Graduation Cap Platter

Featured in: Seasonal Fresh Picks

This vibrant platter features a cheese wheel topped with a square cracker, styled as a graduation cap. Accented with colorful fruits, cheddar slices, olives, and fresh chives, it creates an eye-catching centerpiece perfect for celebrations. Quick to assemble with optional dips, it suits vegetarian preferences and invites creative additions like prosciutto or veggie sticks. Ideal for party appetizers and sharing with guests.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:43:00 GMT
Delicious Graduation Cap Platter: a festive appetizer boasting vibrant veggies and cheeses ready to serve. Save
Delicious Graduation Cap Platter: a festive appetizer boasting vibrant veggies and cheeses ready to serve. | freshyforks.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, sparking conversations and compliments from every guest.

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.
Save
| freshyforks.com

Serving this platter brought back fond memories of family graduations and celebrations full of laughter.

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

Calories 170, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 13 g, Protein 7 g per serving.

Colorful Graduation Cap Platter, artfully arranged with fresh grapes, tomatoes, and Gouda, perfect for a graduation party. Save
Colorful Graduation Cap Platter, artfully arranged with fresh grapes, tomatoes, and Gouda, perfect for a graduation party. | freshyforks.com

This graduation cap platter is a simple yet impressive way to celebrate. It always makes events feel extra special.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What is the base of the graduation cap platter?

The base consists of a small round cheese wheel topped with a large square cracker to mimic the mortarboard shape.

Which ingredients create the tassel effect?

A thin strip of red bell pepper tied with fresh chives forms the tassel, adding decorative detail.

Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, gluten-free flatbread can replace crackers, and it’s naturally vegetarian with options to add meats for variation.

What garnishes enhance the platter’s presentation?

Cheddar slices, black olives, green grapes, cherry tomatoes, cubed Gouda, and extra crackers are arranged around the cap for a colorful display.

Are there suggested accompaniments?

Optional dips like hummus and ranch dressing complement the platter, and sparkling cider or white wine pair well for celebrations.

Graduation Cap Platter

A creative platter combining cheeses, fruits, and veggies arranged as a graduation cap for festive gatherings.

Prep time
20 minutes
0
Time required
20 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Easy

Cuisine International

Portions 8 Number of servings

Diet Details Meatless

What You'll Need

Platter Base

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

Garnishes & Details

01 8 slices cheddar cheese
02 1 red bell pepper
03 1 bunch fresh chives
04 1/2 cup black olives
05 1/2 cup green grapes
06 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
07 1/2 cup cubed Gouda cheese
08 1/2 cup crackers

Optional Dips

01 1/2 cup hummus
02 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the base: Place the cheese wheel in the center of a large serving platter to serve as the base for the cap.

Step 02

Position the mortarboard: Set the large square cracker directly on top of the cheese wheel, aligning edges to resemble a graduation cap.

Step 03

Create the tassel: Cut a thin strip from the red bell pepper and place one end in the center of the square cracker, allowing the rest to drape over the edge.

Step 04

Form tassel knot: Tie a fresh chive around the base of the pepper strip to mimic the tassel knot.

Step 05

Arrange garnishes: Artfully arrange cheddar slices, olives, grapes, cherry tomatoes, Gouda cubes, and crackers around the cap to complete the platter.

Step 06

Serve with dips: Place optional hummus and ranch dressing in small bowls alongside the platter for serving.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Contains milk (cheese) and wheat (crackers); ranch dressing may contain egg.
  • May contain gluten; use gluten-free alternatives as needed.

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 170
  • Lipids: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 13 grams
  • Proteins: 7 grams