Description
Mediterranean olive and cheese appetizers bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your table. Salty olives, creamy cheeses, and herbal notes create a perfect starter for casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 mixed olives (green, black, Kalamata, or Castelvetrano)
- ¼ cup artichoke hearts, marinated
- ¼ cup red peppers, roasted, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp rosemary, fresh, finely chopped
- 1 tsp thyme leaves, fresh
- Herbs, fresh (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
- Crackers, baguette slices, or breadsticks
Instructions
- Olive Infusion: Blend mixed olives with olive oil, lemon zest, rosemary, and thyme in a mixing bowl. Marinate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- Cheese Arrangement: Select a serving board and artfully arrange diverse cheese varieties, showcasing their unique textures and color variations for visual appeal.
- Platter Composition: Distribute marinated olives across the board, strategically placing them around the cheeses. Integrate marinated artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers to create a Mediterranean-inspired landscape with layered flavors and textures.
- Herbal Garnish: Delicately scatter fresh herb sprigs over the entire platter, adding a vibrant and aromatic dimension that elevates the sensory experience.
- Serving Suggestion: Present alongside crisp crackers or rustic bread, encouraging guests to craft personalized flavor combinations and interactive dining moments.
Notes
- Marinate with Precision: Let olives soak in the infusion for at least 15 minutes to ensure maximum flavor penetration and aromatic depth.
- Cheese Placement Strategy: Arrange cheeses in varying heights and clusters to create visual interest and encourage guests to explore different textures.
- Herb Freshness Matters: Use freshly picked herbs right before serving to maintain their vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Offer gluten-free crackers or alternative bread options to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions while maintaining the Mediterranean essence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg