Turkey Shaped Appetizer Tray

Featured in: Party Food Ideas

This vibrant platter uses a soft cheese wheel as the centerpiece, decorated with bell pepper pieces and olives to mimic a turkey’s features. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, carrots, celery, and broccoli are fanned out as colorful feathers, accented with olives and paired alongside crackers and dips. Perfect for holiday parties, this easy-to-assemble appetizer is visually striking and offers a variety of textures and flavors. Adaptable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 16:01:00 GMT
Vibrant turkey-shaped appetizer tray with colorful vegetables, perfect for a festive gathering. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant turkey-shaped appetizer tray with colorful vegetables, perfect for a festive gathering. | chomzo.com

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 has always been a hit during family holiday gatherings, sparking joy and compliments from guests young and old.

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 dips around the sides of the tray or on a separate platter.
Step 7:
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Freshly arranged turkey-shaped appetizer tray showcases olives and cheeses perfect for a holiday snack. Save to Pinterest
Freshly arranged turkey-shaped appetizer tray showcases olives and cheeses perfect for a holiday snack. | chomzo.com

This tray has been a centerpiece for many family celebrations creating warm and joyful moments around the table.

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) and 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 1/10 of tray

Get ready for a delicious turkey-shaped appetizer tray loaded with veggies alongside creamy dips. Save to Pinterest
Get ready for a delicious turkey-shaped appetizer tray loaded with veggies alongside creamy dips. | chomzo.com

This colorful turkey appetizer tray is a delightful final touch to any holiday celebration sure to impress your guests.

Common Questions

How do I assemble the turkey-shaped appetizer tray?

Place a soft cheese wheel on the platter as the body, add bell pepper pieces for the wattle and beak, olives for eyes, and fan out colorful veggies around to form feathers.

Can the platter be made vegan?

Yes, use a dairy-free cheese alternative and select gluten-free crackers. Adjust dips accordingly.

What are good vegetable substitutions for this platter?

Try snap peas, radishes, or cauliflower for different colors and textures while maintaining visual appeal.

How should I store the tray before serving?

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep vegetables crisp and cheese fresh.

What beverages pair well with this appetizer tray?

Light white wines and sparkling cider complement the fresh vegetables and creamy cheese flavors nicely.

Turkey Shaped Appetizer Tray

A colorful appetizer tray shaped like a turkey with fresh vegetables, cheeses, and crackers for holiday entertaining.

Prep Duration
30 minutes
0
Time Needed
30 minutes
Author Maya Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 10 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-free

Required Ingredients

Vegetables

01 1 cup cherry tomatoes
02 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
03 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
04 1 cup baby carrots
05 1 cup cucumber slices
06 1 cup celery sticks
07 1 cup broccoli florets
08 1/2 cup black olives

Cheeses & Dips

01 1 small wheel soft cheese (e.g., brie or goat cheese)
02 1/4 cup cream cheese
03 1/2 cup ranch or hummus dip (optional)

Crackers & Extras

01 1 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed)
02 1 small red bell pepper
03 2 mini mozzarella balls or small olives

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Form the turkey's body: Position the small wheel of soft cheese in the bottom center of a large serving platter.

Step 02

Create wattle and beak: Slice a small piece of red bell pepper into a wattle shape and a small triangle for the beak, attaching both to the cheese wheel with a dab of cream cheese.

Step 03

Add eyes: Place two mini mozzarella balls or small olives as eyes on the cheese wheel, securing with cream cheese if necessary.

Step 04

Arrange the feathers: Fan out the sliced vegetables—bell peppers, baby carrots, cucumber, celery, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli florets—in semi-circular layers above the cheese to mimic turkey feathers, alternating colors for visual interest.

Step 05

Add olives for detail: Distribute black olives among the vegetable layers to enhance color contrast and texture.

Step 06

Set crackers and dips: Arrange assorted crackers and optional dips around the platter or on a separate serving plate.

Step 07

Serve or store: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tools Needed

  • Large serving platter
  • Paring knife
  • Small bowls for dips
  • Small spoon or piping bag for cream cheese details

Allergy Details

Look at the ingredient list to spot allergens. If you have questions, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy from cheese and cream cheese; some crackers may contain gluten or seeds. Verify allergen information on dip and cracker labels.

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These facts are just for your reference and not substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy: 120
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 4 g