What cheeses work best for this stack?

Aged cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack provide color contrast and balanced flavors, but Swiss and Emmental can be good substitutes.

Can this be prepared in advance?

Yes, assemble the stacks and cover them well, then refrigerate until serving to maintain freshness.

Cherry tomatoes, green olives, baby pickles, and fresh parsley add bright, tangy, and herbaceous notes.

This dish is vegetarian and gluten-free, but contains dairy. Check olive packaging if nut or gluten allergies are a concern.

Arrange upright on a festive platter using wooden picks, making them easy to grab and visually appealing for gatherings.

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

I love serving this cheese stack at holiday parties because it brings everyone together with its bright colors and delicious flavors.

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

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

This recipe always sparks joy when my family gathers around to enjoy the colorful stacks during the holidays.

Sharp knife cutting board wooden party picks or mini skewers serving platter

Contains milk (dairy). Olives may be processed in facilities with nuts or gluten check packaging if allergies are a concern.

Calories 140 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 2 g Protein 8 g per serving

This festive cheese stack is a guaranteed crowd pleaser that brings flavor and fun to any party.

→ What cheeses work best for this stack?: Aged cheddar, gouda, havarti, and pepper jack provide color contrast and balanced flavors, but Swiss and Emmental can be good substitutes.
→ Can this be prepared in advance?: Yes, assemble the stacks and cover them well, then refrigerate until serving to maintain freshness.
→ What garnishes enhance the flavor?: Cherry tomatoes, green olives, baby pickles, and fresh parsley add bright, tangy, and herbaceous notes.
→ Is this suitable for dietary restrictions?: This dish is vegetarian and gluten-free, but contains dairy. Check olive packaging if nut or gluten allergies are a concern.
→ How should these stacks be served?: Arrange upright on a festive platter using wooden picks, making them easy to grab and visually appealing for gatherings.