Turkish olives and cheese board (Print)

A flavorful board of Turkish olives, feta, honey, and warm pita, perfect for easy sharing.

# Ingredients:

→ 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

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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in minutes but feels like you've done something thoughtful.
  • Everyone finds their own flavor combinations, so there's no wrong way to eat it.
  • The contrast between creamy cheese, briny olives, and sweet honey is genuinely addictive.
02 -
  • Cheese at room temperature tastes better—pull everything out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving so flavors aren't muted by cold.
  • Don't skip the warm pita; it's the vehicle that makes this work, and room-temperature bread loses something essential.
  • Start with less honey than you think you need; you can always add more, and restraint here keeps the board balanced.
03 -
  • Warm your serving board with hot water before plating if you're not serving immediately—it keeps the cheese from sweating and everything stays fresher longer.
  • If beyaz peynir isn't available where you live, look for it in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean markets, or substitute with a creamy fresh mozzarella or mild Greek feta.
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