Butterfly Migration Cheddar Wings (Printable Version)

Vibrant cheddar wings with salami and olives create a playful, colorful appetizer perfect for gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ 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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes fifteen minutes flat, yet looks impressive enough to make people think you spent hours planning.
  • Kids actually get excited about eating cheese and salami when it's arranged like something alive.
  • No cooking required means you can make it while handling a dozen other party tasks.
02 -
  • Arrange everything while the cheese is still cool—warm cheese loses its crisp edges and becomes harder to position just right.
  • If your black olives are packed in liquid, pat them dry before slicing, otherwise their moisture will make the cheese weep and smudge your design.
03 -
  • Chill your platter for five minutes before arranging so the cheese holds its shape and doesn't slide around.
  • Cut your cheddar slices at a slight angle rather than straight across—they fan better and look more intentional that way.
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