Description
This Turkish Olives Cheese Board is a delightful and visually appealing appetizer perfect for quick entertaining. It features a mix of salty and tangy cheeses like feta and beyaz peynir paired with brined black and green olives, drizzled with sweet honey, and complemented by warm pita bread. Fresh herbs, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes elevate the flavors, making it a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and mildly spicy notes ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 3.5 oz feta cheese, cubed
- 3.5 oz beyaz peynir (Turkish white cheese), sliced
Olives
- 3.5 oz brined green olives
- 3.5 oz brined black olives
Other Ingredients
- 4 tbsp honey
- 2 to 3 pieces warm pita bread, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Arrange Cheeses: Place the cubed feta cheese and sliced beyaz peynir neatly on a large serving board or platter, ensuring they are well distributed for easy access.
- Add Olives: Arrange the green and black brined olives either scattered around the cheeses or placed in small bowls on the board to add visual interest and variety.
- Drizzle Honey: Pour the honey either into a small bowl on the board or directly over some of the cheeses, allowing guests to enjoy the sweet contrast.
- Warm Pita Bread: Briefly warm the pita bread in a skillet or oven until soft and slightly toasted, then cut into wedges and add them to the board for dipping and scooping.
- Garnish and Season: Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill or parsley over the cheeses and olives, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and lightly dust with crushed red pepper flakes to add a hint of spice.
- Serve: Present the cheese board immediately to guests, encouraging them to combine the flavors as they wish for a personalized tasting experience.
Notes
- You can substitute beyaz peynir with another mild white cheese like halloumi or a soft goat cheese if unavailable.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Warm the pita bread just before serving to maintain its softness and flavor.
- Use fresh herbs according to preference; mint can also work well for a refreshing twist.
- Store leftovers separately in airtight containers; cheese and olives can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
