Turkish olives cheese board (Print Version)

An inviting Turkish platter with olives, feta, white cheese, honey, and warm pita bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz feta cheese, cubed
02 - 3.5 oz beyaz peynir (Turkish white cheese), sliced

→ Olives

03 - 3.5 oz brined green olives
04 - 3.5 oz brined black olives

→ Accompaniments

05 - 4 tbsp honey
06 - 2 to 3 pieces warm pita bread, cut into wedges

→ Garnishes (optional)

07 - 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
08 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
09 - Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place the cubed feta and sliced beyaz peynir on a large serving board or platter.
02 - Distribute green and black olives in small bowls or scatter them around the cheeses on the board.
03 - Drizzle honey into a small bowl or directly over some of the cheese as preferred.
04 - Warm pita bread briefly in a skillet or oven, then cut into wedges and add to the board.
05 - Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and add crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
06 - Present immediately, inviting guests to combine flavors as they wish.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes less time to assemble than it does to decide what to watch on TV, and tastes infinitely better.
  • The contrast between briny olives and sweet honey creates this addictive back-and-forth you can't stop reaching for.
  • There's no cooking involved, so even on your most exhausted evenings, you can pull this together and feel like you've done something special.
02 -
  • Cold cheese tastes flat, let it sit out for at least 15 minutes before serving or the flavors won't bloom the way they should.
  • If you drizzle the honey too early, it can start to crystallize or soak into the cheese, so wait until just before you bring it out.
  • Warm pita is non-negotiable, cold pita tastes like cardboard and ruins the whole experience.
03 -
  • Use a wooden board or slate platter instead of a regular plate, it makes the whole thing feel more intentional and beautiful.
  • If you want to impress without extra work, add a small dish of good quality olive oil mixed with za'atar for dipping the pita.
  • Don't overthink the arrangement, a little mess looks more inviting than perfect rows and makes people feel comfortable reaching in.
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