Festive Cube Cheese Stack

Featured in: Classic American Desserts

This vibrant appetizer showcases cubes of aged cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack cheeses arranged on skewers. Alternating layers include baby pickles and olives for a contrasting burst of flavor, topped with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley. Ready in 20 minutes without cooking, it's a colorful and easy addition to festive gatherings, providing a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Perfect for vegetarians and gluten-free diets.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:30:00 GMT
Festive Cube Cheese Stack, a colorful appetizer, showcases cheese cubes topped with olives and tomatoes. Save
Festive Cube Cheese Stack, a colorful appetizer, showcases cheese cubes topped with olives and tomatoes. | epicurestates.com

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

This was a big hit at our family holiday party last year and everyone asked for the recipe!

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.
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Our kids loved helping stack the cheese cubes and garnishes it became a fun family activity.

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

Up-close shot of a vibrant Festive Cube Cheese Stack with various cheeses ready to eat at a party. Save
Up-close shot of a vibrant Festive Cube Cheese Stack with various cheeses ready to eat at a party. | epicurestates.com

This appetizer is as delightful to make as it is to eat add a personal twist and share with friends!

Recipe FAQs

What cheeses work best for this stack?

Aged cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack offer great texture and color contrast. Swiss or Emmental also work well.

How should the cheese cubes be cut?

Cut cheeses into even 1.5 cm cubes to ensure uniform stacking and balanced bites.

Can this appetizer be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate covered until serving to keep the flavors fresh and the presentation intact.

What garnishes complement the cheese cubes?

Baby pickles, green olives, and halved cherry tomatoes add color and a mix of savory, tangy notes.

Are there serving suggestions for pairing?

Pair with crisp white wine or sparkling cider to enhance the festive experience.

Festive Cube Cheese Stack

Colorful cubes of cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack with festive garnishes on skewers.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage International

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free, No gluten, Low-Carbohydrate

Components

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 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Serving

01 16 wooden party picks or mini skewers

Directions

Phase 01

Cube cheeses: Cut all cheeses into evenly sized 0.6-inch cubes.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Assemble stacks: Thread 3 to 4 cubes of mixed cheeses onto each party pick, alternating types for vibrant color contrast.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Finish topping: Cap each stack with a halved cherry tomato and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Phase 06

Display: Arrange the completed stacks upright on a festive serving platter.

Phase 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (dairy).
  • Olives may be processed in facilities handling nuts or gluten; verify packaging for allergy concerns.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 140
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g