye. Nestle the marinated olives in a small dish or scatter them playfully around the cheeses.

• Elevate Your Platter with Mediterranean Treasures

Enhance the spread by adding tempting extras like tangy marinated artichoke hearts or sweet roasted red peppers. These colorful additions will transform your platter into a stunning culinary masterpiece.

• Finish with Flair and Serve

Sprinkle fresh herbs over the platter for a final burst of color and flavor. Set out some crispy crackers or crusty bread alongside, inviting guests to dive into this delectable spread.

Pairing Ideas to Boost Your Cheese Spread

• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate olives up to 24 hours in advance to intensify flavor profiles and save precious prep time before serving.
• Cheese Temperature Trick: Remove cheeses from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to ensure optimal taste and smooth, creamy texture that spreads beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or vegetable sticks for guests with wheat sensitivities without compromising the elegant Mediterranean experience.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew cheese or almond-based soft spreads to create an inclusive appetizer that everyone can enjoy.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Experiment with different herb combinations like adding dried oregano or fresh dill to olive marinade for unexpected and delightful taste variations that will surprise your guests.

How to Serve Cheese and Olives with Elegance

• Mediterranean Mezze Magic: Transform your olive and cheese platter into a stunning appetizer spread.
• Rustic Bread Companions: Slice crusty sourdough or rustic baguettes to complement the rich olive and cheese flavors, creating perfect bite-sized combinations.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Select crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or light reds such as Pinot Noir to enhance the briny olives and creamy cheeses, elevating the tasting experience.
• Dip Delight Station: Create a small side area with homemade tzatziki or herbed olive oil for guests to drizzle and dunk, adding an interactive and flavorful dimension to the platter.

Saving Extra Cheese and Olives for Later

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer marinated olives to an airtight glass container, keeping them refrigerated for up to 5 days. Enjoy maximum flavor when consuming within 2-3 days.
• Cheese Care Techniques: Wrap different cheese types separately in wax paper or specialized cheese wrap to maintain individual textures. Store in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer, which offers consistent cool temperatures.
• Platter Preparation Hack: Assemble platter components just before serving to maintain freshness. Keep delicate ingredients like herbs and soft cheeses separate until final presentation.
• Leftover Management Magic: Repurpose remaining olives and cheese in salads, pasta dishes, or Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches. Chop ingredients finely and mix into scrambled eggs or frittatas for quick next-day meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 325 kcal

Servings: 6

Rustic Olives And Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean olive and cheese appetizer blends tangy olives with creamy cheese for a perfect starter. Guests will savor complex flavors and enjoy simple Mediterranean ingredients that complement each other beautifully.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup sharp cheddar, cubed
• 1 cup Gouda or Havarti, cubed
• ½ cup feta or small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), crumbled
• ¼ cup Parmesan, shards
• 1 cup olives, mixed (green, black, Kalamata, or Castelvetrano)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup artichoke hearts, marinated
• ¼ cup red peppers, roasted, sliced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp rosemary, fresh, finely chopped
• 1 tsp thyme leaves, fresh
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for garnish
• Crackers, baguette slices, or breadsticks for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinate: Blend mixed olives with olive oil, lemon zest, rosemary, and thyme in a mixing bowl. Allow flavors to meld for 15 minutes, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
2. Arrange Cheese: Create an artistic display on a serving board, positioning various cheese types to maximize visual and textural contrast.
3. Place Accompaniments: Gently transfer marinated olives into a small dish or scatter across the platter. Intersperse marinated artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers to fill empty spaces, creating a vibrant Mediterranean landscape.
4. Finalize Presentation: Sprinkle fresh herbs over the platter, adding a verdant, aromatic finish. Serve with an assortment of crackers or crusty bread to complement the robust flavors.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Allow olives to soak for at least 15 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and create a more complex taste profile.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a variety of textures and milk types (soft, hard, goat, cow) to provide a diverse and interesting cheese experience.
• Herb Freshness Counts: Use freshly picked herbs instead of dried to enhance the visual appeal and deliver a more vibrant, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Temperature Technique: Serve cheeses at room temperature to unlock their full flavor potential and ensure optimal texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg