Festive Veggie Turkey Platter
A delightful, meatless centerpiece for your holiday gatherings! This eye-catching turkey-shaped platter is crafted entirely from fresh vegetables, offering a colorful and nutritious alternative to traditional appetizers. The base is a creamy, savory spread made from cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream, providing a delicious and smooth dip for your crisp veggies. Arrange a rainbow of sliced vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash, celery, and radishes as vibrant feathers, showcasing your culinary creativity. This dish is not only visually appealing but also brilliantly versatile. Add cheeses and cold cuts for a heartier option, or stick with the fresh vegetable theme for a lighter snack. Ideal for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or any festive occasion, this Veggie Turkey Platter promises to be a hit among guests of all ages.
N/A
Servings
186
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
cheddar cheese
4 ounces (cubed)
sour cream
4 ounces
season salt
1 teaspoon
smoked paprika
1 teaspoon
red leaf lettuce
1 bunch (washed and dried)
zucchini
1/2 (thinly sliced)
yellow squash
1/2 (thinly sliced)
celery ribs
2 (thinly sliced)
radishes
4 (thinly sliced)
red onion
1/2 (thinly sliced)
mushrooms
4 (thinly sliced)
yellow pepper
1/2 (thinly sliced)
crackers
to taste (optional for serving)
pretzels
to taste (optional for serving)
sun-dried tomatoes
3
radish
1/2
peppercorn
1
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, season salt, and smoked paprika. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning with additional paprika if desired.
2
On a large serving platter, arrange the red leaf lettuce around the edge to create a vibrant border.
3
Layer the sliced vegetables to form the turkey's feathers. Use the large veggie slices at the back, such as carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, and radishes, to create an impressive plume. Add celery and yellow peppers for the lower layer of feathers.
4
To create the turkey's body, turn a soup bowl upside down on the platter and generously spread the cream cheese mixture over it. This acts as glue for the 'feathers.' Join radishes around the bottom and layer mushrooms on top to form the turkey's torso.
5
For decoration, use sun-dried tomato halves to create the turkey's chest, securing them with a bit of the cheese mixture.
6
For the turkey's head, position a halved radish atop the body and apply cheese mixture to the cut side before placing it on the tomatoes.
7
Cut a small slice of yellow pepper to create the turkey's wattle, securing it to the radish head with the cheese mixture.
8
Serve the remaining cream cheese mixture in a bowl alongside crackers and pretzels for dipping. Enjoy this beautiful and festive Veggie Turkey Platter!
Nutrition Information
15.2g
Fat
4.8g
Carbs
4.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Festive Veggie Turkey Platter?
It is a meatless holiday centerpiece crafted from fresh vegetables and a savory cheese spread, arranged to look like a turkey.
What are the main components of the savory spread?
The spread is made from cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, season salt, and smoked paprika.
Is the Festive Veggie Turkey Platter vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian-friendly appetizer made entirely of vegetables and dairy products.
How do you create the turkey's body?
The body is created by placing a soup bowl upside down on a platter and covering it with the cream cheese mixture.
Which vegetables are used to represent the turkey's feathers?
A variety of sliced vegetables are used, including zucchini, yellow squash, celery, radishes, carrots, and yellow peppers.
What is used to make the turkey's head?
A halved radish is positioned atop the body to serve as the turkey's head.
How do you create the turkey's wattle?
A small slice of yellow pepper is used to create the wattle, secured with the cheese mixture.
What forms the border of the platter?
Red leaf lettuce is arranged around the edge of the platter to create a vibrant border.
What ingredients are used for the turkey's chest?
Sun-dried tomato halves are used to decorate the turkey's chest.
What should I serve alongside the veggie platter?
It is recommended to serve the remaining cream cheese mixture in a bowl with crackers and pretzels for dipping.
Can I add meat to this veggie platter?
Yes, you can add cold cuts or different types of cheeses for a heartier version.
How many calories are in a serving of this platter?
One serving contains approximately 186 calories.
What tools are needed to make the cheese spread?
A food processor is used to blend the cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream until smooth.
How much fat is in a serving of the Festive Veggie Turkey Platter?
Each serving contains 15.2g of fat.
What is used for the turkey's torso?
Sliced mushrooms and radishes are layered over the cheese-covered bowl to form the torso.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 4.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 4.8g of protein.
How do you secure the vegetable feathers to the body?
The cream cheese mixture acts as a glue to hold the vegetable slices in place.
What type of paprika is used in the recipe?
Smoked paprika is used to add flavor and color to the dip.
What are the back plume feathers made of?
The back plume is made of larger slices of carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, and radishes.
Which vegetables form the lower layer of feathers?
Celery and yellow peppers are used for the lower layer of feathers.
Does the cream cheese need to be a specific temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened before blending for a smooth consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a festive centerpiece for Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings.
What type of onion is included in the ingredients?
The recipe includes thinly sliced red onion.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 18 ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is used for the eyes or small details?
A peppercorn is used as part of the turkey's facial decoration.
Is the platter considered a healthy snack?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious alternative to traditional holiday appetizers.
How is the cheese spread seasoned?
It is seasoned with season salt and smoked paprika, which can be adjusted to taste.
What type of yellow squash should be used?
Any standard yellow squash, thinly sliced, will work for the feather layers.
Can I make this platter ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the cheese spread and slice the vegetables in advance to save time.