Cheese & Olives Pine Wreath

Featured in: Smoky Bites & Snacks

This festive appetizer features a colorful pine tree wreath crafted by layering cubed cheddar, mozzarella, and feta cheeses with green, Kalamata, and black olives. Fresh rosemary sprigs form the base, complemented with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and diced red bell pepper for a holiday ornament effect. Drizzled with olive oil and cracked black pepper, this easy-to-assemble platter delivers vibrant flavors and textures perfect for entertaining. Serve alongside crackers or fresh baguette slices for a delightful savory bite.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:23:00 GMT
Bright, cheery photo of a holiday Cheese & Olives pine tree wreath, ready to serve. Save
Bright, cheery photo of a holiday Cheese & Olives pine tree wreath, ready to serve. | smokyfeast.com

A festive, savory appetizer featuring a vibrant arrangement of marinated olives and assorted cheeses, artfully shaped into a pine tree wreath—perfect for holiday gatherings.

A festive, savory appetizer featuring a vibrant arrangement of marinated olives and assorted cheeses, artfully shaped into a pine tree wreath—perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Cheese Selection: 150 g sharp cheddar cheese, cubed, 150 g mozzarella cheese, cubed, 100 g feta cheese, cubed
  • Olives: 100 g green olives, pitted, 100 g Kalamata olives, pitted, 100 g black olives, pitted
  • Fresh Elements & Garnishes: 1 small bunch fresh rosemary sprigs, 8 10 cherry tomatoes, 1 small red bell pepper, diced (for ornaments), 1 cucumber, sliced (to form tree branches)
  • Extras (optional): 50 g mini mozzarella balls, Crackers or fresh baguette slices, for serving

Instructions

Step 1:
On a large round platter, arrange rosemary sprigs in a circular shape to form the base of the wreath and the pine needles.
Step 2:
Create the pine tree shape by layering olives and cheese cubes in alternating sections around and within the wreath, mimicking the fullness and branches of a pine tree.
Step 3:
Tuck cucumber slices and mini mozzarella balls among the olives and cheeses for added color and branch effect.
Step 4:
Decorate with cherry tomatoes and diced red bell pepper to resemble festive ornaments.
Step 5:
For a finishing touch, you can drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle cracked black pepper over the wreath.
Step 6:
Serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices on the side.
Festive Cheese & Olives appetizer: a colorful, edible pine tree made with olives and cheese. Save
Festive Cheese & Olives appetizer: a colorful, edible pine tree made with olives and cheese. | smokyfeast.com

A festive, savory appetizer featuring a vibrant arrangement of marinated olives and assorted cheeses, artfully shaped into a pine tree wreath—perfect for holiday gatherings.

Required Tools

Large round serving platter, Small knife (for cutting cheese and veggies), Serving tongs or toothpicks

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese). May contain sulfites (in marinated olives). Gluten present if served with regular bread crackers—choose gluten-free options if needed. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 5 g, Protein: 10 g

Close-up of a delicious Cheese & Olives wreath, packed with olives, cheese, and fresh veggies. Save
Close-up of a delicious Cheese & Olives wreath, packed with olives, cheese, and fresh veggies. | smokyfeast.com

This olive wreath is a perfect centerpiece appetizer that brings festive flair to your holiday table.

Cheese & Olives Pine Wreath

Vibrant olive and cheese arrangement shaped like a pine wreath, perfect for festive gatherings.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Mediterranean

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-Free, Carb-Conscious

What You'll Need

Cheese Selection

01 5.3 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
02 5.3 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
03 3.5 oz feta cheese, cubed

Olives

01 3.5 oz green olives, pitted
02 3.5 oz Kalamata olives, pitted
03 3.5 oz black olives, pitted

Fresh Elements & Garnishes

01 1 small bunch fresh rosemary sprigs
02 8 to 10 cherry tomatoes
03 1 small red bell pepper, diced
04 1 cucumber, sliced

Extras (optional)

01 1.8 oz mini mozzarella balls
02 Crackers or fresh baguette slices for serving

Method

Phase 01

Arrange Rosemary Base: Place fresh rosemary sprigs in a circular pattern on a large round platter, shaping the foundation and pine needles of the wreath.

Phase 02

Form Pine Tree Shape: Layer the olives and cheese cubes alternately around and within the rosemary base to emulate the fullness and branches of a pine tree.

Phase 03

Add Branch Details: Intersperse cucumber slices and mini mozzarella balls among the olives and cheeses to accentuate the tree branch effect and enhance color contrast.

Phase 04

Apply Festive Ornaments: Decorate the arrangement with cherry tomatoes and diced red bell pepper pieces to simulate holiday ornaments.

Phase 05

Finish with Dressing: Optionally drizzle a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle cracked black pepper over the wreath for added flavor.

Phase 06

Serve: Present immediately alongside crackers or baguette slices for accompaniment.

Kitchen Tools

  • Large round serving platter
  • Small knife for cutting cheese and vegetables
  • Serving tongs or toothpicks

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cheeses.
  • May contain sulfites due to marinated olives.
  • Gluten present if served with regular bread or crackers; use gluten-free alternatives if necessary.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 10 g