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I cannot believe graduation season is almost here! If you are wondering what the BEST graduation party food ideas are for your special celebration, you came to the right place!
If you’re planning an epic graduation bash for a graduate in your life, you got to have the right snacks and dishes to make it next level. I’m talking a crazy good spread. In this post, I’m sharing all my top tips for the best food for a graduation party, to make your celebration memorable.
From taco cart to finger foods and potluck style, I’ve got you covered with the most delicious graduation menu inspo. Let’s get this party started!
This post is all about the BEST graduation party food ideas.
Best Graduation Party Food Ideas
1 | Make It a Potluck
A potluck-style party is perfect for keeping costs down. Ask guests to bring their favorite dish to share. This is especially helpful and convenient when hosting an intimate celebration with close friends and family who feel like an extension of your own circle. They’ll be happy to contribute while marking such a significant milestone in your life and it is also one of the best graduation food ideas for large crowd. Some of the most popular are:
Finger Foods
As a grad, there’s nothing quite like a buffet of bite-sized treats to celebrate your big day. Ask guests to bring appetizers like pigs in a blanket, mini quiches, meatballs, spring rolls or chicken wings. These crowd-pleasing picks mean no one goes hungry and everyone gets a taste of something delicious.
Casseroles
Hearty, crowd-pleasing dishes like lasagna, enchiladas, or a breakfast casserole are perfect for a potluck. They’re easy to make in large quantities and always disappear quickly.
Salads
Potlucks are also a great chance for guests with dietary needs to contribute. Ask some to bring hearty salads, like pasta salad, potato salad or a fresh garden salad. Provide a variety of dressings and toppings so people can customize as they like.
Sides
Ask guests to bring a side to complement the main dishes like fruit tray, veggies and dip, chips, or bread. Not only does it provide more options, but sides help make a meal feel complete.
Sweets
No party is complete without something sweet. Cupcakes, cookies, brownies – all perfect potluck desserts that can be made in large batches. You really can’t go wrong. And if you end up with leftovers, all the better! Savor those treats in the days following your milestone celebration.
2 | Set Up a DIY Taco Bar
A taco bar is a perfect option if you want to keep things casual and budget friendly. Invite guests to build their own tacos with an array of toppings so everyone can make exactly what they want.
Set out stacks of crunchy taco shells and soft tortillas so people can choose their favorite. Then fill bowls with classics like ground beef, shredded chicken, and black or pinto beans.
Don’t forget the toppings! Set up smaller bowls for shredded cheese, salsa, sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges.
Encourage creativity by also offering unique add-ins like sliced radishes, grilled corn, pineapple, mango, cotija cheese, or sliced avocado. People will love customizing their tacos with unexpected flavors and textures.
A DIY taco bar is perfect for a graduation party because it’s casual, interactive and budget-friendly while still feeling special. Your grad and their friends will appreciate a fun, delicious meal they can enjoy together, and you’ll appreciate how easy it is on your wallet!
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3 | Crowd-Pleasing Pasta Station
A pasta bar is an interactive station your guests will love. Provide bowls of freshly cooked pasta like penne, fettuccine and spiral pasta along with a variety of sauces such as marinara, alfredo garlic and olive oil for guests to mix and match. You can also include parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper, fresh or sun-dried tomatoes and basil for garnishing.
If you want to go over the top, offer premium toppings such as sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, pancetta, fresh mozzarella and spinach. Your guests will enjoy customizing their pasta creations. Keep sauces warm in crockpots and provide tongs for easy serving. Don’t forget classic Italian sides like Caesar salad, garlic bread and tiramisu for a complete Tuscan-inspired menu.
A make-your-own pasta station is an interactive, memorable experience for your guests that won’t break the bank.
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4 | Best Finger Foods for Graduation Party
For a memorable graduation party, consider serving a variety of finger foods that are easy to eat and enjoy while mingling. Start with classic crowd-pleasers like mini sliders, bite-sized sandwiches, and savory meatballs. Add a touch of sophistication with elegant cheese and charcuterie boards featuring an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and fruits.
For a taste of summer, include fresh fruit skewers or Caprese salad skewers drizzled with balsamic glaze. Don’t forget about vegetarian options like stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, and vegetable spring rolls. These finger foods are not only delicious but also convenient for guests to grab and enjoy throughout the celebration.
Other great options are empanadas, sushi rolls, pizza squares, boneless chicken wings, mini bean and cheese burritos and deviled eggs.
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5 | Best Buffet Graduation Party Food Ideas
A buffet style spread is always a crowd pleaser at any party. For a graduation, set up a buffet with an array of options to suit all tastes. Some affordable and filling choices include:
Pasta Bar
Offer guests a choice of pasta, sauces and toppings so they can create their own custom dish. Spaghetti, ziti and bowtie pasta pair well with marinara, alfredo and pesto sauces. Have parmesan cheese, chopped vegetables and grilled chicken on hand for extra toppings.
Mexican Food
Set up a DIY taco bar with soft tortillas, beef, chicken and carnitas, beans, rice, salsa, guacamole, cheese, lettuce and hot sauce. Your guests will love assembling their own tacos and burritos.
Mediterranean Mezze Platter
Arrange a selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including hummus, tzatziki, tabbouleh, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, olives, feta cheese, pita bread, and assorted dips and spreads.
