Save A whimsical and charming grazing board featuring fluffy cheese clouds, tender lamb bites, fresh vegetables, and sweet treats — perfect for a baby shower celebration.
I love serving this board at gatherings because it offers variety and elegance in bite-sized portions everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
- Lamb Bites: 500 g (1.1 lb) lamb loin or leg cut into 2 cm cubes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fluffy Cheese Clouds: 200 g (7 oz) whipped cream cheese, 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh ricotta, 2 tbsp crème fraîche, ¼ tsp salt, edible silver or pearl sprinkles (optional for garnish)
- Dipping & Accompaniments: 1 cup hummus, 1 cup tzatziki, 2 cups assorted crackers (mini pita, rice crackers, or gluten-free as needed), 1 cup baby carrots peeled, 1 cup cucumber rounds, 1 cup sugar snap peas, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, ½ cup green grapes, ½ cup blueberries
- Sweet Treats: 12 mini meringues, 8 10 white chocolate truffles (for cloud effect)
- Garnish: Fresh mint leaves, edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lamb Bites:
- In a bowl, toss lamb cubes with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear lamb cubes on all sides until browned and cooked to desired doneness (about 7 10 minutes total). Rest 5 minutes.
- Make the Fluffy Cheese Clouds:
- In a medium bowl, beat whipped cream cheese, ricotta, crème fraîche, and salt until light and fluffy. Using a piping bag or spoon, create cloud shapes on parchment or directly on your serving board. Garnish with sprinkles if using.
- Assemble the Board:
- Place bowls of hummus and tzatziki on the board. Arrange the fluffy cheese clouds artfully to resemble clouds in the sky. Arrange lamb bites on skewers or toothpicks and place throughout the board. Fill in with crackers, vegetables, grapes, and blueberries. Add mini meringues and white chocolate truffles in clusters for extra cloud effect. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, encouraging guests to build their own bites.
Save Family and friends always gather around this board, sharing stories and bites for hours.
Notes
Edible flowers add a lovely touch but are optional. Pair with a light sparkling wine or lemonade.
Required Tools
Grill pan or skillet. Mixing bowls. Piping bag (optional for cheese clouds). Serving board or platter. Toothpicks or small skewers.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, crème fraîche, tzatziki, truffles). Contains gluten (crackers use gluten-free options if needed). Contains eggs (meringues). May contain nuts (check chocolate truffle ingredients). Always check all packaged items for potential allergens.
Save This grazing board is perfect for easy entertaining and will impress all your guests with its beautiful presentation.
Cooking Questions
- → How should I cook the lamb bites for best flavor?
Marinate lamb cubes with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice for at least 20 minutes. Sear on medium-high heat until browned and cooked to preferred doneness, allowing them to rest before serving.
- → What is the best way to create the fluffy cheese clouds?
Beat whipped cream cheese, ricotta, crème fraîche, and a pinch of salt until light and airy. Use a piping bag or spoon to shape the mixture into cloud forms directly on the serving board.
- → How can I make this board gluten-free?
Substitute regular crackers with gluten-free varieties such as rice crackers or gluten-free pita chips to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What dips complement this lamb and cheese board?
Hummus and tzatziki are ideal accompaniments, offering fresh and creamy flavors that balance the rich lamb and fluffy cheese textures.
- → Are there good alternatives for people who avoid lamb?
Grilled chicken pieces or falafel can be used as protein alternatives without compromising the overall flavor and texture balance of the board.