Masquerade Mask Appetizer Platter (Print Version)

Vibrant platter arranged like a masquerade mask with fresh veggies, cheeses, nuts, and fruits for festive occasions.

# Components:

→ Base & Eye Openings

01 - 2 large green or black olives, pitted
02 - or 2 small cubes of firm cheese such as cheddar or gouda

→ Vegetables & Fruits

03 - 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
04 - 1 cup colorful bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange)
05 - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - ½ cup red radish slices
07 - ½ cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
08 - ½ cup seedless grapes (red or green)

→ Cheeses & Accompaniments

09 - 1 cup assorted cheese cubes (cheddar, gouda, Swiss)
10 - ½ cup mini mozzarella balls
11 - ½ cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
12 - ¼ cup dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, or figs)
13 - ½ cup crackers or breadsticks (optional)

→ Garnishes

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

# Directions:

01 - Select a large, oval or rectangular serving board as the base for arranging ingredients.
02 - Position the two olives or cheese cubes near the center top of the board, spaced horizontally to form eye-like openings.
03 - Fan out the vegetable slices, bell pepper strips, and fruits in symmetrical arcs above and around the eye openings, mimicking a masquerade mask's feathered edges.
04 - Distribute cheese cubes and mini mozzarella balls among the vegetables and fruits to introduce texture and color contrast.
05 - Fill remaining gaps with mixed nuts and dried fruits for added flavor complexity and visual appeal.
06 - If included, arrange crackers or breadsticks along the lower edge or sides of the board.
07 - Finish by adorning the platter with fresh herbs and edible flowers for a festive presentation.
08 - Present immediately to retain freshness and visual integrity.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely magnificent on any table—guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen when it really only takes twenty minutes
  • Everything is fresh and raw, so there's no cooking stress, just pure creative arrangement and celebration
  • You can customize it endlessly based on what's in your fridge and what your guests love, making it foolproof every single time
02 -
  • Prep everything about thirty minutes before serving, but don't assemble until the last moment—vegetables release moisture and will start looking sad if they sit too long on the board
  • The olives or cheese cubes need to stay in place, so create a tiny bed by nesting them in a small dollop of cream cheese or hummus underneath them for stability
  • Start with your design in your mind before you begin—take two minutes to visualize the mask, and you'll work faster and with more confidence
03 -
  • Chill your vegetables and cheeses for at least one hour before assembling—they'll stay crisp longer and the cool temperatures slow down any juice release onto the board
  • Use a large enough board that you have breathing room between elements; overcrowding makes it feel chaotic instead of elegant, and guests can't navigate it easily
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