International Cuisine Buffet
Feature a diverse selection of global cuisines, such as sushi rolls, spring rolls, samosas, empanadas, kebabs, dumplings, sushi, and curry dishes, providing guests with a culinary journey around the world.
Seafood Spread
Offer a seafood buffet with options like shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, grilled fish, seafood pasta, ceviche, oysters, and smoked salmon, complemented by dipping sauces and lemon wedges.
{You may also want to read: 13 OUTDOOR GRADUATION PARTY IDEAS THAT WILL MAKE PLANNING A BREEZE}
6 | BBQ Graduation Party Food Ideas
Nothing says summer like the smell of barbecue in the air. For a graduation party, I highly recommend setting up a barbecue station where guests can make their own burgers, hot dogs, and grilled meats.
Fire up the grill and cook up hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, kebabs – the options are endless! Set out buns, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and condiments so people can build their own perfect burger or hot dog. Don’t forget veggie burgers for your vegetarian guests.
Sides
What’s barbecue without some classic sides? Serve coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob and potato salad. Chips, pretzels and popcorn also make great snacks.
Drinks
Offer bottled water, soft drinks, iced tea and lemonade to quench people’s thirst on a hot summer day. You can also set up a bar for guests over 21 with beer, wine and cocktail options.
A barbecue buffet is always a hit at parties and perfect for a casual graduation celebration. Your guests will love the delicious food and chance to hang out together on a (hopefully!) sunny day. Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray!
7 | Nacho Bar
A nacho bar is always a crowd pleaser at parties. Set out dishes of tortilla chips, warm nacho cheese, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and any other toppings you like. Let your guests build their own loaded nachos.
Provide multiple types of chips like regular corn tortillas chips as well as flavored ones such as chili-lime or cinnamon sugar for those wanting a sweeter snack. In addition to the usual toppings, also consider olives, scallions, refried beans or chili. For cheese, offer cheddar, Monterey jack, cotija or queso fresco in addition to nacho cheese.
A nacho bar allows for customization so guests can craft nachos to their own tastes. Whether they like it hot and spicy, mild, or somewhere in between, a nacho bar has something for everyone. Best of all, most ingredients can be made ahead of time, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen during the party.
Set out small plates, napkins, and any necessary serving utensils. Make sure you have a plan for melting the cheese, my go to recommendation is using a crockpot. So easy! A nacho bar will be a hit with your graduates and their guests. Most importantly, don’t forget to also provide lots of extras like jalapeños, cilantro, scallions, olives and sour cream for topping the nachos.
8 | Gourmet Sandwiches
One of my favorite graduation party food ideas is a gourmet sandwich bar. As a sandwich lover, I can never resist a spread of artisanal breads, flavorful fillings and tasty toppings to craft the perfect sandwich.
For the bread, offer ciabatta rolls, pretzel buns, focaccia and croissants. Fillings like roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, basil pesto, hummus and olive tapenade add loads of flavor. Grilled chicken, roast beef, turkey and veggie options cater to all tastes.
Top it off with choices like pickled onions, sprouts, marinated mushrooms, pepperoncini and arugula. A variety of cheeses – brie, goat cheese, gouda and havarti – melt into the fillings. Mustards, chili sauces and pestos allow guests to ramp up the flavor.
A gourmet sandwich bar lets your guests get creative and build their own masterpiece. Best of all, sandwiches are easy to eat standing up or on the go, perfect for a casual graduation celebration. Set out plates, napkins and plenty of seating, then step back and watch your guests happily craft their own delicious sandwiches.
And for an even easier option, you can order a variety of specialty sandwiches from your favorite restaurant. Ask them to cut them into smaller pieces so guests can enjoy different combinations and flavors. Don’t forget to include chips, hot sauce, and peppers for added zest!
9 | Taco Cart
Hiring a taco cart for a graduation party offers both convenience and affordability. These carts typically provide a variety of delicious taco fillings, from savory meats to fresh veggies, along with toppings and sauces, all conveniently set up for guests to customize their tacos to their liking.
The cost is often reasonable, especially considering the value and variety provided. Additionally, taco carts can accommodate large groups of people, making them perfect for graduation parties where you want to ensure everyone is well-fed and satisfied.
Plus, with a taco cart, you don’t have to worry about cooking, serving, or cleaning up, allowing you to fully enjoy the celebration with your guests.
10 | Catering Ideas for Graduation Party
Ordering catering for your favorite food for a graduation party is a hassle-free way to ensure that everyone enjoys delicious meals without the stress of cooking and preparing food yourself. Whether it’s your favorite local restaurant, a specialty catering service, or a trusted vendor, these catering food ideas for graduation, allows you to customize the menu to suit your tastes, preferences and budget.
From mouthwatering appetizers and flavorful main courses to decadent desserts, catering services offer a wide range of options to satisfy every palate. Plus, many catering companies offer delivery and setup services, making it convenient for you to focus on other aspects of party planning while leaving the food in expert hands.
With catering, you can relax and enjoy the celebration knowing that your guests will be treated to a memorable dining experience.
So there you have it – my top picks for the best graduation party foods that are sure to be a hit with your guests! Whether you go for crowd-pleasing finger foods, a build-your-own nacho or taco bar, or keep things simple with a tasty potluck spread, you really can’t go wrong.
