Butterfly Cheddar Salami Wings (Printable)

A colorful cheddar and salami platter shaped like butterfly wings, accented with black olives and chive antennae.

# What You Need:

→ Cheese and Meats

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

# How to Make It:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes just 15 minutes and requires zero cooking, so even the busiest days feel manageable.
  • Kids become instant helpers and artists, turning a snack into a memory instead of a chore.
  • The bright colors and playful shape make it a conversation starter at any gathering, and people actually want to eat it because it's beautiful.
02 -
  • The cheddar will soften slightly if it sits at room temperature, which actually makes the wings drape more gracefully—so don't panic if they're not perfectly rigid after 20 minutes.
  • Pitting olives yourself takes an extra minute but prevents anyone from unexpectedly biting into a pit, which turns a joyful moment into an emergency.
03 -
  • The moment someone eats the first wing, gently rearrange what's left so the butterfly still looks intentional rather than picked apart—it sounds silly, but it keeps the magic alive.
  • Serve this at room temperature rather than straight from the cold fridge, because cheese and salami taste fuller and more vibrant when they're not shivering.
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