Butterfly Migration Appetizer (Printer View)

Eye-catching cheddar wings paired with salami and olives for a colorful party platter or snack.

# What you'll need:

→ Cheese and Meats

01 - 7 oz orange cheddar cheese, sliced
02 - 2 oz salami, sliced into rounds or shaped as a log

→ Vegetables and Garnishes

03 - 1.75 oz black olives, pitted and sliced
04 - 2 to 4 fresh chives or thin pretzel sticks for antennae

# Method:

01 - Arrange cheddar slices on a large platter in two opposing fan shapes resembling butterfly wings.
02 - Place salami slices or a salami log vertically between the wings to represent the butterfly body.
03 - Dot the cheddar wings with black olive slices to create decorative patterns.
04 - Insert chives or pretzel sticks at the top center of the salami body to simulate antennae.
05 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until serving time.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes fifteen minutes flat, which means you can pull it together right before guests arrive without breaking into a sweat.
  • Kids actually eat vegetables and proteins without negotiating because everything feels like playtime on a plate.
  • It's a guaranteed conversation starter—people genuinely pause to admire it before diving in.
02 -
  • Room-temperature cheese is softer and easier to arrange—pull it out of the fridge about fifteen minutes before you start so it doesn't crack when you fan it.
  • The olives will release a tiny bit of liquid over time, which is why refrigerating covered is key if you're making this more than an hour ahead.
03 -
  • Chill your serving platter before arranging if it's a warm day; it keeps everything from sliding around and helps the cheese hold its shape longer.
  • Cut your cheese slices on the thicker side so they don't tear when you're fanning them, and always use a sharp knife—dull blades drag and crumble.
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