Festive Cube Cheese Stack

Featured in: Everyday Fresh Plates

This vibrant appetizer features bite-sized cubes of aged cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack cheeses carefully stacked with olives, baby pickles, and cherry tomatoes. The alternating layers create a playful contrast in colors and flavors, enhanced by fresh parsley. Ready in 20 minutes with no cooking required, it's perfect for holiday parties or casual get-togethers. Serve chilled on a platter with wooden picks for easy enjoyment.

Updated on Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:07:57 GMT
Festive Cube Cheese Stack: Colorful cheese cubes artfully stacked with olives, tomatoes, and parsley for a simple, elegant appetizer. Save
Festive Cube Cheese Stack: Colorful cheese cubes artfully stacked with olives, tomatoes, and parsley for a simple, elegant appetizer. | basilhearth.com

Celebrate the season with a vibrant and playful Festive Cube Cheese Stack. This appetizer brings a colorful array of cheeses together with fresh, lively garnishes, creating a visually stunning and delicious bite-sized treat perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion.

Festive Cube Cheese Stack: Colorful cheese cubes artfully stacked with olives, tomatoes, and parsley for a simple, elegant appetizer. Save
Festive Cube Cheese Stack: Colorful cheese cubes artfully stacked with olives, tomatoes, and parsley for a simple, elegant appetizer. | basilhearth.com

The combination of creamy, sharp, and spicy cheeses with the tangy and fresh garnishes creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether assembled for a party platter or casual get-together, these stacks are sure to impress your guests.

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

1. Prepare all cheeses by cutting them into evenly sized 1.5 cm cubes.
2. Lay out all garnishes in separate bowls for easy assembly.
3. For each stack, alternate 3–4 cheese cubes (vary types for color contrast) on a party pick.
4. Between cheese layers, add a slice of baby pickle or an olive for extra flavor.
5. Top each stack with a halved cherry tomato and a sprinkle of parsley.
6. Arrange stacks upright on a festive platter.
7. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board to achieve clean, uniform cheese cubes for a polished presentation. Sorting garnishes into separate bowls allows for effortless and organized assembly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Swap cheeses for your favorites — try Swiss, Emmental, or blue cheese for variety. Add cured meats, such as salami, to transform this into a non-vegetarian option.

Serviervorschläge

Pair these cheese stacks with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider to complement the vibrant flavors and add a festive touch to your gathering.

Delicious Festive Cube Cheese Stack with cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack, garnished with fresh, vibrant toppings. Save
Delicious Festive Cube Cheese Stack with cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack, garnished with fresh, vibrant toppings. | basilhearth.com

With minimal preparation and no cooking involved, this Festive Cube Cheese Stack is an effortless way to impress your guests with a beautiful, flavorful appetizer that embraces the spirit of celebration.

Recipe FAQs

What cheeses work best for colorful stacks?

Aged cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack offer vibrant colors and complementary flavors ideal for this appetizer.

How should the cheese be cut?

Cut cheeses into uniform 1.5 cm cubes for balanced stacking and a neat presentation.

Can garnishes be substituted?

Yes, swap olives or baby pickles for other savory toppings like sun-dried tomatoes or nuts to suit taste preferences.

Is refrigeration necessary before serving?

Stacks can be prepared ahead and refrigerated to keep flavors fresh, but serve chilled for best texture.

What utensils are recommended for assembly?

Use wooden party picks or mini skewers to securely hold the cheese cubes and garnishes together.

Festive Cube Cheese Stack

Colorful stacked cubes of cheddar, gouda, and havarti, garnished with olives and cherry tomatoes for holiday snacks.

Prep Time
20 minutes
0
Total Duration
20 minutes
Recipe by Laura Bennett

Recipe Type Everyday Fresh Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free, Without Gluten, Low Carb

What You'll Need

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

How To Make It

Step 01

Cube Cheeses: Cut all cheeses into uniformly sized cubes approximately 0.6 inches each side.

Step 02

Prepare Garnishes: Arrange cherry tomatoes, olives, baby pickles, and chopped parsley in separate bowls for convenient assembly.

Step 03

Assemble Stacks: Thread 3 to 4 cubes of mixed cheeses onto each wooden pick, alternating types for a colorful presentation.

Step 04

Add Garnish Layers: Insert slices of baby pickle or olives between cheese cubes to introduce contrasting flavors.

Step 05

Top and Garnish: Cap each stack with a halved cherry tomato and sprinkle with chopped parsley to finish.

Step 06

Display: Arrange the completed stacks vertically on a serving platter for an inviting presentation.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to present.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a medical expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (dairy).
  • Olives may be processed in facilities handling nuts or gluten; verify packaging for allergen safety.

Nutrition information (serving size)

These nutritional details are for reference. They're not meant as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 140
  • Fat content: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Protein Amount: 8 grams