Dragon Scale Spicy Pepperoni Cheese

# 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)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F if warming or slightly melting the cheese.

02 - Place baguette slices or gluten-free crackers on a serving platter or baking sheet.

03 - On each base, place a semi-circle of cheese aligned with the edge, then overlap a slice of pepperoni over the rounded cheese edge, continuing to alternate and overlap to create a scale pattern.

04 - Repeat the layering across all bases or the entire platter to cover with the dragon scale pattern.

05 - Bake assembled pieces for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and pepperoni crisps slightly.

06 - Add fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually took you fifteen minutes to pull together.
Works hot or cold, which means you can prep it early and pop it in the oven five minutes before guests arrive.
The overlapping pattern is oddly satisfying to create, almost meditative once you get into a rhythm.

02 -

Don't slice your cheese too thick or it won't flex into that perfect curved shape—go almost tissue-thin for the best effect.
If you're not serving these right away, assemble them without baking first, then pop them in the oven just before guests arrive so they're warm and the cheese is at its creamiest.

03 -

The overlap is everything—aim for about a half-inch of overlap on each piece so the scales catch the light and look intentional rather than haphazard.
If your cheese keeps cracking when you slice it, pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes first, then slice; the slight firmness makes all the difference.