An elegant yet casual spread, the Rustic Mediterranean Cheese & Olive Board brings together a curated selection of cheeses, olives, and artisan bread for a beautiful and delicious presentation. Ideal for entertaining or a relaxed evening at home, this board captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheese and olive board is both visually stunning and incredibly easy to assemble. It requires no cooking and can be customized endlessly to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. The contrasting textures and flavors—from creamy goat cheese to briny olives and fragrant rosemary—create a balanced and satisfying tasting experience. It’s an excellent centerpiece for any gathering and can double as an appetizer or a light meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1/2 cup black or Kalamata olives
- 4 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
- 4 oz goat cheese or soft white cheese
- 4 oz semi-hard cheese (like Gruyère or Emmental)
- 1 small wheel of soft-ripened cheese (like brie or camembert)
- 6–8 slices crusty artisan bread or baguette
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- Sea salt and cracked pepper (optional)
directions
- Arrange the cheeses on a large wooden or ceramic board, spacing them out for visual appeal and ease of access.
- Place the green and black olives in small bowls, or scatter them directly around the cheeses for a more rustic presentation.
- Arrange the bread slices around the edges of the board. Optionally, toast them lightly to enhance texture and flavor.
- Drizzle olive oil over slices topped with goat or soft cheese, and sprinkle with a bit of sea salt and fresh cracked pepper if desired.
- Garnish the board with fresh rosemary sprigs for added aroma and a decorative touch.
- Serve with cheese knives or small spoons for spreading, and allow guests to assemble their preferred bites.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6 as an appetizer or light meal
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add cured meats: Include prosciutto, salami, or soppressata for a heartier charcuterie-style board.
- Include dried fruit and nuts: Add figs, apricots, almonds, or walnuts for a sweet and crunchy contrast.
- Try different breads: Use focaccia, seeded crackers, or pita chips for variation in texture.
- Use marinated cheeses: Swap in marinated feta or mozzarella balls for added flavor.
- Incorporate spreads: Serve with hummus, tapenade, or fig jam for more variety.
storage/reheating
Leftovers can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cheeses should be brought to room temperature before serving again. Bread can be refreshed in a low oven if needed. Olives and garnishes like rosemary can be reused in salads or other recipes.
FAQs
Can I make this board in advance?
Yes, you can arrange the board up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
What kind of board should I use?
A wooden cutting board, slate, or large ceramic platter all work well. Choose something flat and large enough to space out the ingredients.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Absolutely. Choose any combination of soft, hard, and aged cheeses that you prefer or have available.
Are there vegan alternatives?
Yes, you can use plant-based cheeses and olive tapenades to make a fully vegan version.
What drinks pair well with this board?
Light white wines, rosé, or sparkling wine pair beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with citrus or herbal teas.
Should the bread be toasted?
It’s optional. Toasting adds a nice crunch, but fresh, soft bread works just as well depending on your preference.
How should I store leftovers?
Wrap cheeses individually and store bread and olives in separate containers. Consume within 3 days.
Can I include spreads or dips?
Yes, small bowls of hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki are great additions to this board.
What’s the best way to balance flavors?
Include a mix of creamy, sharp, salty, and mild cheeses along with fresh and briny elements like olives and herbs.
Is this suitable for a dinner party?
Definitely. This board is ideal as a starter or light main course for casual gatherings and formal events alike.
Conclusion
The Rustic Mediterranean Cheese & Olive Board is a versatile and elegant way to enjoy a range of Mediterranean flavors. With no cooking required, it allows you to focus on presentation and quality ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a simple evening meal, this board is a delicious and visually pleasing option that brings warmth and sophistication to the table.
Print
Rustic Mediterranean Cheese & Olive Board
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Une planche en bois accueillante ornée d’une variété de fromages méditerranéens, d’olives vertes et noires fraîches, de pains artisanaux et de brins de romarin, parfaite pour recevoir sans effort avec des saveurs audacieuses et savoureuses et un charme rustique.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tasse d’olives vertes
- 1/2 tasse d’olives noires ou Kalamata
- 4 oz de fromage suisse, tranché
- 113 g de fromage de chèvre ou de fromage blanc à pâte molle
- 113 g de fromage à pâte mi-dure (comme le Gruyère ou l’Emmental)
- 1 petite meule de fromage à pâte molle (comme du brie ou du camembert)
- 6 à 8 tranches de pain artisanal croustillant ou de baguette
- 2 cuillères à soupe d’huile d’olive extra vierge
- Brins de romarin frais, pour la garniture
- Sel de mer et poivre concassé (facultatif)
Instructions
- Disposez les fromages sur une grande planche en bois ou en céramique, en les espaçant pour un équilibre visuel.
- Remplissez des petits bols d’olives vertes et noires, ou répartissez-les autour des fromages directement sur la planche.
- Disposez les tranches de pain autour de la planche ; faites-les légèrement griller si vous le souhaitez.
- Arrosez une partie du pain garni de fromage de chèvre ou de fromage frais d’huile d’olive et terminez avec une pincée de sel de mer et de romarin.
- Décorez la planche avec des brins de romarin pour l’arôme et l’attrait visuel.
- Servez avec de petits couteaux ou des cuillères pour tartiner et laissez les invités créer leurs propres bouchées.
Notes
- Choisissez un mélange de textures et de saveurs pour les fromages afin d’ajouter de la variété.
- Utilisez des olives marinées ou farcies pour plus de saveur.
- Des figues fraîches ou des raisins peuvent être ajoutés pour un contraste sucré.
- Proposez des options de pain sans gluten si nécessaire.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of board
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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