Masquerade Mask Appetizer Platter (Printable)

Colorful platter arranged in a masquerade mask shape featuring fresh veggies, cheeses, nuts, and fruits.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base & Eye Openings

01 - 2 large pitted green or black olives or 2 small cubes (about 0.7 oz) of firm cheese such as cheddar or gouda

→ Vegetables & Fruits

02 - 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber rounds
03 - 1 cup assorted bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange)
04 - ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
05 - ½ cup thinly sliced red radish
06 - ½ cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
07 - ½ cup seedless grapes (red or green)

→ Cheeses & Accompaniments

08 - 1 cup assorted cheese cubes (cheddar, gouda, Swiss)
09 - ½ cup mini mozzarella balls
10 - ½ cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
11 - ¼ cup dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, or figs)
12 - ½ cup crackers or breadsticks (optional)

→ Garnishes

13 - Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill)
14 - Edible flowers (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Select a large oval or rectangular serving board to arrange the components.
02 - Place the olives or cheese cubes spaced horizontally near the top center of the board to form the mask's eye openings.
03 - Fan out cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, radishes, baby carrots, and grapes symmetrically above and around the eyes, mimicking a masquerade mask’s ornate feathered design.
04 - Nestle assorted cheese cubes and mini mozzarella balls among the vegetables and fruits to provide texture and color contrast.
05 - Scatter mixed nuts and dried fruits within remaining spaces to enhance flavor profiles and visual appeal.
06 - Optionally, place crackers or breadsticks along the lower edge or sides of the board for added crunch and serving variety.
07 - Top with fresh herbs and edible flowers to add a festive and decorative finishing touch.
08 - Present the platter promptly to preserve freshness and vibrant appearance.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely showstopping with zero cooking required—just arrange, step back, and accept the compliments
  • Everything is customizable based on what you have in your fridge and what colors you're craving that day
  • It works for any diet because you can easily swap out cheese for tofu, add proteins, or skip anything your guests won't eat
02 -
  • Prep all your vegetables at least an hour ahead and store them separately in the fridge with damp paper towels—this keeps them crisp and gives you less to do when assembling
  • The board you choose matters more than you'd think; a slightly textured surface helps pieces stay in place, so avoid overly smooth or slippery platters
  • Symmetry is your friend but not your enemy—the mask doesn't need to be perfectly balanced to look intentional and beautiful
03 -
  • Slice cucumbers, radishes, and carrots on a mandoline if you have one—uniform thickness makes the whole platter look more intentional and professional
  • Keep everything cold until the last moment, and consider placing the serving board over a bowl of ice underneath if your party will last longer than an hour
  • Buy pre-cut vegetables if time is tight—there's no shame in that, and it often costs less than buying whole vegetables you won't finish
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