Festive Cube Cheese Stack

Featured in: Simple Rustic Treats

This vibrant dish showcases cubes of cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack cheeses stacked on skewers with olives, baby pickles, and cherry tomatoes. The colorful layers create a visually appealing appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note, while the variety of cheeses balances creamy and spicy flavors. Quick to prepare with no cooking needed, this easy-to-assemble platter offers a delightful bite combining savory, tangy, and fresh elements ideal for sharing.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:01:00 GMT
Festive Cube Cheese Stack: Colorful cheese cubes perfectly stacked with olives, tomatoes, and parsley garnish on a platter. Save
Festive Cube Cheese Stack: Colorful cheese cubes perfectly stacked with olives, tomatoes, and parsley garnish on a platter. | cocoaferns.com

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

This appetizer has become a favorite at our family holiday parties for its bright colors and bite-size convenience.

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

Prepare Cheeses:
Cut all cheeses into evenly sized 1.5 cm cubes.
Prep Garnishes:
Lay out all garnishes in separate bowls for easy assembly.
Assemble Stacks:
For each stack alternate 3 4 cheese cubes vary types for color contrast on a party pick.
Add Flavor:
Between cheese layers add a slice of baby pickle or an olive for extra flavor.
Top and Garnish:
Top each stack with a halved cherry tomato and a sprinkle of parsley.
Arrange:
Arrange stacks upright on a festive platter.
Serve:
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save
| cocoaferns.com

This recipe always brings smiles when shared with family and friends during the holidays.

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 per serving

Delicious Festive Cube Cheese Stack appetizer: A close-up view of layered cheese cubes ready to eat. Save
Delicious Festive Cube Cheese Stack appetizer: A close-up view of layered cheese cubes ready to eat. | cocoaferns.com

This festive cube cheese stack is a colorful and delightful starter that’s sure to impress your guests.

Recipe FAQs

What cheeses work best for this stack?

Aged cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack provide a pleasing balance of flavors and colors, but Swiss or Emmental can be used for variety.

Can this appetizer be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the stacks and refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve to keep the ingredients fresh.

What garnishes complement the cheese cubes?

Cherry tomatoes, green olives, baby pickles, and fresh parsley add bursts of color and contrasting flavors to the stacks.

Are there suggested pairings for this dish?

Pair with crisp white wine or sparkling cider to enhance the festive flavors and cleanse the palate.

How should the cubes be cut for best presentation?

Cut cheeses into uniform 1.5 cm cubes for an even and attractive stack that’s easy to pick up.

Festive Cube Cheese Stack

Vibrant cubes of cheddar, gouda, and more, stacked with olives and tomatoes for a festive appetizer.

Prep Time
20 minutes
0
Overall Time
20 minutes
Author: Maya Larkson

Recipe Category Simple Rustic Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Makes 8 Servings Amount

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten, Low Carbohydrate

What You 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 the cheeses: Cut each cheese into uniform 0.6-inch cubes to ensure even stacking.

Step 02

Prepare garnishes: Arrange cherry tomatoes, olives, and sliced pickles in separate bowls for convenient assembly.

Step 03

Assemble stacks: Thread 3 to 4 cheese cubes alternately on a party pick, varying cheese types to create visual contrast.

Step 04

Add garnish layers: Insert a slice of baby pickle or an olive between cheese layers to enhance flavor complexity.

Step 05

Top stacks: Cap each skewer with a halved cherry tomato and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Step 06

Present appetizer: Arrange the assembled stacks upright on a festive serving platter.

Step 07

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

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Info

Always check every ingredient for allergens. If you're not sure, talk to a health expert.
  • Contains milk (dairy).
  • Olives may be processed in facilities that handle nuts or gluten; verify packaging for allergen information.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info shown is for guidance only. It cannot replace medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 140
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 8 g