Save A vibrant and playful appetizer featuring colorful cheese cubes, stacked with festive garnishes—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I first served these at a holiday party and everyone loved the combination of flavors and the fun presentation.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 100 g aged cheddar cut into 1.5 cm cubes, 100 g gouda cut into 1.5 cm cubes, 100 g havarti cut into 1.5 cm cubes, 100 g pepper jack cut into 1.5 cm cubes
- Garnishes: 16 cherry tomatoes halved, 16 green olives pitted, 8 baby pickles (cornichons) sliced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Serving: 16 wooden party picks or mini skewers
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Prepare all cheeses by cutting them into evenly sized 1.5 cm cubes.
- Step 2:
- Lay out all garnishes in separate bowls for easy assembly.
- Step 3:
- For each stack, alternate 3 4 cheese cubes (vary types for color contrast) on a party pick.
- Step 4:
- Between cheese layers add a slice of baby pickle or an olive for extra flavor.
- Step 5:
- Top each stack with a halved cherry tomato and a sprinkle of parsley.
- Step 6:
- Arrange stacks upright on a festive platter.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save This recipe brings smiles as family and friends gather around to enjoy the colorful stacks and share holiday cheer.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, wooden party picks or mini skewers, serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy). Olives may be processed in facilities with nuts or gluten check packaging if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories 140 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 2 g Protein 8 g
Save This cheese stack makes an easy festive appetizer sure to impress guests with minimal effort.
Recipe Guide
- → What cheeses work best for this stack?
Aged cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack create colorful flavor contrasts but Swiss, Emmental, or blue cheese also work well.
- → Can I prepare the stacks in advance?
Yes, assemble then cover and refrigerate. Serve chilled or at room temperature shortly after removing.
- → What garnishes enhance the cheese cubes?
Green olives, baby pickles, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh parsley add fresh, tangy flavors and festive colors.
- → Are these suitable for dietary restrictions?
They are vegetarian and gluten-free but contain dairy. Check olives for potential cross-contamination if allergies exist.
- → What are good beverage pairings?
Crisp white wine or sparkling cider complement the rich cheeses and flavorful garnishes nicely.