Butterfly Migration Appetizer (Printable)

Vibrant cheddar wings and salami body shaped as a butterfly with olive patterns and chive antennae.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese and Meats

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

→ Vegetables and Garnishes

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

# Directions:

01 - Arrange the cheddar slices on a large platter in two opposing wing shapes, fanning them out to resemble butterfly wings.
02 - Place the salami slices or a log of salami vertically in the center to create the butterfly's body.
03 - Decorate the cheddar wings by dotting them with black olive slices to form patterns and markings.
04 - Insert chives or pretzel sticks at the top of the salami body to represent the butterfly's antennae.
05 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-fancy but takes less time than microwaving leftovers, which means you actually have time to enjoy your own party.
  • Kids gather around it without being told to eat vegetables, and adults secretly sneak extra slices because the whole thing feels like edible art.
  • No cooking required means your kitchen stays cool and calm instead of steaming up right before guests arrive.
02 -
  • Room-temperature cheese slices are forgiving and stay pliable, but cold ones right out of the fridge crack and won't fan properly—pull them out ten minutes before you assemble.
  • Pitting your own olives takes forever; pre-pitted olives from a can or jar are your friend and no one will know the difference except your stress level.
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife on a dry cutting board when slicing cheese; wet surfaces make everything slip and tear instead of cutting clean.
  • If your platter feels bare after placing the butterfly, don't fill it with random stuff—a few sprigs of fresh herbs around the edges give it breathing room and make the whole thing look intentional.
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