Dragon Scale Pepperoni Cheese (Printable)

A creative layered snack featuring spicy pepperoni and smooth semi-firm cheese for sharing.

# What You 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)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) to warm and slightly melt cheese if desired.
02 - Place baguette slices or gluten-free crackers on a serving platter or baking sheet.
03 - Start at one end of each base slice: position a cheese semi-circle with its straight edge aligned to the base edge, then lay a pepperoni slice overlapping the cheese’s rounded edge, repeating to form overlapping 'dragon scales.'
04 - Continue alternating layers of cheese and pepperoni, overlapping slightly, until bases or platter are fully covered.
05 - For served warm, bake assembled pieces 5 to 7 minutes, until cheese melts gently and pepperoni crisps slightly.
06 - Add fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impossibly fancy but takes less time than microwaving leftovers.
  • You can prep it hours ahead and bake it just before guests arrive.
  • People always ask for the recipe even though it's embarrassingly simple.
02 -
  • The overlap is everything—if your pieces lie flat and don't create that staggered, shingled effect, the whole visual magic disappears.
  • Cold cheese slices are easier to handle than room temperature ones, so pull them from the fridge just before assembling.
03 -
  • A sharp knife makes all the difference when slicing both the pepperoni and cheese—dull blades drag and tear instead of creating clean, beautiful pieces.
  • If you're making this for a crowd, slightly chill your cheese before slicing so it holds its shape better during assembly.
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