How do I create the turkey body?

Use a small wheel of soft cheese placed at the platter's center as the base for the turkey's body.

What vegetables work best for the feathers?

Bright, crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes create colorful layers resembling feathers.

Use cream cheese as an edible 'glue' to attach sliced red bell pepper pieces and mozzarella balls or olives for the beak, wattle, and eyes.

Yes, use gluten-free crackers and dairy-free cheese variations to suit vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-sensitive diets as needed.

Serve immediately or chilled with optional dips like ranch or hummus, alongside sparkling cider or light white wine to complement flavors.

Swap or add snap peas, radishes, or cauliflower to the assortment for different textures and colors.

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 appetizer tray is always a hit at our family parties and sparkles conversation with its unique turkey shape.

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

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.

We love gathering around this tray during holidays it brings smiles and encourages healthy snacking.

Pair this tray with sparkling cider or a light white wine to complement the fresh vegetables and creamy cheeses.

Use gluten-free crackers and dairy-free cheeses as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions easily.

Cover and refrigerate leftovers promptly they stay fresh for up to two days.

This playful platter is both a feast for the eyes and the palate making your holiday spread unforgettable.

→ How do I create the turkey body?: Use a small wheel of soft cheese placed at the platter's center as the base for the turkey's body.
→ What vegetables work best for the feathers?: Bright, crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes create colorful layers resembling feathers.
→ How can I attach the turkey’s facial features?: Use cream cheese as an edible 'glue' to attach sliced red bell pepper pieces and mozzarella balls or olives for the beak, wattle, and eyes.
→ Can this tray accommodate dietary restrictions?: Yes, use gluten-free crackers and dairy-free cheese variations to suit vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-sensitive diets as needed.
→ What are good serving suggestions for this platter?: Serve immediately or chilled with optional dips like ranch or hummus, alongside sparkling cider or light white wine to complement flavors.
→ How can I add variety to the vegetable selection?: Swap or add snap peas, radishes, or cauliflower to the assortment for different textures and colors.