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Festive Cube Cheese Stack

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This appetizer features vibrant cubes of cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack cheeses stacked on skewers with olives, baby pickles, and cherry tomatoes. The colorful layers create an eye-catching presentation, enhanced by chopped parsley, making a perfect no-cook option for holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare in 20 minutes, it suits vegetarian and gluten-free diets and pairs well with crisp white wine or sparkling cider.

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Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:40:00 GMT
Festive Cube Cheese Stack, colorful cheese cubes stacked with olives and tomatoes for a holiday appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Festive Cube Cheese Stack, colorful cheese cubes stacked with olives and tomatoes for a holiday appetizer. | amberkettle.com

A vibrant and playful appetizer featuring colorful cheese cubes, stacked with festive garnishes perfect for holiday gatherings.

I first served this at a holiday party and it was an instant hit with guests praising its fun look and delicious flavors.

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.
Bright and flavorful Festive Cube Cheese Stack, ready for serving on a platter with fresh parsley garnish. Save to Pinterest
Bright and flavorful Festive Cube Cheese Stack, ready for serving on a platter with fresh parsley garnish. | amberkettle.com

This recipe always brings family and friends together to enjoy festive moments and shared laughter around the platter.

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

Easy Festive Cube Cheese Stack with cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack, skewered with olives for a taste explosion. Save to Pinterest
Easy Festive Cube Cheese Stack with cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack, skewered with olives for a taste explosion. | amberkettle.com

This simple yet festive appetizer will brighten any gathering and delight guests with its colorful flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ What types of cheese work best for the stack?

Aged cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack provide a nice mix of flavors and colors, but you can swap in Swiss, Emmental, or blue cheese for variety.

→ How should the cheese be cut for this dish?

Cut all cheeses into uniform 1.5 cm cubes to ensure even stacking and a balanced flavor in each bite.

→ Can this appetizer be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stacks and cover them in the refrigerator, but serve shortly after to maintain freshness and texture.

→ What garnishes add flavor between the cheese layers?

Baby pickles and pitted green olives provide a tangy contrast, while cherry tomatoes add a fresh burst on top of each stack.

→ Are there any suggested pairings for these cheese stacks?

They pair wonderfully with crisp white wines or sparkling cider, enhancing the festive mood of any gathering.

Festive Cube Cheese Stack

Colorful cheese cubes layered with fresh garnishes for a festive appetizer.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
1 min
Total duration
21 min
Created by Molly Easton


Skill level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary details Meat-free, Wheat-free, Reduced-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

Directions

Step 01

Cube Cheeses: Cut all cheeses into uniform 0.6 inch cubes to ensure consistent stacking.

Step 02

Prepare Garnishes: Place cherry tomatoes, olives, sliced baby pickles, and chopped parsley into separate serving bowls for easy access.

Step 03

Assemble Stacks: Thread 3 to 4 cubes of cheese, alternating varieties to create a colorful display, onto each wooden pick.

Step 04

Insert Garnishes: Add a slice of baby pickle or an olive between cheese cubes for added flavor and texture.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Present: Arrange the completed stacks upright on a serving platter for attractive presentation.

Step 07

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

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Be sure to look at every ingredient. If you have concerns, ask your healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk (dairy).
  • Olives may be processed in facilities with nuts or gluten; check packaging if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition Info (one portion)

Information shown is for general reference. Please speak to your doctor for nutrition advice.
  • Energy: 140
  • Lipids: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 8 g