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Celebrate the graduates in your life with this list of easy graduation party food ideas! These are all the easy main dishes, sides, appetizers, finger foods, drinks, and desserts you need for a successful graduation party. Plus, you’ll want to use this collection for all your summer events, like Memorial Day, 4th of July, pool parties, and more.
Includes recipes suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free diets. Weight Watchers points included in some recipes.
Hey school is out, and it time to toss the graduation caps in the air, put the books and pens away and have a paaaaaaaaarty.
Which means time for some easy graduation party food ideas. I got you these 30 perfect graduation party foods, some that you can make-ahead like caprese pasta salad, some no-cook dishes, and some which you can grill poolside, like these grilled shrimp skewers. Yeap, this list has got you covered!
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These graduation recipes ideas work whether you are going to someone else’s graduation or whether you are hosting your own grad party. There is also a range of foods for high schoolers and younger or older graduates. You’ve got some party snacks, party appetizers and dips, drinks, mains, and awesome desserts.
Some of my favorite items are crispy oven baked chicken tenders, easy Italian pinwheels, and these colourful rainbow popsicles. So, something for everyone.
P.S. You can also whip these recipes all summer long. Perfect for Memorial Day, BBQs, 4th of July, pool parties, and more!
What To Serve At A Graduation Party
- Easy Appetizers – make sure there is a whole range of easy party snacks, appetizers, dips, chips, and more for guests to munch on as they arrive. Pinwheels, sandwiches, or wraps can be both appetizers and entrees.
- Salads – pasta salads, slaw, fruit salads, and watermelon salads are great make-ahead cold sides or mains to put on your buffet table.
- BBQ Food – Grilling your food just adds to the party atmosphere. Think burgers, sausages, hot dogs, veggies, and even desserts.
- Dessert – Cold and frozen desserts like popsicles, ice cream cakes, pies, or just simple fruit are all perfect for a graduation party. So easy.
- Drinks – Some cold drinks to cool everyone down, such as plain water, iced teas, lemonades, soda, and ice coffee. Placing large pitchers in different spots makes it easy for everyone to serve themselves.
Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!
For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
Graduation Party Food Ideas
Caprese Pasta Salad
Parma Ham and Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect salad for parties.Easy to make and refreshing, yet satisfying, this colourful and flavourful pasta salad is ideal for serving up at a graduation party but also picnics, and dining al fresco.
Italian Pinwheels
Italian pinwheels are savory appetizers featuring a delightful combination of Italian-inspired ingredients rolled up in a soft tortilla, and perfect for any gathering or snack time!
Grilled Shrimp Skewers (Korean)
Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers areready in less than 15 minutesand are packed full of tangy, savory, sweet, and spicy flavor thanks to a unique marinade.
Air Fryer Mexican Cheese Dip
It's so easy to make this zesty Mexican Cheese Dip in the air fryer, you'll want to serve this at all your parties, potlucks, and gatherings!
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
These Buffalo chicken pinwheels are an easy-to-eat and easy-to-make way to indulge in spicy buffalo chicken flavor without the mess of traditional wings.
Bacon Cream Cheese Dip
This warm Cream Cheese Dip is perfect for any party or gathering.Perfect to serve with your favourite tortilla, chips or crostini.
5 Minute Ranch Yogurt Dip
This5 minute Ranch Yogurt Dipis easy to throw together with just 2 basic ingredients. Perfect for serving with veggies as a Graduation Party approved snack, and versatile as an appetizer for parties, potlucks, BBQs, and game day.
Photo Credit:budgetdelicious.com
Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Fans of chicken parmesan are going to devour thesedelicious chicken parmesan sliders.Get ready for your party guests to swoon over this tasty meal. It’s a winner!
15 Minutes Salmon Tacos
These easy Salmon Tacos are a great make-ahead family meal!Full of flavor, they only take 15 minutes to put together and are easily customizable to suit everyone’s tastes!
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Are you looking for a reallyquick and simple seafood appetizer for any graduation gathering? Then look no further than these tasty Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp.
Mezze Platter
Guys, if you’re anything like me, youlooove entertaining friends and family. And what better way to do that than with abeautiful Mezze Platter?!?!? With a huge tray you can provide a nice variety of different things and really offer a little something for everybody at your next get together.
Grape Jelly Meatballs Crockpot
Grape Jelly Meatballs in the crockpot are a flavor explosion in every biteand are not only a family favorite but also the ultimate crowd-pleaser.Make these for your next Graduation appetizers, game day, or potluck picnic.
Best Dang Mango Pineapple Salsa
This mango pineapple salsa is packed with sweet mangoes, fresh pineapple, and juicy tomatoes.The lime and oregano balance the sweetness of the fruit to make this a crave-worthy snack, colorful appetizer, and totally delectable Mexican treat
Salmon Black Bean Nachos Recipe
There’s just something about food you can eat with your hands that says “party” to me. Andthese Salmon and Black Bean Nachos are super festive and soooooo flavourful.Plus, they are packed with good-for-you nutrients and tons of protein.
