Festive Olive Cheese Tree
This delightful Festive Olive Cheese Tree is a charming and whimsical appetizer that adds a touch of elegance to any gathering. Perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday celebrations, this creative culinary centerpiece features a delightful combination of pimento-stuffed and kalamata olives artfully arranged on a cone-shaped base. Not only does it impress with its beautiful presentation, but it also offers a delicious mix of flavors that pair wonderfully with cheese and crackers. It's easy to assemble and sure to be a hit among your guests, making it a go-to recipe for holiday hosting!
30
Servings
32
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Small pimento stuffed olives
1 (10-ounce bottle, drained)
Large pimento stuffed olives
1 (10-ounce bottle, drained)
Pitted kalamata olives or black olives
6 (ounces, drained)
Colby cheese
1 (pound, cut into stars)
Rosemary sprig
as desired (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Gather a 9-inch cone (preferably green or white), a box of toothpicks, and the ingredients to start prepping your appetizer.
2
Drain all olives and set them aside. Cut the block of colby cheese into 1/2-inch thick slabs, then utilize a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 1-inch cheese stars. Wrap these cheese stars in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
3
Take the toothpicks and break them in half. Starting from the base of the cone, strategically insert the toothpicks into the cone in a random pattern, ensuring to vary the type of olives used.
4
As you assemble, place larger olives towards the bottom of the cone for stability and taper up with smaller olives as you go. Make sure to leave enough space between the olives to insert the cheese stars later.
5
Next, spear each cheese star with a toothpick half, and carefully place them around the tree, filling the gaps between the olives.
6
For an added touch of festivity, crown the top of the tree with a final cheese star and tuck in rosemary sprigs randomly throughout the design to mimic the look of a decorated tree.
7
Serve the tree immediately for the best flavor and freshness, or cover it and refrigerate for no longer than 8 hours before serving.
Nutrition Information
2.6g
Fat
0.4g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Festive Olive Cheese Tree?
It is a charming and whimsical holiday appetizer centerpiece featuring olives and cheese stars arranged on a cone-shaped base.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides approximately 30 servings.
What types of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses small pimento-stuffed olives, large pimento-stuffed olives, and pitted kalamata or black olives.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the stars?
The recipe calls for one pound of Colby cheese, which is cut into stars.
How large should the cheese stars be?
The cheese should be cut into 1-inch stars using a star-shaped cookie cutter.
What size cone is needed for the base?
A 9-inch cone, preferably green or white, is required for the assembly.
How should the toothpicks be prepared?
The toothpicks should be broken in half before being used to secure the ingredients to the cone.
Where should I start assembling the tree?
Assembly should begin at the base of the cone, strategically inserting toothpicks and olives in a random pattern.
How do I ensure the tree is stable?
Stability is achieved by placing larger olives towards the bottom of the cone and tapering up with smaller olives.
When should the cheese stars be added?
The cheese stars are added after the olives are placed, filling the gaps between them.
How thick should the Colby cheese slabs be cut?
The Colby cheese should be cut into 1/2-inch thick slabs before using the star cutter.
How do I keep the cheese stars fresh during prep?
Wrap the cheese stars in plastic wrap after cutting them to keep them fresh.
What is used to mimic the look of a decorated tree?
Rosemary sprigs are tucked in randomly throughout the design to create a decorated tree look.
What goes on the very top of the tree?
The top of the tree is crowned with a final cheese star.
Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, you can cover and refrigerate the tree for up to 8 hours before serving.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 32 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 2.6g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains approximately 0.4g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
There is approximately 1.6g of protein per serving.
Should the olives be drained?
Yes, all olives should be drained before beginning the assembly process.
Can I use black olives instead of kalamata?
Yes, the recipe allows for either pitted kalamata olives or black olives.
What occasions is this recipe best for?
It is perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday celebrations, or any festive gathering.
What should I serve with the Festive Olive Cheese Tree?
The flavors pair wonderfully with additional cheese and crackers.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as easy to assemble and a great go-to recipe for holiday hosting.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 5 main ingredients: three types of olives, Colby cheese, and rosemary.
How should the olives be arranged?
They should be arranged in a random pattern, ensuring you vary the types of olives used.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar?
According to the nutritional information provided, fiber and sugar data are not specified.
Is a specific cone color required?
The recipe suggests a green or white cone for the best aesthetic.
How many ounces of kalamata olives are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of drained kalamata or black olives.
How do I secure the rosemary sprigs?
Rosemary sprigs are tucked into the design randomly after the olives and cheese are placed.