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.
I love assembling this unique turkey-shaped appetizer tray every holiday season because it always impresses guests with its colorful presentation and delicious variety.
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 This recipe brings my family together every holiday as we share laughs and enjoy the colorful spread before the meal.
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 of tray)
Save This turkey shaped appetizer tray makes holiday entertaining easy and fun with minimal cooking involved.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I shape the turkey body?
Use a small soft cheese wheel placed center bottom of a large platter as the turkey's body base.
- → What vegetables work best for the feathers?
Bright vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, celery, and broccoli create colorful, layered feathers.
- → Can I make this tray vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, swap dairy cheese for a vegan wheel and select gluten-free crackers and dips to accommodate dietary needs.
- → How to make the turkey facial features?
Attach red bell pepper slices as the wattle and beak, and use small mozzarella balls or olives for eyes, securing with cream cheese.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve immediately or chilled. Pair with sparkling cider or light white wine to complement fresh flavors.
- → Can I include meat options?
Yes, add rolled slices of turkey or salami among the vegetable feathers for a meat variation.