Masquerade Mask Appetizer Platter (Printable Version)

Vibrant appetizer platter shaped like a masquerade mask with fresh ingredients and colorful accents.

# Ingredient List:

→ Base & Eye Openings

01 - 2 large pitted green or black olives or 2 small cubes of firm cheese (cheddar or gouda)

→ Vegetables & Fruits

02 - 1 cup cucumber slices, thinly sliced
03 - 1 cup assorted colorful bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange)
04 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/2 cup red radish slices
06 - 1/2 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
07 - 1/2 cup seedless grapes (red or green)

→ Cheeses & Accompaniments

08 - 1 cup assorted cheese cubes (cheddar, gouda, Swiss)
09 - 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls
10 - 1/2 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
11 - 1/4 cup dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, or figs)
12 - 1/2 cup crackers or breadsticks (optional)

→ Garnishes

13 - Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill)
14 - Edible flowers (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Select a large oval or rectangular serving board to arrange the ingredients.
02 - Position two olives or cheese cubes near the top center of the board, spacing them horizontally to resemble eye openings of a mask.
03 - Create broad symmetrical arcs above and around the eye openings using cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, radishes, baby carrots, and grapes to mimic feathered edges of a masquerade mask.
04 - Distribute assorted cheese cubes and mini mozzarella balls among the vegetables and fruits to enhance texture and vibrancy.
05 - Insert mixed nuts and dried fruits into empty spaces for additional flavor and visual appeal.
06 - If desired, place crackers or breadsticks along the lower edge or sides of the board for variety.
07 - Decorate with fresh herbs and optional edible flowers to create a festive presentation, then serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the kind of show-stopping platter that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but takes just 20 minutes—your secret stays safe with me
  • Everyone eats better when food looks beautiful; this arrangement turns ordinary vegetables into edible art that people actually want to photograph
  • You can adapt it for any dietary preference without losing the magic, making it the perfect inclusive appetizer for mixed groups
02 -
  • Timing is everything—if you assemble this more than an hour before serving, the vegetables start releasing water and everything gets soft and loses its appeal. I learned this the dramatic way when I prepped three hours early for a party
  • The olives or cheese cubes positioned as eyes are actually structural; they help guide where everything else goes, so get them perfect before you start fanning out the vegetables
03 -
  • Slice your vegetables about 30 minutes before serving and keep them in a damp towel in the fridge—this keeps them crisp while you're still doing final arrangement
  • Use a slightly damp paper towel under your platter to keep it from sliding around while you're arranging; it sounds small, but it makes everything easier
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