Graduation Cap Snack (Printable Page)

Festive caps crafted from cheese, crackers, and fruity tassels, ideal for parties and celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base

01 - 12 square crackers (e.g., Wheat Thins, water crackers)
02 - 12 square slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or American, about 1.5 inches square)

→ Tassel

03 - 12 long strings of black licorice OR dried fruit strips (e.g., mango, apricot, or fruit leather, cut into thin strips about 3 inches long)

→ Assembly

04 - 12 small dots of cream cheese or hummus (for gluing)
05 - 12 small candy pearls or raisins (optional, for tassel button)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Place a square cracker on a serving platter.
02 - Top each cracker with a slice of cheese, aligning the edges to resemble a graduation cap.
03 - Secure one end of a licorice string or dried fruit strip to one corner of the cheese square using a small dab of cream cheese or hummus as adhesive, allowing the tassel to drape over the edge.
04 - Place a small candy pearl or raisin over the end of the tassel, securing it with additional cream cheese or hummus to mimic the cap’s button.
05 - Repeat the assembly with remaining ingredients and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They come together in minutes with ingredients you probably already have, leaving you more time to enjoy the party instead of fussing in the kitchen
  • Every single person who sees them gets that delighted moment of recognition—they're conversation starters disguised as appetizers
  • You can customize them endlessly with different cheeses, crackers, and even naturally colored fruit strips, making them feel fresh every time
  • Kids can help assemble them, turning snack prep into a fun celebration activity everyone can share
02 -
  • Moisture is the enemy here—if your crackers sit too long with cheese on top, they'll start to soften and lose their snap. Assemble these as close to serving time as possible, or keep them assembled but covered lightly until the last moment
  • The dab of cream cheese is truly just a dab. Too much and it becomes visible and messy; just enough and it's invisible infrastructure that holds everything together
  • Different licorice brands vary wildly in how pliable they are. If yours is too stiff to drape, gently warm it between your hands for a few seconds—it becomes workable immediately
03 -
  • Toast your crackers very lightly in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes if you want them extra crisp and able to handle slightly more moisture from the cheese—this is a game-changer if you're assembling them more than a few minutes in advance
  • Keep your cream cheese or hummus at room temperature before you start, so it spreads as a whisper-thin adhesive rather than thick clumps that show between the layers
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