This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our link, at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure here.
While we still love making a gorgeous charcuterie board, a new appetizer has graced the main stage, and we’re slightly obsessed. Allow us to introduce you to checkerboard appetizers — a new and creative way to serve your favorite cheeses, fruits, and vegetables in a checkerboard design.
Whether you’re hosting a girls’ movie night at your apartment or taking an appetizer to a dinner party, a checkerboard appetizer is a must-have in hand. It’s a stunning way to share a spread of food, and you can get as creative with it as you’d like. Today, we’re sharing 10 super adorable checkerboard appetizers you’ll want to serve for your next special occasion.
What is a checkerboard appetizer?
A checkerboard appetizer is a selection of cheeses, fruits, or vegetables arranged on a. Board or serving dish in a checkerboard pattern. It’s a simple, fun, and artistic way to present a grazing board for a dinner party with friends.
You can choose to eat the appetizer on its own, picking it up with a toothpick, or place it on top of a piece of bread to enjoy.
What do I serve a checkerboard appetizer on?
You can serve your appetizer on a charcuterie board or any other cute serving dish you have on hand. Here are some of our favorite serving platters to choose from:
White Ruffle Platter
Fern Green Marble Platter
10 Adorable Checkerboard Appetizers
1. Blackberry + Cherry + Feta Checkerboard
@sporckly Foodie art that also is the perfect appetizer recipe. Blackberry, cherry & feta checkerboard with @wearebrightland olive oil, balsamic vinegar and chives.
♬ original sound – ꜰɪɪʀᴍᴇᴏʟᴅɪᴇꜱᥫ᭡
What You’ll Need:
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Feta Block
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Chives
- Warm Baguette for Serving
2. Cherry Tomatoes + Feta Checkerboard
@eatingwell The summer app of your dreams 😍 With just a few simple ingredients like feta and cherry tomatoes, it’s as effortless as it is impressive with this Feta Cherry Tomato Checker Board Salad. To get the recipe, visit our profile and click the "likeshop" link, then click on the image that corresponds to this video. To save the recipe with MyRecipes, simply tap the heart icon. 🩷 Ingredients ⁃ 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese ⁃ 18 cherry tomatoes ⁃ 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil ⁃ 1 teaspoon fresh basil leaves ⁃ ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest ⁃ ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper ⁃ Flaky sea salt (optional) ⁃ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar ⁃ Crusty whole-wheat baguette slices, toasted (optional) Directions 1. Cut feta into 18 (¾-by-1-inch) cubes. Arrange the feta cubes and 18 cherry tomatoes in a checkered pattern to create a 6-inch square on a large plate. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon basil, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper and salt (if using). Drizzle 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar around the sides of the board. Serve with toasted baguette, if desired. #easyrecipe #healthyrecipes #summerrecipes #tomato #feta #checkerboard #salad #appetizer #dinnerpartyideas ♬ Idyllic jazz bossa nova with piano and guitar(1298871) – TAKANORI ONDA
What You’ll Need:
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Feta Block
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Chopped Basil
- Lemon Zest
- Salt & Pepper
- Warm Baguette for Serving
3. Organic Mozzarella + Watermelon + Blueberries Checkerboard
@rumianocheese This Memorial Day, we’re savoring the simple joys of good food and great memories✨ Our checkerboard "salad" twist with Rumiano Organic Mozzarella, juicy watermelon, and fresh blueberries brings a deliciously patriotic vibe to the table🧀🍉💙 #RumianoCheese #RumianoOrganic #MemorialDay #MemorialDayFood #Cheese #Checkerboard #FYP #ForYou ♬ original sound – Rumiano Cheese Co.
