Save to Pinterest 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 tray has become a holiday favorite in my family, sparking smiles and conversation at every gathering.
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
- Place Cheese:
- Place the small wheel of cheese at the bottom center of a large platter to form the turkeys body.
- Create Features:
- 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.
- Add Eyes:
- Add two mozzarella balls or small olives as eyes, securing with cream cheese if needed.
- Arrange Vegetables:
- 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.
- Add Olives:
- Place black olives among the feathers for extra detail and color contrast.
- Add Crackers and Dips:
- Arrange crackers and dip(s) around the sides of the tray or on a separate platter.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save to Pinterest Every holiday season my kids love helping me assemble this tray and seeing the turkey take shape is always a joyful family moment.
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 to Pinterest This visually stunning appetizer is as fun to make as it is to eat perfect for sharing during festive celebrations.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the turkey-shaped appetizer tray?
Start with a small cheese wheel as the body, attach red bell pepper pieces for the beak and wattle, add mozzarella balls or olives as eyes, then fan out colorful veggies around it to resemble feathers.
- → What vegetables work best for the turkey feathers?
Use a variety of crisp, colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, baby carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks, broccoli florets, and black olives for contrast.
- → Can I make this tray suitable for vegans or gluten-free diets?
Substitute the cheese wheel with a dairy-free alternative and select gluten-free crackers and dips to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- → How should I serve the tray for best freshness?
Prepare shortly before serving or cover and refrigerate until ready to present to keep vegetables crisp and cheese fresh.
- → Are there any easy variations to this turkey platter?
Try adding snap peas, radishes, or cauliflower for variety, or include rolled slices of turkey or salami for a meaty twist.