Pin This 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 is my go-to summer appetizer when hosting outdoor parties Its easy to assemble and always impresses guests
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 the cheeses:
- Arrange the cheeses in the center of a large board forming the body of the butterfly
- Create the wings:
- Fan out the fruits, vegetables, and charcuterie on either side to create wings using symmetry for a butterfly effect
- Add pineapple pieces:
- Use pineapple pieces cut with a butterfly-shaped cutter and place them on the wings for extra flair
- Fill spaces:
- 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 Gathering around this board with my family brightens up our summer evenings and sparks great conversations
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 This vibrant board is sure to be the highlight of your summer gatherings with minimal effort
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I create the butterfly shape on the board?
Arrange cheeses in the center as the body, and fan out fruits, vegetables, and charcuterie symmetrically on each side to resemble butterfly wings.
- → What fruits work best for this summer spread?
Strawberries, blueberries, green grapes, kiwi, and pineapple cut into butterfly shapes work well for a colorful and fresh presentation.
- → Can I make this board vegetarian or vegan?
Omit the charcuterie for a vegetarian option and substitute plant-based cheeses to make it vegan-friendly.
- → What garnishes enhance the board's appearance?
Edible flowers like pansies and nasturtiums, along with fresh mint leaves, add vibrant color and a summery touch.
- → How should I serve accompaniments for this board?
Serve with small bowls of honey or fruit preserves on the side to complement the cheeses and fruits.