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 was always my favorite platter to bring to Thanksgiving parties because everyone enjoys the fun turkey shape and fresh veggies.
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 My family loves gathering around this platter and picking off their favorite veggies while sharing stories and laughs.
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
Per serving approx 1/10 of tray: Calories 120, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 11 g, Protein 4 g
Save This appetizer not only tastes fresh and delicious but makes holiday entertaining a breeze and fun for all ages.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What vegetables work best for the feathers?
- → How is the turkey body formed?
A small wheel of soft cheese, such as brie or goat cheese, serves as the base and central body of the turkey shape on the platter.
- → What can be used to attach the turkey features?
Cream cheese acts as an edible adhesive to secure the red bell pepper wattle and beak, as well as olives or mozzarella balls for eyes.
- → Are there options for dietary restrictions?
Yes, dairy-free cheese wheels can substitute the soft cheese for vegans, and gluten-free crackers can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → Can this platter include meats?
For non-vegetarian versions, rolled slices of turkey or salami can be arranged among the vegetable feathers.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover the platter with plastic wrap or transfer ingredients to airtight containers and refrigerate until ready to serve again.