Festive cube cheese stack

Featured in: Quick Fun Eats

This vibrant appetizer features cubes of cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack cheeses stacked on skewers. Alternating with green olives and baby pickles, each stack is topped with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley. A quick, no-cook dish that's perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, offering flavor contrasts and festive colors. Easily customizable with preferred cheeses or added cured meats for variety.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:04:00 GMT
Festive Cube Cheese Stack, colorful cheese cubes stacked with olives and tomatoes, ready to serve at a party. Save
Festive Cube Cheese Stack, colorful cheese cubes stacked with olives and tomatoes, ready to serve at a party. | lickjoke.com

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.
This Festive Cube Cheese Stack features layers of cheese, garnished with fresh parsley and bright cherry tomatoes. Save
This Festive Cube Cheese Stack features layers of cheese, garnished with fresh parsley and bright cherry tomatoes. | lickjoke.com

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

Colorful cubes of cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack form a delicious Festive Cube Cheese Stack appetizer. Save
Colorful cubes of cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack form a delicious Festive Cube Cheese Stack appetizer. | lickjoke.com

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.

Festive cube cheese stack

Colorful cheese cubes layered with olives, pickles, and tomatoes for a festive touch.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Hannah Brooks


Skill level Easy

Heritage International

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free, No gluten, Carb-conscious

Components

Cheeses

01 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cut into 0.6 inch cubes
02 3.5 oz gouda, cut into 0.6 inch cubes
03 3.5 oz havarti, cut into 0.6 inch cubes
04 3.5 oz pepper jack, cut into 0.6 inch cubes

Garnishes

01 16 cherry tomatoes, halved
02 16 green olives, pitted
03 8 baby pickles (cornichons), sliced
04 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Serving

01 16 wooden party picks or mini skewers

Method

Phase 01

Cube cheeses: Cut all cheeses into uniform 0.6 inch cubes for even stacking.

Phase 02

Prepare garnishes: Arrange cherry tomatoes, olives, and sliced baby pickles in separate bowls for easy access.

Phase 03

Assemble stacks: Thread 3 to 4 cheese cubes, alternating types for color variation, onto each wooden party pick.

Phase 04

Add flavor layers: Insert a slice of baby pickle or an olive between cheese layers to enhance taste.

Phase 05

Finish stacks: Top each skewer with a halved cherry tomato and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Phase 06

Present appetizer: Arrange the stacks upright on a decorative serving platter.

Phase 07

Storage: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tools needed

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden party picks or mini skewers
  • Serving platter

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains milk (dairy).
  • Olives may be processed in facilities with nuts or gluten; verify packaging if allergic.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 140
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 8 g