Dragon Scale Appetizer (Printable)

Layered pepperoni and cheese create a striking scale pattern, ideal for easy and elegant party appetizers.

# What you'll need:

→ 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)

# Preparation steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F if serving warm or to slightly melt cheese.
02 - If using, arrange baguette slices or crackers on a serving platter or baking sheet.
03 - Starting at one end of each base slice or directly on a platter, place a semi-circle of cheese aligning its straight edge with the base edge. Overlap a slice of pepperoni over the rounded edge of the cheese to form a layered scale. Continue alternating cheese and pepperoni slices, slightly overlapping each to resemble dragon scales.
04 - Repeat the layering process until each base or the entire platter is fully covered with the scale pattern.
05 - For a warm presentation, bake the assembled pieces for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and pepperoni crisps slightly.
06 - Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It takes fifteen minutes but looks like you spent an hour in the kitchen—perfect for impressing without the stress.
  • The warm cheese gets slightly gooey while the pepperoni crisps just enough to hold its shape, creating this incredible textural contrast.
  • People can't resist picking them up piece by piece, and you'll actually enjoy the party instead of being glued to the oven.
02 -
  • The overlapping angle matters more than you'd think—if your pieces are too flat or straight, they lose the dimensional effect. Aim for about a 45-degree angle of overlap.
  • Cold cheese is easier to slice thin without tearing, so do your cutting right out of the fridge and work quickly.
03 -
  • A sharp knife makes all the difference when slicing cheese and pepperoni—dull blades drag and tear, ruining the clean appearance.
  • If your cheese keeps breaking while slicing, let it sit out for two or three minutes to soften slightly, then try again.
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