Butterfly Migration Platter (Printable Version)

Vibrant cheddar wings, salami body, and olive patterns form a whimsical butterfly-shaped appetizer.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheese and Meats

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

# Steps:

01 - Fan out the cheddar cheese slices on a large serving platter into two opposing wing shapes to mimic butterfly wings.
02 - Position the salami slices or log vertically at the center of the platter to represent the butterfly's body.
03 - Dot the cheddar wings with sliced black olives to create patterns and markings.
04 - Insert fresh chives or pretzel sticks into the top of the salami body to form antennae.
05 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until needed.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that actually comes together faster than you can set the table.
  • Kids get excited about eating something that looks like art instead of just another cheese plate.
  • No cooking required means you can make it while wearing your nice clothes.
  • The ingredients are forgiving—use what you have, and it still looks impressive.
02 -
  • Cheese slices that are too thin will fold or tear when you arrange them, so let them sit at room temperature for a minute or two before fanning.
  • The moment people start picking at it, the whole thing falls apart—this is meant to be admired first, then deconstructed, so arrange it just before guests arrive.
03 -
  • Room-temperature cheese fans more gracefully than cold cheese, so pull it from the fridge ten minutes before assembling if you have the time.
  • Buy your olives from the deli counter if possible—they're fresher, you can taste the brine quality, and you control the size of the slice.
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