Looking for a delish Halloween recipe that’s simple, fun, and guaranteed to wow your guests? This Graveyard Cheese Platter is your ultimate spooky snack board. With just a handful of ingredients, you can turn an ordinary cheese plate into a creepy-cute graveyard scene—complete with cracker tombstones, olive spiders, and gooey dips that look eerily perfect. It’s a festive treat that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Graveyard Cheese Platter
- Easy Halloween food – no cooking required, just assembling!
- Customizable – use your favorite cheeses, crackers, and spooky garnishes.
- Crowd-pleasing – both kids and adults will dig in.
- Creative and delish – a perfect blend of creepy visuals and tasty bites.
How to Make a Graveyard Cheese Platter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- A mix of cheeses: cheddar, brie, mozzarella, gouda (variety = color & texture)
- Crackers (rectangular or oval work best for “tombstones”)
- Soft cheese or edible marker for writing “RIP” on crackers
- Black olives (for spiders or bats)
- Cherry tomatoes or grapes (spooky eyeballs)
- Green herbs (parsley, dill, or rosemary for “grass”)
- A small bowl of dip (guacamole or hummus makes great “grave dirt”)
Step-by-Step Assembly:
- Build the base: Arrange cheeses around a large wooden board or platter.
- Create tombstones: Stand crackers upright into soft cheese or dip. Write “RIP” with edible markers or pipe soft cheese on top.
- Add spooky touches:
- Slice olives in half to create spiders (use thin strips for legs).
- Place cherry tomatoes with a dot of olive for eerie eyes.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs as “overgrown graveyard grass.”
- Fill in the gaps: Add grapes, nuts, and extra crackers to keep the platter full and abundant.
- Final touch: Place a small bowl of guacamole or hummus as the “grave dirt” centerpiece
Practical Tips for Your Graveyard Cheese Platter
- Keep it sturdy: Use thicker crackers or toast slices for tombstones so they don’t break easily.
- Mix textures: Pair creamy brie with sharp cheddar and crunchy crackers for variety.
- Chill first: Refrigerate the platter before serving so cheeses hold their shape.
- Label cheeses: For extra fun, use mini Halloween picks with names like “Zombie Gouda” or “Monster Brie.”
Bonus Ideas to Make It Even More Spooktacular
- Add plastic skeleton hands reaching out of the cheese pile.
- Use a black slate board for extra spooky vibes.
- Scatter candy eyes over the platter for a creepy-cute finish.
- Serve with red pepper jelly or beet hummus for a bloody, dramatic effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this Graveyard Cheese Platter ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 4 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just add the cracker tombstones right before serving so they stay crisp.
What cheeses work best for a Halloween platter?
A mix of soft, hard, and semi-soft cheeses works best. Brie, gouda, cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese all add different textures and colors.
How do I make this platter kid-friendly?
Use mild cheeses (like mozzarella and cheddar) and add fun extras like pretzel sticks, candy eyes, or sliced fruit.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! Just be sure your cheeses are labeled vegetarian, and swap out dips as needed (hummus, guacamole, or veggie-based spreads).
Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes! Use gluten-free crackers or sliced cucumbers and bell peppers as edible tombstones.
