Save A festive and creative appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a turkey, perfect for holiday gatherings and sure to delight guests of all ages.
This appetizer tray has become a holiday favorite in our family because kids and adults love the playful turkey shape and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 yellow bell pepper sliced, 1 orange bell pepper sliced, 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup cucumber slices, 1 cup celery sticks, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup black olives
- Cheeses & Dips: 1 small wheel of soft cheese (e.g., brie or goat cheese) for the turkeys body, 1/4 cup cream cheese for gluing features, 1/2 cup ranch or hummus dip optional for serving
- Crackers & Extras: 1 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed), 1 small red bell pepper for the turkeys wattle and beak, 2 mini mozzarella balls or small olives for eyes
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place the small wheel of cheese at the bottom center of a large platter to form the turkeys body.
- Step 2:
- Slice a small piece of red bell pepper into a wattle shape and a small triangle for a beak. Attach both to the cheese wheel using a dab of cream cheese.
- Step 3:
- Add two mozzarella balls or small olives as eyes, securing with cream cheese if needed.
- Step 4:
- Fan out the vegetables in colorful layers above the cheese body to resemble turkey feathers. Arrange the bell pepper slices, carrots, cucumber, celery, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli in semi-circular rows, alternating colors for visual appeal.
- Step 5:
- Place black olives among the feathers for extra detail and color contrast.
- Step 6:
- Arrange crackers and dip(s) around the sides of the tray or on a separate platter.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pin it This platter always brings smiles when served at our family holiday gatherings, sparking conversation and delighting guests of all ages.
Required Tools
Large serving platter, paring knife, small bowls for dips, small spoon or piping bag for cream cheese details
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, cream cheese) some crackers may contain gluten and/or seeds. Check all dip and cracker labels for allergens substitute as needed for dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
Per serving approx 1/10 of tray: Calories 120, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 11 g, Protein 4 g
Pin it This turkey shaped appetizer tray is sure to impress both visually and taste-wise for your next holiday party.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the cheese body firm and intact?
Use a chilled soft cheese wheel and place it on a sturdy platter. Applying cream cheese helps secure decorative elements securely.
- → Can I prepare the tray ahead of time?
Assemble the vegetable feathers just before serving to keep them fresh, but the cheese body and decorations can be prepped a few hours earlier and refrigerated.
- → What substitutes work for dairy-free variations?
Replace the cheese wheel with a dairy-free alternative, like vegan cream cheese or plant-based soft cheese, to accommodate dietary needs.
- → Which vegetables add best color contrast?
Use a mix of bright bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and black olives to create vibrant layers resembling turkey feathers.
- → How can I adapt this tray for non-vegetarian guests?
Add rolled slices of turkey or salami among the vegetable feathers for a meat option that complements the platter.