Save to Pinterest A beautiful, festive appetizer platter featuring a white dove made from creamy cheese and an assortment of olives, perfect for holiday gatherings.
I love creating this olive platter every holiday season because it brings both elegance and fun to our gatherings.
Ingredients
- For the Dove: 200 g cream cheese softene 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt 1/4 tsp salt Pinch of white pepper 1 small carrot (for beak and feet) 2 black peppercorns (for eyes)
- For the Olive Platter: 150 g green olives pitted 150 g black olives pitted 100 g Kalamata olives pitted 100 g cherry tomatoes halved 1 small cucumber sliced 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish and olive branches)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, and white pepper until smooth and spreadable.
- Step 2:
- On a large serving platter, mound the cheese mixture into the shape of a dove, using a spatula or spoon. Smooth the surface gently.
- Step 3:
- Cut a small triangle from the carrot for the doves beak and two tiny pieces for the feet. Place them appropriately on the dove shape.
- Step 4:
- Press the black peppercorns onto the dove for the eyes.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the green, black, and Kalamata olives in clusters around the dove to form branches and a festive border.
- Step 6:
- Add cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices artistically around the platter for color and freshness.
- Step 7:
- Drizzle the olives and vegetables lightly with olive oil.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs to resemble olive branches in the doves beak or around the platter.
- Step 9:
- Chill until ready to serve. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette if desired.
Save to Pinterest This platter always brings my family together, sparking conversations and compliments at every holiday party.
Notes
Swap in herbed goat cheese for a tangier flavor Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra color and flavor
Required Tools
Large serving platter Small mixing bowl Spatula or spoon Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, yogurt) Check olive packaging for possible allergen cross-contamination Gluten-free if served without bread or with gluten-free options
Save to Pinterest This elegant appetizer not only tastes delicious but also makes a stunning centerpiece that guests will remember.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you shape the cheese into a dove?
Mix cream cheese with Greek yogurt until smooth, then mold it on a platter using a spatula or spoon into a dove shape. Use carrot pieces for the beak and feet, and black peppercorns for eyes.
- → Can the olive selection be modified?
Yes, you can use any combination of green, black, or Kalamata olives based on your preference or availability to maintain color and flavor variety.
- → What goes well with this platter?
Serve alongside gluten-free crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh bread to complement the creamy textures and briny olives.
- → How is the platter garnished for a festive look?
Fresh rosemary sprigs are added to mimic olive branches, enhancing both aroma and seasonal appeal around the cheese dove and olives.
- → Is there an option for a tangier cheese base?
Yes, substituting herbed goat cheese for cream cheese adds a tangy depth of flavor while maintaining spreadability.