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 pine tree shaped wreath always delights guests and makes holiday parties extra special.
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 recipe brings warmth to our family gatherings and has become a holiday tradition.
Required Tools
Large round serving platter, Small knife (for cutting cheese and veggies), Serving tongs or toothpicks
Allergen Information
Gluten present if served with regular bread crackers choose gluten-free options if needed
Nutritional Information
Calories 210, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 5 g, Protein 10 g
Save This olive wreath appetizer is an impressive yet simple addition to any festive occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → What types of cheese work best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and feta cubes offer a nice balance of flavor and texture, but gouda or havarti can be substituted.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, by replacing dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and using only marinated olives, it suits a vegan diet.
- → How should the olives be prepared for the wreath?
Use pitted, marinated olives for easy assembly and added flavor. Kalamata, green, and black olives provide a pleasing mix of colors.
- → Are there suggestions for serving accompaniments?
Serve with gluten-free crackers or fresh baguette slices to complement the creamy cheeses and briny olives.
- → How can I decorate the wreath for a festive look?
Cherry tomatoes and small diced red bell peppers imitate ornaments, while fresh rosemary branches mimic pine needles for a holiday feel.