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 tray has become a highlight at our family holiday parties, bringing smiles and conversation around the table.
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 semicircular 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 Preparing this tray always brings my family together and sparks joyful conversations.
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
Save This tray is a guaranteed hit that combines creativity with ease for any festive occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the turkey shape?
Start with a small cheese wheel at the center as the body. Attach red bell pepper pieces for the wattle and beak using cream cheese. Use mozzarella balls or olives for the eyes. Arrange sliced vegetables in semi-circular layers above the cheese to resemble feathers.
- → Can I make this platter vegan?
Yes, substitute the cheese wheel and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives. Choose gluten-free crackers and dips suitable for a vegan diet.
- → What vegetables work best for the feathers?
Use colorful vegetables like yellow and orange bell peppers, baby carrots, cucumbers, celery, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, and black olives for contrast and texture.
- → How long can the platter be prepared in advance?
Assemble the tray shortly before serving or cover tightly and refrigerate for up to a few hours to maintain freshness.
- → Are there suggestions for serving dips?
Place dips such as ranch or hummus around the tray or in small bowls nearby to complement the vegetables and crackers.