Chicken Quesadillas
Full of great Mexican flavor, make these Chicken Quesadillas when you need a simple yet tasty lunch, serve them up as an easy graduation meal, weeknight dinner, or anytime you want a quick between meals nosh.
Refried Beans Dip
This refried bean dip isaffordable, convenient, and oh-so-easy to serveup.
Homemade Guacamole
Take all of your favorite Graduation Party Food dishes to the next level with this simple Homemade Guacamole that is easy to make with a few everyday ingredients.
Photo Credit:budgetdelicious.com
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
This Buffalo Chicken Sliders recipe is one of the easiest you will ever make!Flavorful mini sandwiches come together fast and are perfect for graduation party food idea as well as general parties, game day, snacking, or a quick lunch or dinner.
Photo Credit:budgetdelicious.com
Pico de Gallo - Chipotle Copycat
Take all of your favorite party dishes to the next level with thissimple and fresh Pico de Gallo Salsa recipe.
Deviled Strawberries
This is one of the best graduation food party ideas. These Deviled Strawberries require just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to whip up.
Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
This creamy cheese Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip is an easy, minimal prep, crowd-pleasing savory dip. Just the thing to serve with chips, veggie sticks and bread during graduation parties, game day, potluck, dinner parties, and more.
Rainbow Hummus Veggie Wrap
This quick, easy, no cook andhealthy Rainbow Vegetable Tortilla Wrap is packed full of colorful veggiesathat guests will love.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Calling all pickle lovers! This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a classic cold pasta salad with a tangy twist.Quick and easy to make, this tangy pasta salad recipe is just the thing for serving at your high school graduation party as well as backyard barbecues, summer picnics and taking to potlucks.
Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Recipe
Fans of the infamous Cracker Barrel fried chicken tenders are going to love this easy copycat recipe!These Sunday homestyle chicken tenders are golden brown, crispy, and crunchy on the outside and moist and juicy on the inside. Serve with all the dip.
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
You can have juicy oven fried chicken tenders in less time than it would take you to drive to the closest fast-food restaurant.A favorite for party guests.
Easy Rainbow Popsicles
This two ingredient rainbow popsicle recipe is the perfect frozen treat for all your parties. It is easy for guest to grab and eat as they move around as they party.
Banana Pudding Cake
Banana Pudding Cake is an elegant twist on a traditional favorite that had graced every southern table. And this Banana Pudding Cake Recipe pairs layers of banana cake with a creamy pudding that is all topped off with a fluffy whipped frosting.
Agua De Jamaica
Pour graduates a nice cool glass ofa*gua De Jamaicaand a few slices of your favorite fresh-squeezed fruit to helpquench your thirstand keep your tastebuds happy.
Easy Raspberry Lemonade + Instant Pot Raspberry Lemonade
Graduates will love this colorful, cool and refreshing Raspberry Lemonade made with juicy fresh raspberries and tart lemons.
Easy Air Fryer Hot Dogs In 8 Minutes
The best thing is that you need only2 everyday ingredients and 8 minutesto whip up thesejuicy on the inside, yet grilled tasting on the outside Air Fryer Hot Dogs.Plus they are sooooo quick and fun to make and really easy to customise.
Tips For Success
- Create a timeline: Whether it’s a dinner for 4 or brunch for 20, identifying when certain tasks need to be done helps ensure your meal comes together smoothly.
- Get a jump on the prep work: Defrosting, chopping, slicing, and assembling certain dishes in advance means you’ll have less work to do on the day of your event.
- Set your table in advance: Get your dishes, glassware, serving platters, and utensils set out the night before to make sure you have all you need and can check that task off your list.
- A good set of mixing bowls to both prep and serve food.
- This handy instant-read thermometer for easily checking food for doneness.
- Grilling tongs and skewers are summer cookout must-haves!
- For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
More Party Food Ideas You May Like
- Pool Party Food Ideas
- Taylor Swift Party Food Ideas
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30 Easy Graduation Party Food Ideas
When school is out and graduation parties are around the corner, it's important to have the perfect snacks. Enjoy any of these easy recipes for graduation day.
Author: Bintu Hardy
Ingredients
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Italian Pinwheels
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers (Korean)
- Air Fryer Mexican Cheese Dip
- Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
- Bacon Cream Cheese Dip
- 5 Minute Ranch Yogurt Dip
- Chicken Parmesan Sliders
- 15 Minutes Salmon Tacos
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Mezze Platter
- Grape Jelly Meatballs Crockpot
- Best Dang Mango Pineapple Salsa
- Salmon Black Bean Nachos Recipe
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Refried Beans Dip
- Homemade Guacamole
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Pico de Gallo – Chipotle Copycat
- Deviled Strawberries
- Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Rainbow Hummus Veggie Wrap
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Recipe
- Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
- Easy Rainbow Popsicles
- Banana Pudding Cake
- Agua De Jamaica
- Easy Raspberry Lemonade + Instant Pot Raspberry Lemonade
- Easy Air Fryer Hot Dogs In 8 Minutes
Instructions
Choose your graduation snack for your coming party.
Take a trip to the grocery store for your ingredients.
Put together your graduation recipe!
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