What You’ll Need:
- Rumiano Organic Mozzarella
- Watermelon
- Blueberries
- Mint
4. Apple + Feta Checkerboard
@crunchpak We had to jump in on this adorable trend. 🍎 #checkerboard #checkerboardtrend #appetizer #easyappetizers #crunchpak #applerecipes ♬ stay fly –
What You’ll Need:
- Chopped Apples
- Feta Block
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Mint
- Warm Baguette for Serving
5. Cucumber + Feta Checkerboard
@acquired_by_andrea Checkerboard appetizer dreams! This feta + cucumber combo is simple, stunning, and SO delicious. Served on a pretty silver platter, pair with warm baguette + marinated olives + drizzle of balsamic + crisp white wine ~ it’s the ultimate summer starter. Stay tuned for my next version: tomato, mozzarella & basil! Feta & Cucumber Checkerboard Appetizer Recipe: Ingredients: • Block of feta cheese • 1–2 seedless cucumbers • Extra virgin olive oil • Salt & freshly ground black pepper • Warm baguette (for serving) • Marinated olives (optional, for serving) or a drizzle of balsamic! Instructions: 1. Cut the block of feta and cucumber into even-sized square pieces. 2. On a serving board, alternate the squares in a checkerboard pattern. 3. Drizzle generously with olive oil. 4. Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked pepper. 5. Serve with slices of warm baguette and a side of marinated olives. Fresh, easy, and totally a crowd-pleaser! #appetizers #appetizerideas #entertaining #dinnerpartyideas #homedecor ♬ オリジナル楽曲 – shoko5133
What You’ll Need:
- Feta Cheese Block
- 1–2 seedless cucumbers
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper
- Warm Baguette for Serving
6. Honeydew Melon + Feta + Mint Checkerboard
@alanalavv melon, feta + mint checkerboard salad 🧡 #checkersalad #melonsalad #fetasalad #fetacheese #saladideas #summerrecipes ♬ Just Give Me One More Day – Alej
What You’ll Need:
- Honeydew Melon
- Feta Block
- Mint
7. Melon + Cucumber + Cherry Tomatoes + Feta Checkerboard
@theartofsavor Is it just me, or are these cubed cheese boards taking over Pinterest? 🌿✨ I obviously had to make my own with feta, watermelon, cucumber, honeydew, & tomatoes—topped with microgreens, lime, & flowers I foraged from the garden because, why not? Can’t wait to see everyone’s version this weekend! 🤍🌸♟️🍉 @pinterest #checkerboard #summersnack #pinterestperfect ♬ original sound – theartofsavor
What You’ll Need:
- Watermelon
- Cucumber
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Feta Block
- Olive Oil
- Microgreens
- Edible Flowers
- Lime Juice
8. Olives + Feta + Olive Oil Checkerboard
@spoonfulofsi What you need👇🫒 Castelvetrano olives Feta Olive oil Black pepper Dried oregano Red pepper flakes Lemon zest #olivesandfeta #easyappetizers #olivecheckerboard #greekrecipes #appetizer ♬ 80's disco, cool trumpets(1427057) – Minaco
What You’ll Need:
- Green Olives
- Feta Block
- Olive Oil
- Red Pepper
- Salt & Pepper
- Lemon Zest
- Warm Baguette for Serving
9. Watermelon + Feta + Mint + Olive Oil Checkerboard
@carlys_cookbook the viral checkerboard appetizer that has been ALL over your FYP lately 🍉 this easy summer snack has been blowing up on tiktok lately – and for good reason… its the perfect easy & healthy summer hosting appetizer. i used watermelon + feta + fresh mint, but you can switch it up with your faves👇🏼 here’s how to make your own! ✨ easy flavor combos: 🫒 feta & olives 🫐 blueberry & brie 🥒 cucumber & tomato 🍑 peach & burrata 🥑 avocado & radish 🍅 mozzarella & tomato 🍈 cantaloupe & feta it’s refreshing, pretty, and takes 5 mins. perfect for a summer party, bbq, or girls night. 🫡hack: use a small square cookie to make sure everything comes out the perfect shape & size. save it & try your own version! #appetizer #easysnack #summerappetizer #viralrecipe #tiktokfood #healthyappetizer ##viralrecipes #cookinghacks #foodviral #easymeals #hosting #creatorsearchinsights ♬ original sound – 80s throwback hits
What You’ll Need:
- Watermelon
- Feta Block
- Mint
- Olive Oil
10. Blackberries + Feta + Olive Oil + Balsamic Vinegar Checkerboard
@addibrielle bread dips of my dreams! ☁️ blackberry/feta checkerboard with @YAYA'S EVOO olive oil, balsalmic vinegar, edible flowers, basil and a sprinkle of salt. #breaddip #checkerboard #hosting #hostingidea #appetizer #oliveoil ♬ Angeleyes – ABBA
What You’ll Need:
- Blackberries
- Feta Block
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Edible Cornflower
- Basil
- Sprinkle of Salt
- Warm Baguette for Serving
