Lion King Meat Cheese Platter (Printable Version)

Hearty meats, aged cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and crackers artfully arranged for a vibrant spread.

# What You 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 - 1/2 cup dried apricots

→ Crackers & Nuts

12 - 1 cup assorted gluten-free crackers
13 - 1/2 cup roasted cashews
14 - 1/2 cup roasted almonds

→ Decorative Elements

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

# How To Make It:

01 - On a large platter or wooden board, lay out the sliced meats in a semi-circle or mane shape to resemble a lion's mane.
02 - Position the cubed aged cheddar and gouda cheeses centrally to form the lion's face.
03 - Use mozzarella balls to create the lion's snout and eyes; place a grape or olive at the center to represent the nose.
04 - Surround the meats with sliced mango, pineapple chunks, and dried apricots to add vibrant color and contrast.
05 - Fill the remaining spaces with assorted gluten-free crackers and roasted cashews and almonds for texture and balance.
06 - Decorate with fresh basil or mint leaves and edible flowers to evoke a jungle-inspired finish.
07 - Present immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy and quick to assemble—no cooking required.
  • Gluten-free and low carb, accommodating diverse diets.
  • A visually stunning centerpiece that evokes the Lion King safari theme.
  • Flexible with ingredient substitutions to fit your preferences.
  • Combines savory meats, creamy cheeses, and fresh fruits for balanced flavors.
02 -
  • Use a variety of textures (soft cheeses, crunchy nuts, fresh and dried fruits) for enhanced sensory appeal.
  • Keep the platter refrigerated if preparing in advance, but bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
  • Incorporate edible flowers to add visual elegance and a touch of whimsy.
  • Consider themed toothpicks to tie in the safari atmosphere.
  • Use gluten-free crackers to maintain dietary accommodations without sacrificing crunch.
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