Graduation Cap Platter

Featured in: Snacktime Favorites

This festive platter artfully combines a round cheese wheel, square cracker, and fresh garnishes to resemble a graduation cap. Slices of cheddar, grapes, olives, cherry tomatoes, and cubes of Gouda create a colorful arrangement. A red bell pepper strip mimics the cap's tassel, tied with fresh chives for detail. Ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required, it’s perfect for gatherings celebrating achievements, with suggested dips like hummus and ranch to enhance flavors.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:16:00 GMT
Vibrant Graduation Cap Platter, with cheddar and fresh vegetable treats, a festive appetizer. Save
Vibrant Graduation Cap Platter, with cheddar and fresh vegetable treats, a festive appetizer. | frizplo.com

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

This platter has become a highlight at our graduation parties, impressing guests with its clever design and delicious components.

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.
Artfully arranged Graduation Cap Platter, featuring Gouda cubes and fresh grapes for a party treat. Save
Artfully arranged Graduation Cap Platter, featuring Gouda cubes and fresh grapes for a party treat. | frizplo.com

This platter has sparked joyful memories and lively conversations among our friends and family during celebrations.

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 or flatbread if required

Nutritional Information

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

Impressive appetizer: a colorful Graduation Cap Platter of crackers, red pepper, and olives. Save
Impressive appetizer: a colorful Graduation Cap Platter of crackers, red pepper, and olives. | frizplo.com

This graduation cap platter is a simple yet memorable way to celebrate milestones with your loved ones.

Recipe FAQ

How do I create the graduation cap shape?

Place a round cheese wheel as the base, then align a large square cracker on top to mimic the mortarboard shape.

What can substitute the square cracker for dietary needs?

Gluten-free flatbread or cracker alternatives work well without compromising the shape or flavor.

How is the tassel detail made?

Use a thin strip of red bell pepper tied with a fresh chive around its base to imitate the cap’s tassel.

Can this platter be adapted for non-vegetarian tastes?

Adding rolled slices of prosciutto or salami around the platter introduces a meaty option.

What dips complement this platter best?

Hummus and ranch dressing enhance the flavors and offer creamy contrast to the fresh ingredients.

How many servings does this platter provide?

The arrangement yields about 8 servings, ideal for small gatherings or party appetizers.

Graduation Cap Platter

Creative appetizer platter shaped like a graduation cap with cheese, fruits, and veggies for celebrations.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Madison Young

Classification Snacktime Favorites

Complexity Level Easy

Cultural Origin International

Output 8 Portion Count

Dietary requirements Meat-Free

Components

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 ½ cup black olives
05 ½ cup green grapes
06 ½ cup cherry tomatoes
07 ½ cup cubed Gouda cheese
08 ½ cup crackers

Optional Dips

01 ½ cup hummus
02 ½ cup ranch dressing

Directions

Step 01

Create the base: Place the cheese wheel at the center of a large serving platter to establish the base.

Step 02

Add the mortarboard: Position the large square cracker directly atop the cheese wheel, aligning edges to form the appearance of a graduation cap.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Arrange garnishes: Artfully arrange cheddar slices, olives, grapes, cherry tomatoes, Gouda cubes, and additional crackers around the cap to enhance visual appeal.

Step 06

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheese) and wheat (crackers). Ranch dressing may contain egg. Gluten presence possible; use gluten-free alternatives as needed.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Content: 170
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 7 g