Graduation Cap Platter

Featured in: Quick Family Favorites

This festive graduation cap platter offers a visually appealing centerpiece for any celebration. Featuring a large square cracker topped on a round cheese wheel to mimic the cap's mortarboard, it’s garnished with sliced cheddar, olives, grapes, cherry tomatoes, and cubed Gouda to create inviting textures and flavors. A red bell pepper strip tied with chives forms the tassel detail. Ready in 20 minutes with optional dips, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family during joyful moments.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:29:00 GMT
Graduation Cap Platter: A festive appetizer with a cheese base and vibrant veggie "mortarboard" arranged attractively. Save
Graduation Cap Platter: A festive appetizer with a cheese base and vibrant veggie "mortarboard" arranged attractively. | hazelfork.com

A festive and creative appetizer platter designed to resemble a graduation cap, perfect for celebrating academic achievements with friends and family.

This platter was a hit at our graduation party and sparked lots of compliments and smiles.

Ingredients

  • Platter Base: 1 large square cracker (or flatbread approx. 15x15 cm / 6x6 in), 1 small round cheese wheel (e.g. Babybel or Brie about 5 cm / 2 in diameter)
  • Garnishes & Details: 8 slices cheddar cheese, 1 red bell pepper, 1 bunch fresh chives, 1/2 cup black olives, 1/2 cup green grapes, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup cubed Gouda cheese, 1/2 cup crackers
  • Optional Dips: 1/2 cup hummus, 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Instructions

Step 1:
Place the cheese wheel in the center of a large serving platter to form the base of the graduation cap.
Step 2:
Position the large square cracker or flatbread directly on top of the cheese wheel aligning the edges to resemble the caps mortarboard.
Step 3:
Cut a thin strip from the red bell pepper to create the caps tassel. Place one end in the center of the square cracker letting the rest drape over the edge.
Step 4:
Tie a fresh chive around the base of the pepper strip to mimic the tassel knot.
Step 5:
Arrange the cheddar cheese slices olives grapes cherry tomatoes Gouda cubes and crackers artistically around the cap to create an inviting appetizer platter.
Step 6:
Serve with optional dips in small bowls placed on the side.
Graduation Cap Platter: This party-ready platter showcases a cracker base with colorful garnishes forming a cheerful cap. Save
Graduation Cap Platter: This party-ready platter showcases a cracker base with colorful garnishes forming a cheerful cap. | hazelfork.com

Gathering around this platter has brought our family closer during celebrations and created lasting memories.

Required Tools

Large serving platter Small bowl(s) for dips Sharp knife Small cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (cheese) Wheat (crackers) Possible egg (ranch dressing) May contain gluten use gluten-free crackers/flatbread if required Always check dip and cheese labels for additional allergens

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories 170 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 13 g Protein 7 g

Graduation Cap Platter features a baby brie base, topped with a cracker "cap" and decorated with olives and cheese. Save
Graduation Cap Platter features a baby brie base, topped with a cracker "cap" and decorated with olives and cheese. | hazelfork.com

This Graduation Cap Platter is a simple yet impressive way to celebrate milestones with delicious style.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I create the caps mortarboard effect?

Place a round cheese wheel in the center of the platter and top it with a large square cracker or flatbread, aligning edges to resemble a graduation cap.

What ingredients add color and texture to the platter?

Cheddar slices, black olives, green grapes, cherry tomatoes, Gouda cubes, and fresh chives provide vibrant colors and varied textures.

Can this platter be adapted for gluten-free diets?

Yes, substitute the square cracker with gluten-free flatbread to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

What tips enhance the tassel decoration?

Cut a thin strip from a red bell pepper and tie it with a fresh chive around the base to mimic the traditional tassel knot.

Are there optional additions for a meat version?

Adding rolled slices of prosciutto or salami introduces savory elements suitable for non-vegetarian preferences.

Graduation Cap Platter

A creative platter showcasing a graduation cap design with cheese, veggies, and assorted garnishes.

Prep Time
20 minutes
0
Time Required
20 minutes
Created by Lydia Carver

Recipe Group Quick Family Favorites

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

Needed Ingredients

Platter Base

01 1 large square cracker (6x6 in)
02 1 small round cheese wheel (2 in diameter, e.g., Babybel or Brie)

Garnishes & Details

01 8 slices cheddar cheese
02 1 red bell pepper
03 1 bunch fresh chives
04 120 ml black olives
05 120 ml green grapes
06 120 ml cherry tomatoes
07 120 ml cubed Gouda cheese
08 120 ml crackers

Optional Dips

01 120 ml hummus
02 120 ml ranch dressing

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Prepare Platter Base: Place the cheese wheel centrally on a large serving platter to serve as the base of the graduation cap.

Step 02

Construct Mortarboard: Position the large square cracker or flatbread directly atop the cheese wheel, aligning edges to mimic the mortarboard of the cap.

Step 03

Create Tassel: Slice a thin strip from the red bell pepper to resemble the cap's tassel and place one end in the center of the square cracker, allowing the remainder to drape over the edge.

Step 04

Secure Tassel Knot: Tie a fresh chive around the base of the pepper strip to imitate the tassel knot.

Step 05

Arrange Garnishes: Artfully place cheddar cheese slices, black olives, green grapes, cherry tomatoes, Gouda cubes, and additional crackers around the cap to create an inviting display.

Step 06

Present with Dips: Serve with optional hummus and ranch dressing in small bowls placed alongside the platter.

Essential Tools

  • Large serving platter
  • Small bowls for dips
  • Sharp knife
  • Small cutting board

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your doctor with any concerns.
  • Contains milk from cheeses
  • Contains wheat from crackers
  • Possible egg in ranch dressing
  • May contain gluten; use gluten-free options if required

Nutritional Info (each portion)

Nutrition details are for reference and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 170
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 7 g