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 enjoy assembling this board for gatherings because it impresses guests with its playful design and variety.
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 to 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 immediately:
- Encouraging guests to build their own bites.
Save This board always brings smiles during family gatherings especially when kids spot the cheese clouds and sweet treats.
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 Assemble the board just before serving to keep the cheese clouds fresh and inviting.
Recipe Questions
- → How should the lamb bites be cooked?
Marinate lamb cubes with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Sear in a hot pan for 7–10 minutes until browned, then rest for 5 minutes.
- → What ingredients create the fluffy cheese clouds?
A whipped mixture of cream cheese, fresh ricotta, crème fraîche, and a pinch of salt, shaped using a piping bag or spoon to resemble clouds.
- → Can the board be adapted for gluten-free diets?
Yes, use gluten-free crackers to replace regular options, ensuring the spread remains inclusive without sacrificing texture.
- → Are there suggested substitutions for the lamb?
Grilled chicken or falafel can be used instead of lamb for alternative protein options, maintaining the board’s appeal.
- → What vegetables complement the board best?
Baby carrots, cucumber rounds, sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, green grapes, and blueberries provide fresh, colorful contrast and crunch.