Olives and Cheese

Total Time Prep: 25 min. + chilling
Yield 16 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
This elegant marinated olives and cheese platter is a perfect appetizer for any occasion, especially one with an Italian-inspired menu. The arrangement is visually appealing and temptingly delicious, and it can be made entirely ahead of time.

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cold
  • 1 package (10 ounces) sharp white cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1/3 cup pimiento-stuffed olives
  • 1/3 cup pitted Greek olives
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jar (2 ounces) pimiento strips, drained and chopped
  • Toasted French bread baguette slices

Directions

  1. Cut cream cheese lengthwise in half; cut each half into 1/4-in. slices. On a serving plate, arrange cheeses upright in a ring, alternating cheddar and cream cheese slices. Place olives in center.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, oil, parsley, basil and garlic until blended; drizzle over cheeses and olives. Sprinkle with pimientos. Refrigerate, covered, at least 8 hours or overnight. Serve with baguette slices.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.

We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Recipe Creator

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