Masquerade Mask Appetizer Platter (Printable Version)

A colorful platter arranged in a masquerade mask design with olives, cheeses, and fresh vegetables.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base & Eye Openings

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

→ Vegetables & Fruits

02 - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
03 - 1 cup assorted bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange)
04 - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - ½ cup red radish, thinly sliced
06 - ½ cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
07 - ½ cup seedless grapes (red or green)

→ Cheeses & Accompaniments

08 - 1 cup assorted cheese cubes (cheddar, gouda, Swiss)
09 - ½ cup mini mozzarella balls
10 - ½ cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
11 - ¼ cup dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, or figs)
12 - ½ cup crackers or breadsticks (optional)

→ Garnishes

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Select a large oval or rectangular serving board to arrange the ingredients.
02 - Place the two olives or cheese cubes centered near the top of the board horizontally, creating the mask's eye openings.
03 - Fan out cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, radishes, baby carrots, and grapes above and around the eyes in wide symmetrical arcs to resemble ornate feathers.
04 - Nestle assorted cheese cubes and mini mozzarella balls among the vegetables and fruits to add texture and color contrast.
05 - Fill gaps with mixed nuts and dried fruits for enhanced flavor and visual interest.
06 - If desired, arrange crackers or breadsticks along the bottom edge or sides of the board.
07 - Decorate with fresh herbs and edible flowers for a festive finishing touch, then serve immediately.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it really only takes twenty minutes
  • Everyone finds something they love on the platter, from the cheese lovers to the fruit devotees
  • It transforms a simple arrangement into edible art that makes the whole celebration feel more special
02 -
  • Prep everything the morning of, but don't assemble until one to two hours before guests arrive—vegetables will stay crisp and colors stay vibrant if you don't let them sit too long on the board
  • Symmetry is your friend but perfection is your enemy. Slight imperfections make it look handmade and real, not staged
  • If olives feel too slippery, secure them with small dots of cream cheese underneath—they'll stay exactly where you want them
03 -
  • Use a damp paper towel to gently clean your knife between cuts—this keeps colors from bleeding and makes each slice look intentional and clean
  • If you're worried about the platter drying out during a long gathering, cover it loosely with plastic wrap until the moment you're ready to serve, then remove it all at once for maximum drama
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