Pin 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 classic in our home, always impressing guests with its fun presentation and delicious variety.
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 Our family loves gathering around this tray during Thanksgiving and holiday parties, sharing laughs and compliments on the creative display.
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
Calories 120 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 11 g Protein 4 g per serving approx 1/10 of tray
Pin This turkey appetizer tray is sure to be the highlight of your holiday spread delighting guests visually and with fresh flavors.
Recipe Q&A
- → What vegetables work best for the platter?
Use colorful, crisp vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, baby carrots, cucumbers, celery, broccoli, and olives for a vibrant look and fresh taste.
- → Can this platter be adapted for dietary restrictions?
Yes, opt for dairy-free cheeses to make it vegan, gluten-free crackers if needed, and swap vegetables to suit preferences and allergies.
- → How do I assemble the turkey shape?
Place a cheese wheel at the base as the body, use sliced red bell pepper for wattle and beak, add olives or mozzarella for eyes, then fan out vegetables as feathers.
- → Is cooking required for this appetizer tray?
No cooking needed; it’s a no-heat, ready-to-serve platter ideal for quick and easy party preparation.
- → What dips pair well with this platter?
Ranch, hummus, or similar dips complement the vegetables and crackers, adding flavor and variety.