Masquerade Mask Appetizer Platter (Printer View)

Colorful platter arranged with vegetables, cheeses, and fruits in a masquerade mask style for parties.

# Components:

→ Base & Eye Openings

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

→ Vegetables & Fruits

03 - 1 cup cucumber slices, thinly sliced
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 cheeses, cubed (cheddar, gouda, Swiss)
10 - ½ cup mini mozzarella balls
11 - ½ cup 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)

# Method:

01 - Select a large, oval or rectangular serving board as your base.
02 - Place the two olives or cheese cubes near the center top of the board, spaced apart horizontally to resemble the mask's eye openings.
03 - Fan out the vegetable slices, bell pepper strips, and fruits above and around the eyes in wide, symmetrical arcs to mimic the ornate, feathered edges of a masquerade mask.
04 - Tuck assorted cheese cubes and mini mozzarella balls among the vegetables and fruits to add texture and color.
05 - Include nuts and dried fruits in any gaps for added flavor and visual interest.
06 - If using, arrange crackers or breadsticks along the lower edge or sides of the board.
07 - Finish by garnishing with fresh herbs and edible flowers to enhance the festive appearance.
08 - Present immediately to preserve freshness and vibrant colors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a show-stopper that takes just 20 minutes but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen
  • Everyone finds something they love since it celebrates fresh vegetables, cheeses, fruits, and nuts all in one gorgeous display
  • You can adapt it endlessly based on what's in your fridge and your guests' dietary preferences
02 -
  • Prepare your vegetables no more than 4 hours ahead and store them in separate containers with damp paper towels to keep everything crisp and vibrant
  • The secret to a visually stunning board is varying the height and angle of each element—stand slices upright, lay others flat, angle some diagonally. Flat presentations look amateur; varied textures look intentional.
  • Symmetry is your best friend here. Step back frequently to make sure both sides of the mask feel balanced, or your careful work will feel off somehow.
03 -
  • Prep all your vegetables the night before, storing them separately in sealed containers with damp paper towels so you only need 20 minutes to assemble on party day
  • If your board feels too sparse, you haven't sliced thin enough or overlapped enough. Every piece should sit close to another, creating a rich, abundant feeling
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