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 recipe brings a joyful, artistic touch to holiday entertaining and is always a hit at family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 150 g cubed
- Mozzarella cheese: 150 g cubed
- Feta cheese: 100 g cubed
- Green olives: 100 g pitted
- Kalamata olives: 100 g pitted
- Black olives: 100 g pitted
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: 1 small bunch
- Cherry tomatoes: 8 10 pieces
- Red bell pepper: 1 small diced for ornaments
- Cucumber: 1 sliced to form tree branches
- Mini mozzarella balls: 50 g optional
- Crackers or fresh baguette slices: for serving
Instructions
- Arrange base:
- On a large round platter arrange rosemary sprigs in a circular shape to form the base of the wreath and the pine needles.
- Shape pine tree:
- 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.
- Add branches:
- Tuck cucumber slices and mini mozzarella balls among the olives and cheeses for added color and branch effect.
- Decorate:
- Decorate with cherry tomatoes and diced red bell pepper to resemble festive ornaments.
- Finish:
- For a finishing touch you can drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle cracked black pepper over the wreath.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices on the side.
Save This cheese and olive wreath has become a centerpiece at our holiday table sparking conversation and delighting guests of all ages.
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
Save This pine tree shaped olive wreath combines beauty and flavor for any festive occasion making your appetizer spread truly memorable.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheeses work best for this arrangement?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and feta offer a lovely mix of textures and flavors. You can substitute with gouda, havarti, or pepper jack for variety.
- → Can I prepare the wreath ahead of time?
It’s best assembled shortly before serving to preserve freshness and presentation, but components can be prepped a few hours ahead and refrigerated.
- → How can I make this suitable for vegan guests?
Replace dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and stick to marinated olives and fresh vegetables for a fully vegan-friendly option.
- → What garnishes add to the pine tree effect?
Fresh rosemary sprigs simulate pine needles, cucumber slices create leafy branches, and cherry tomatoes with diced bell peppers serve as festive ornaments.
- → What pairing beverages complement this dish?
A crisp white wine or sparkling prosecco pairs elegantly with the savory and fresh flavors of the olives and cheeses.