Description
This Thanksgiving Appetizer Platter is a festive and creative way to serve an assortment of cheeses, crackers, meats, and vegetables arranged to resemble a turkey. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it combines savory flavors with an eye-catching presentation that requires no cooking, making it both simple and impressive.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables
- 1 red pear
- 1-2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
Cheeses and Meats
- 12 oz package (party tray) of sliced cheeses
- 10 oz package of peppered salami
Crackers and Nuts
- 13 oz package club crackers or rectangular crackers of choice
- 8 oz package Breton crackers or large round crackers
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers or small round crackers
- 1 cup almonds or desired nuts
Garnishes
- 2 candy eyeballs
- Hummus, peanut butter, or butter (for sticking eyeballs)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pear Base: Slice the red pear in half lengthwise and place one half cut side down at the bottom center of your serving platter. This will serve as the turkey’s body.
- Arrange Cheese: Overlap slices of the party tray cheeses around the edge of the platter forming the outermost layer.
- Add Rectangular Crackers: Form a second row under the cheese layer around the platter using the rectangular or club crackers.
- Place Larger Round Crackers: Spread the Breton or other large round crackers to create the next inner row.
- Shape the Salami Feathers: Pinch one end of each salami slice and arrange them tightly below the crackers with the pinched ends touching to form a fan shape resembling turkey feathers.
- Incorporate Red Bell Pepper Strips: Tuck and arrange the pepper strips among the salami to accentuate the red colors of the feathers.
- Create Cucumber Rows: Lay a few rows of cucumber slices above the salami to mimic the turkey’s back feather section. Lift the pear half and fan small Ritz crackers in a circle to support the pear head.
- Reassemble and Fill Space: Replace the pear half to complete the turkey body shape and fill any empty bottom space on the tray with almonds for texture and visual interest.
- Add Turkey Face Details: Cut a small triangle from an extra cheese slice to form the turkey’s beak and attach the candy eyeballs on the pear face using a dab of hummus, peanut butter, or butter as adhesive.
- Storage Instructions: Cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best freshness and presentation, assemble the platter as close to serving time as possible.
Notes
- Assemble the platter just before serving to keep crackers from becoming soggy.
- You can customize the nuts and meats based on preference or dietary restrictions.
- Use different colors or types of cheeses for more visual appeal.
- Hummus or peanut butter works well as glue for the candy eyeballs, but avoid excessive amounts.
- Storage in the refrigerator is necessary due to the perishable ingredients.