Festive Masquerade Mask Platter (Printable)

Colorful vegetables, cheese, nuts, and fruits beautifully arranged on a festive platter for celebrations.

# What you'll need:

→ Base & Eye Openings

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

→ Vegetables & Fruits

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

→ Cheeses & Accompaniments

08 - 1 cup assorted cubed cheeses (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

# Method:

01 - Select a large oval or rectangular serving board to arrange the ingredients.
02 - Place olives or cheese cubes near the upper center of the board spaced horizontally to form eye openings.
03 - Fan out cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and fruits above and around the eye openings in symmetrical arcs resembling a masquerade mask.
04 - Distribute cheese cubes and mini mozzarella balls evenly among the vegetables and fruits for contrast and texture.
05 - Fill remaining spaces with mixed nuts and dried fruits to enhance flavor and visual interest.
06 - If using, arrange crackers or breadsticks along the lower edges or sides of the board.
07 - Top with fresh herbs and edible flowers for a festive finish, then serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that requires zero cooking, leaving you stress-free to enjoy your guests
  • Every vegetable and cheese becomes an adventure—guests pick what excites them most
  • The symmetry and colors are so striking, you'll find yourself just admiring it for a moment before digging in
02 -
  • Slice and arrange no more than 30 minutes before serving—your vegetables will begin to weep moisture and lose their crispness if left too long
  • Keep everything refrigerated in separate bowls until the final moment, then arrange on a cold board; this keeps all elements at peak freshness
  • The olives or cheese cubes truly are the eyes; without them clearly visible, the mask identity gets lost—resist the temptation to overcrowd that center area
03 -
  • Invest in a sharp knife and a cutting board you love; half the pleasure of creating this comes from the meditative rhythm of slicing vegetables
  • The moment you arrange your mask, it becomes the room's focal point—use this moment to set a tone of celebration and permission for guests to enjoy themselves without restraint
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