One of the richest traditions, when we have a graduate in the family, is to have a graduation party. For this party, we can invite their friends, but it’s also a great time for family to gather and reflect on the past and look forward to the graduate’s bright future.
Before they hit the road there are some great graduation party food ideas you can make them to really give the occasion the send off it deserves.
Plus, with plenty of other growing, hungry college-bound kids around, your graduation party food needs to be easy to make while also keeping everyone’s stomach filled.
The graduation food ideas below will be the best combination of tasty treats while also giving you some time to enjoy your loved one’s last moments at home instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
You’ll find all the classic grad party food ideas like wings and burgers but you’ll also find some surprises you’ve probably never though to serve before.
Bust out the cameras and get ready to serve these graduation dinner ideas so that everyone can have a good time and enjoy the moment while it lasts.
Who doesn’t love the smell of hamburgers cooking on the grill on a summer day?
This classic is always a winner and you can lay out a bunch of toppings so that everyone can fend for themselves.
It’s a perfect way to line up some easy-to-make food and let everyone take care of themselves while you get some extra time with your kid before they head off to college.
Instead of feeding everyone at the party a bunch of bad finger foods that will give them cavities in their first semester, try out these healthy cookies instead.
They are insanely easy to make and they will give everyone the energy they need for any after graduation party activities.
Since your college-bound kid was a baby they have been loving rice crispy treats as a dessert idea so busting them out at a grad party is highly appropriate.
You can make them in a matter of minutes and they taste great when served cold so you don’t have to worry about keeping your grad party food warm.
The best part about making buffalo wings for a huge party is you can easily throw a ton on a baking sheet and just set them in the oven till they’re ready.
That will give you plenty of time to get everything else done without getting stuck spending your entire afternoon in the kitchen.
Make sure you have plenty of ranch or blue cheese dressing on hand for dipping too because you can change up the spice level for each batch you make.
You can get more healthy and delicious in a single snack than with some fruit kabobs.
Just fill up skewers with whatever fruits you enjoy like strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, mango, and more. Then add a little bit of cream to the top for that extra touch.
This is another one of those great graduation party food ideas that’s easy to make but also tastes amazing when it comes to hitting the spot on the guest’s taste buds.
Preztles are a fantastic idea to bring to a graduation party except they are a little too big.
That’s why these pretzel bites are perfect because they can be served up in a few minutes while still carrying the same tasty flavor of your favorite pretzels.
Put out some bowls on the table and a big old spoon because someone’s going to need a helping hand when it comes to this dip.
This Hormel chili is so rich and creamy with the perfect spice level that you’ll have everyone lining up for more after they inhale their first serving.
You probably had this classic around Christmas time but it’s just as good at your kid’s graduation party.
You don’t have to stick with just caramel either. You can throw chocolate, white chocolate, or any other type of ingredients to make this dish really stand out, especially at a popcorn bar.
Ordering a bunch of pizza is pretty common for a graduation party but making your own is even tastier.
With this homemade pizza recipe you can get creative with the ingredients and throw in anything you want, just make sure everything is ready to go before throwing your pizzas in the oven.
This classic mix of items you can grab at any store or gas station is a clever way to put together an interesting snack that will be unlike anything else at your graduation party.
The real kicker will be adding in your own spices to give this snack something special for everyone to remember.
This Texas Trash recipe is so quick and easy but people are going to love it because it’s so delicious and you can even make a few different batches that have different tastes to really mix it up.
You probably won’t want to make this recipe for parties larger than about 10 people because of the time it takes to make compared to other items on this list.
But when people do get a taste they will go crazy for it, especially if you add some chili.
You can’t go wrong with some mozzarella sticks because there’s a great chance everyone will have at least 1 helping of these little cheesy delights.
They come together so quickly and people can just grab a few to pop into their mouths, or if you feel like being a little more stylish serve them up with some marinara sauce on the side.
If you really need to cut time you could always buy some frozen from the store but this recipe gives so much more flavor.
Nachos are one of those graduation party appetizers because all you need to do is throw a bunch of ingredients on top and throw them in the oven to cook.
Guacamole, tomatoes, black beans, olives, cheese, lettuce, and more can go on your nachos and you can get as crazy as you want.
Although you don’t have to make complicated get everyone chowing down on this nachos recipe, just add pico de gallo and some sour cream and you’ve got yourself a really tasty snack at your nacho bar.
Our 30+ BEST Easy Graduation Party Food Ideas (+Bacon Ranch Cheddar Pinwheels)
These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
