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 always becomes the centerpiece at our family parties, sparking conversation and smiles from guests of all ages.
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 to Pinterest This appetizer brings the family together as everyone enjoys both the taste and the fun turkey shape each year.
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 turkey shaped appetizer tray is sure to impress and delight at any festive occasion.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I assemble the turkey-shaped tray?
Start by placing a soft cheese wheel in the center to form the body. Attach small pepper pieces for the beak and wattle using cream cheese. Fan out colorful vegetables around it to mimic feathers, then add olives and cheese balls as eyes. Arrange crackers and dips around the tray.
- → Can I customize the vegetables used?
Yes, swap in snap peas, radishes, cauliflower, or other fresh veggies as desired to vary textures and colors for your platter.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarian or gluten-free diets?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free crackers and check dips to maintain gluten-free status. For vegetarians, avoid meat add-ons or choose dairy-free cheese alternatives if preferred.
- → What types of cheese work best for the body centerpiece?
Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese work well as they hold shape and provide a creamy base for decorating the facial features with peppers and mozzarella.
- → How should the platter be stored before serving?
Cover the assembled tray and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep vegetables crisp and cheese fresh. Serve shortly after removing from the fridge.
- → What dips pair well with this tray?
Ranch, hummus, or your favorite creamy dips complement the fresh vegetables and cheese flavors while adding a tasty touch to the crackers.