Pin A vibrant and whimsical grazing board inspired by summer, featuring fresh fruits, cheeses, charcuterie, and edible flowers artfully arranged in butterfly shapes&perfect for picnics and gatherings.
This was one of my favorite summer snacks to prepare for family get togethers&everyone loved the butterfly presentation!
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 100 g brie sliced, 100 g goat cheese crumbled, 100 g cheddar cubed, 100 g gouda sliced
- Charcuterie (optional for vegetarians): 75 g prosciutto folded, 75 g salami rolled
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup strawberries halved, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup green grapes halved, 1 cup pineapple cut into butterfly shapes (use mini cookie cutter), 1 kiwi sliced
- Vegetables: 1 cup cucumber sliced into rounds, 1 cup baby carrots halved lengthwise, 1 red bell pepper sliced into strips
- Crackers & Bread: 1 cup assorted crackers, 1 baguette sliced
- Garnishes: ¼ cup edible flowers (such as pansies, violets, nasturtiums), 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, Honey or fruit preserves (for serving)
Instructions
- Arrange Cheeses:
- Arrange the cheeses in the center of a large board forming the body of the butterfly.
- Create Wings:
- Fan out the fruits, vegetables, and charcuterie on either side to create wings using symmetry for a butterfly effect.
- Pineapple Pieces:
- Use pineapple pieces cut with a butterfly-shaped cutter and place them on the wings for extra flair.
- Fill Gaps:
- Fill in spaces with crackers, bread slices, and rolled charcuterie.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the board with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves for a summery finish.
- Serve:
- Serve with a small bowl of honey or fruit preserves on the side.
Pin This board always brings smiles and invites conversation at family picnics and gatherings.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls for dips or honey, mini butterfly shaped cookie cutter (optional), cheese knives and small tongs
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (crackers bread). Charcuterie may contain pork and nitrates. Edible flowers confirm edibility and source. Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings, with cheese and charcuterie): Calories 310, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 12 g.
Pin This butterfly summer board is a cheerful and easy way to celebrate seasonal flavors and impress guests.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheeses work best on this board?
Soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese combined with firmer options like cheddar and gouda provide a creamy and varied texture.
- → How can I make this board vegetarian?
Omit the charcuterie and consider adding plant-based cheeses or extra fruits and nuts for variety and texture.
- → What fruits complement the flavors here?
Strawberries, blueberries, green grapes, and pineapple add sweetness and freshness that balance the savory cheeses and meats.
- → Any tips for arranging the butterfly shapes?
Use a butterfly-shaped cookie cutter for pineapple pieces and arrange cheeses centrally with fruits and veggies fanned out symmetrically to mimic wings.
- → What garnishes enhance this board’s appeal?
Edible flowers like pansies and violets, alongside fresh mint leaves, add color and a subtle herbal note to elevate presentation and flavor.