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 is always a hit at our family parties, bringing smiles and conversation starters.
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.
Save Making this tray has become a beloved family tradition, enjoyed by guests young and old alike.
Notes
Pairs well with sparkling cider or light white wine.
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.
Save This appetizer tray brings festive cheer and delicious bites to any occasion.
Recipe Guide
- → What vegetables work best for creating the turkey feathers?
Bright, colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, baby carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks, and broccoli florets provide a vibrant, layered effect resembling feathers.
- → How do you create the turkey's face details on the platter?
Use a small wheel of soft cheese as the body, then attach sliced red bell pepper pieces shaped for the wattle and beak with cream cheese. Add mozzarella balls or small olives for the eyes secured with a dab of cream cheese.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, swap the cheese wheel for dairy-free options to make it vegan, and choose gluten-free crackers and dips to meet gluten sensitivities.
- → Is cooking required for this platter?
No cooking is needed; it's an easy, no-heat assembly of fresh vegetables, cheeses, and crackers for quick preparation.
- → How can this platter be customized for meat eaters?
Include rolled slices of turkey or salami among the vegetable feathers to add a savory touch for meat lovers.