Derby Day Cheese Hat
🧀 A whimsical centerpiece that's surprisingly easy to assemble and sure to become the conversation piece of your Derby Day table
🌿 Edible Flower Safety
Only consume flower varieties that are specifically grown for culinary use. Avoid eating florist or ornamental flowers, and never allow non-edible flowers to come into contact with food. Visit your local produce market or specialty food store for a selection of fresh edible flowers.
For more information on selecting, preparing, and safely using edible flowers, visit the Thompson & Morgan Edible Flower Guide.
Supplies
- 1 large round wooden serving board
- 2 Brie or Camembert wheels (same diameter)
- 30–40 fresh chives
- Toothpicks
- Firm sliced cheese for the brim (Havarti, Gouda, Fontina, or Provolone)
- Red and green grapes
- Fresh figs (optional)
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
- Edible flowers - such as Pansies, Dianthus, California poppies, Dahlias, Fuschia blossoms, Chrysanthemum coronarium (Garland chrysanthemum)
- Edible flower Petals
Instructions
1. Create the Brim
Arrange slices of firm cheese in an overlapping circle around the outer edge of the serving board to resemble the brim of a Derby hat.
2. Build the Crown
Stack the two Brie wheels in the center of the board.
3. Wrap the Hat Band
Wrap fresh chives around the seam where the two Brie wheels meet. Secure the chives discreetly with toothpicks at the back of the cheese so they remain hidden.
4. Decorate
Arrange grapes around the base of the cheese hat.
Tuck in clusters of:
- Edible flowers
- Fresh thyme
- Rosemary sprigs
- Fresh figs (optional)
- Finish with a sprinkle of Edible flower Petals
Decorate asymmetrically, just as you would embellish a real Derby hat.
🌿 Armand's Tip
The beauty of this centerpiece comes from using fresh, natural ingredients. Choose only edible flowers that are safe for food presentation. Remove all stems and use toothpicks to attach the flowers when needed, placing them discreetly throughout the arrangement. Assemble the cheese hat the day before or up to a few hours before serving, cover loosely, and refrigerate.
