Save to Pinterest A whimsical and charming grazing board featuring fluffy cheese clouds, tender lamb bites, fresh vegetables, and sweet treats — perfect for a baby shower celebration.
This recipe was a hit at our last family gathering, with guests loving the creative presentation and delicious flavors.
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:
- a. In a bowl, toss lamb cubes with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- b. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- c. 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:
- a. In a medium bowl, beat whipped cream cheese, ricotta, crème fraîche, and salt until light and fluffy.
- b. 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:
- a. Place bowls of hummus and tzatziki on the board. Arrange the fluffy cheese clouds artfully to resemble clouds in the sky.
- b. Arrange lamb bites on skewers or toothpicks and place throughout the board.
- c. Fill in with crackers, vegetables, grapes, and blueberries.
- d. Add mini meringues and white chocolate truffles in clusters for extra cloud effect.
- e. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, encouraging guests to build their own bites.
Save to Pinterest We always enjoy building the board together as a family, sharing laughs and trying new combinations of flavors.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 18 g (per serving, estimate)
Save to Pinterest This board combines visual appeal with delightful taste, making it perfect for any celebration.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How should I cook the lamb bites for best flavor?
Marinate lamb cubes with olive oil, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then sear on medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 7–10 minutes.
- → What makes the cheese clouds fluffy?
Whipping together cream cheese, ricotta, crème fraîche, and a pinch of salt creates a light, airy texture perfect for piping cloud shapes.
- → Can I make this board gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the assorted crackers with gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary needs.
- → Are there good alternatives to lamb for this board?
Grilled chicken or falafel are great protein alternatives that pair well with the cheeses and dips.
- → How do I assemble the board for visual appeal?
Arrange dips in small bowls, pipe cheese clouds artfully, scatter lamb bites on skewers, then fill gaps with fresh veggies, berries, and sweet treats. Garnish with mint and edible flowers for a festive look.