Save A festive, savory appetizer featuring a vibrant arrangement of marinated olives and assorted cheeses, artfully shaped into a pine tree wreath—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This cheese and olive wreath always impresses my guests and brings a festive touch to any gathering.
Ingredients
- Cheese Selection: 150 g sharp cheddar cheese, cubed, 150 g mozzarella cheese, cubed, 100 g feta cheese, cubed
- Olives: 100 g green olives, pitted, 100 g Kalamata olives, pitted, 100 g black olives, pitted
- Fresh Elements & Garnishes: 1 small bunch fresh rosemary sprigs, 8 10 cherry tomatoes, 1 small red bell pepper, diced (for ornaments), 1 cucumber, sliced (to form tree branches)
- Extras (optional): 50 g mini mozzarella balls, Crackers or fresh baguette slices, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large round platter, arrange rosemary sprigs in a circular shape to form the base of the wreath and the pine needles.
- Step 2:
- Create the pine tree shape by layering olives and cheese cubes in alternating sections around and within the wreath, mimicking the fullness and branches of a pine tree.
- Step 3:
- Tuck cucumber slices and mini mozzarella balls among the olives and cheeses for added color and branch effect.
- Step 4:
- Decorate with cherry tomatoes and diced red bell pepper to resemble festive ornaments.
- Step 5:
- For a finishing touch, you can drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle cracked black pepper over the wreath.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices on the side.
Save This wreath has become a holiday tradition in our family, always sparking joy and conversations around the table.
Required Tools
Large round serving platter, small knife for cutting cheese and veggies, serving tongs or toothpicks.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese). May contain sulfites (in marinated olives). Gluten present if served with regular bread/crackers—choose gluten-free options if needed. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 5 g, Protein: 10 g per serving.
Save This cheese and olive wreath is the perfect festive appetizer to delight your guests and brighten your holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the pine tree shape with olives and cheese?
Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in a circular pattern to form the base and needles, then layer cheese cubes and olives in alternating sections to mimic the branches of a pine tree.
- → Can I substitute different types of cheese in this arrangement?
Yes, you can use your favorite cheeses such as gouda, havarti, or pepper jack to create different flavor profiles while maintaining the visual appeal.
- → Is there a way to make this suitable for a vegan diet?
Substitute all cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use olives only, ensuring all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- → What garnishes add festive touches to this wreath?
Cherry tomatoes and diced red bell pepper work as colorful ornaments, enhancing the festive look alongside cucumber slices and rosemary sprigs.
- → How should I serve this cheese and olive arrangement?
Serve immediately with crackers or fresh baguette slices on the side, optionally drizzling olive oil and sprinkling cracked black pepper for extra flavor.