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 turkey shaped appetizer tray always brings smiles and becomes a centerpiece at our family parties.
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 Sharing this appetizer with family is a fun tradition that always sparks conversation and laughter.
Notes
Swap in other vegetables such as snap peas radishes or cauliflower for variety. For a meaty option add rolled slices of turkey or salami among the feathers.
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 is not only visually stunning but also easy to prepare making it ideal for festive occasions.
Kitchen Q&A
- → How can I make this appetizer tray vegan?
Replace the soft cheese wheel and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives and choose vegan-friendly dips to maintain flavor and presentation.
- → What vegetables work best for the turkey feathers?
Colorful bell peppers, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, cucumber slices, broccoli florets, and black olives create a vibrant layered effect resembling feathers.
- → Can this be prepared in advance?
The tray can be assembled a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated; cover it tightly to maintain freshness and crispness of the vegetables.
- → How to adapt for gluten-free guests?
Choose gluten-free crackers and verify dips are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs without compromising taste.
- → What dips complement this platter well?
Ranch and hummus dips pair nicely, but feel free to offer other creamy or tangy dips based on guest preferences.