Abstract: An assembly line technique is described in which food items with a deposited layer of smear prior to baking can be cut and segregated into small pieces. The food pieces are deposited randomly into an ovenable serving container in such a way as to reduce contact between the smear coated surface(s) of the food pieces. This results in a “pull-apart” food product that can be rapidly microwave heated in the container and served in the container.

Abstract: An assembly line technique is described in which food items with a sticky deposited layer of smear prior to baking can be cut and segregated into small pieces. In an embodiment of the invention, an ultrasonically driven knife is used to cut strips of dough having sticky smear deposited on top into square portions. An ultrasonic knife prevents the smear from sticking to the knife blade resulting in clean cut edges of the food pieces and efficient mass production. The food pieces are deposited randomly into a serving container in such a way as to minimize contact between the sticky smear surfaces of the food pieces. This results in a “pull-apart” food product that can be rapidly microwave heated without drying or overheating the areas of the overall food product.