Dragon Scale Appetizer (Printer View)

Visually striking appetizer with layered pepperoni and cheese mimicking dragon scales for easy entertaining.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 5 oz thinly sliced pepperoni

→ Cheese

02 - 5 oz semi-firm cheese (provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar), sliced into thin rounds or half-moons

→ Bread Base (optional)

03 - 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds, or gluten-free crackers

→ Garnishes

04 - Fresh basil or parsley leaves (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F to serve warm or melt cheese slightly.
02 - Place baguette slices or gluten-free crackers on a serving platter or baking sheet, if using.
03 - On each slice or directly on the platter, place a semi-circle of cheese aligning the straight edge with the base edge, then overlap a slice of pepperoni over the rounded cheese edge to form a scale.
04 - Continue alternating and overlapping cheese and pepperoni slices slightly, covering each base or the entire platter in a dragon scale pattern.
05 - For a warm appetizer, bake assembled pieces for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and pepperoni is slightly crisp.
06 - Sprinkle fresh herbs on top if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely showstopping but takes barely more time than arranging a cheese plate.
  • Your guests will genuinely ask how you made it, and the answer is satisfyingly simple.
  • It works cold for casual browsing or warm when you want the cheese to get a little melty and luxurious.
02 -
  • Cheese that's too thick will crack when you try to shape it into a curve; invest one minute in thin, careful slicing and your entire recipe becomes easier.
  • Pepperoni that's room temperature is infinitely more pliable than cold pepperoni straight from the fridge—give it five minutes on the counter to soften.
  • Overlapping matters more than perfection; slight variations in spacing actually make it look more organic and less precious.
03 -
  • Room-temperature ingredients are easier to layer and look better when arranged; take your cheese and pepperoni out of the fridge 10 minutes before you start.
  • If you're baking it warm, add the herbs after it comes out of the oven so they stay green and fresh instead of wilting or browning.
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