Lion King Savory Meat Cheese (Printable Page)

A hearty assortment of meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts arranged with a safari touch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 3.5 oz sliced roast beef
02 - 3.5 oz sliced smoked turkey
03 - 3.5 oz sliced salami
04 - 3.5 oz biltong or beef jerky (optional)

→ Cheeses

05 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cubed
06 - 3.5 oz gouda, cubed
07 - 3.5 oz mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

→ Fruits & Garnishes

08 - 1 mango, sliced
09 - 1 cup seedless red grapes
10 - 1 cup pineapple chunks
11 - ½ cup dried apricots

→ Crackers & Nuts

12 - 1 cup assorted gluten-free crackers
13 - ½ cup roasted cashews
14 - ½ cup roasted almonds

→ Decorative Elements

15 - Fresh basil or mint leaves, for garnish
16 - Edible flowers (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - On a large platter or wooden board, arrange the meats in a semi-circle or mane shape, evoking a lion's mane.
02 - Position cubed cheddar and gouda in the center to form the face of the lion.
03 - Use mozzarella balls to create the lion’s snout and eyes, placing a grape or olive for the nose.
04 - Surround the meats with sliced mango, grapes, pineapple chunks, and dried apricots for color and contrast.
05 - Fill remaining spaces with assorted gluten-free crackers and roasted nuts to ensure a balanced presentation.
06 - Finish by garnishing with fresh basil, mint leaves, and edible flowers for a jungle-inspired effect.
07 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Easy to assemble—ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required.
  • Gluten-free and low carb, suiting a variety of dietary preferences.
  • Beautifully themed to impress guests with a playful, safari vibe.
  • Versatile ingredients with options to customize meats and cheeses.
02 -
  • Add safari animal toothpicks or themed napkins for extra flair.
  • Ensure all crackers are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for everyone.
  • Use fresh herbs and edible flowers for an authentic jungle feel.
  • Chill the platter slightly before serving to keep cheeses firm.
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