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.
I enjoy making this turkey-shaped tray every year for holiday parties because it always brings smiles and compliments from guests.
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 dips around the sides of the tray or on a separate platter.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save This appetizer tray has become a holiday tradition in my family, bringing everyone together around the table with joy and laughter.
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
Save This turkey shaped appetizer tray is as delightful to look at as it is to eat making it a perfect centerpiece for any holiday party.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I assemble the turkey shape?
Place a small soft cheese wheel at the center bottom as the body, add red bell pepper pieces for the wattle and beak, and secure two small mozzarella balls or olives as eyes. Fan out assorted vegetables above as feathers.
- → Can I make this platter vegan?
Yes, substitute the cheese wheel and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives to keep it vegan friendly while maintaining the shape.
- → What vegetables work best for the feathers?
Use colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks, and broccoli for vibrant layers resembling feathers.
- → Are there suggestions for serving dips?
Offer dips like ranch or hummus on the side in small bowls to complement the fresh vegetables and cheese.
- → How can I adapt this for gluten-free diets?
Choose gluten-free crackers and verify dips do not contain gluten to accommodate gluten-free needs.