Looking for the best graduation party food ideas? Here are 42 INSANELY good and cheap graduation food ideas that are guaranteed to impress your guests!
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Congratulations to all the new grads this year! After four long years of doing loads of homework, extracurricular activities, and hundreds of hours of studying, you finally did it. This is an achievement that deserves to be celebrated. And what better way to celebrate than throwing an epic graduation party with all of your friends?
With all the stress that comes with party planning, what to serve shouldn’t be one of them. In my opinion, food is probably one of the most important things to plan for a party. I mean, have you ever been to a party where there was no food? I didn’t think so. To make your celebration a little more stress-free, I’ve gathered 42 mouthwatering graduation food ideas your guests won’t get enough of.
Before we begin, let’s go over a few things. Before deciding on what to serve, the very first thing you should ask yourself is what kind of party are you going to throw. Is it a casual party with lots of people or a more intimate gathering with just your close friends? Are there going to be tables set up or will guests have to stand and walk around the whole party?
Are any of your guests vegetarian? If so, you need to include a few vegetarian-friendly options as well. These are a few things you should take into consideration before getting your food options finalized.
You’ll also see that most of the foods are already in individual cups. That’s because it is easier for the guests to just take one and also is a lot more sanitary. Now, let’s take a look at these delicious foods!
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GRADUATION FOOD IDEAS
1. DONUT BAR
Donuts are literally everybody’s favorite, so you can never go wrong with including them at your party. Include lots of different flavors with topping variations to cater to all of your guests.
You can also buy a large donut board from Etsy to showcase all of the different options. Guests can see it clearly, and it adds to the decor.
2. SALAD CUPS
Salads aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but if some of your guests love it, it doesn’t hurt to put some out. They are incredibly cheap to make and require very little effort.
Just grab a bag of lettuce, slice cherry tomatoes in half, and include some onions, croutons, chicken, and some cheese. I recommend you fill up a small bottle with salad dressing so the toppings stay crunchy.
3. VEGGIE CUPS
As someone who doesn’t even like vegetables, veggie cups are freakin’ delicious. Slice bell peppers, carrots, and celery in long strips.
You can also add some cherry tomatoes by putting them through wooden skewers. It’s just easier to eat that way, haha!
Now, squirt some ranch or other dipping sauces on the bottom of clear plastic cups and place your veggies inside.
4. ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
Pasta salads are so easy to put together and taste amazing. They are supposed to be eaten cold like most salads but you can also warm it up if you want.
There are lots of colorful veggies, salami, pepperoni, pasta (of course), mozzarella, and delicious Italian dressing that will have everyone wanting more. Check out the recipe here.
5. PASTA BAR
For all the pasta lovers out there, you need to set up a pasta bar at your grad party. It is guaranteed to be a hit.
Include a few different types of pasta like classic spaghetti, penne, and rotini. Make sure you also include a couple of different pasta sauces for your guests to choose from.
Include some sides like garlic bread and some roasted veggies. Here is the full tutorial.
6. CHARCUTERIE LETTER BOARDS
Charcuterie boards are always a hit at every single party. They are easy to put together and look insanely good.
But, instead of putting together a regular charcuterie board, take it up a notch and use number boards instead.
You can buy your graduating year number boards from Amazon and all you have to do is set it up how you normally would.
Include lots of crackers (Ritz because nothing can beat it), cheese, cured meats, and various fruits.
7. FRUIT CUPS
If you’re looking for something simple and delicious, serve fruit cups! Include raspberries, blackberries, grapes, strawberries, slices of orange, apples, and mango.
Make sure you include a toothpick or just put the fruits through long, wooden skewers first so it’s easier for the guests to eat them.
8. WALKING TACOS
Tacos are a classic for a graduation party. But nobody wants to sit at one spot and eat, I mean what’s the fun in that, right?
So, create a walking taco station where guests can grab a bag of chips, add some toppings, and enjoy while walking around and socializing. Plus, there won’t be a mess on the floor to clean up later.
For the filling, you can include two types to cater to everyone. Ground beef and shredded chicken are the most popular options. For the toppings, include cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, and lime.
9. LUNCH BASKETS
This is such a great idea if you are having a large graduation party. Your guests will probably be super hungry depending on how long the party is and when it starts.
And there is nothing worse than waiting to get your food in a long line while your stomach is growling. So, make sure there are no hiccups at the party and create little lunch baskets for everyone.
Include all of the items you will serve at your party and place them on the table. When it is time to dig in, no one will have to wait in line.
10. CROISSANT SANDWICHES
Croissant sandwiches are literally on my list of top three favorite foods. I like them a lot more than regular sandwiches on bread.
The buttery and flaky texture of the pasty combined with the savory of the toppings is just unmatched.
You can either make the croissants yourself or buy some from the grocery store if you want something easier.
All you have to do is slice the pastry in half and add your sandwich fillings. A few popular options are lettuce, tomatoes, onions, slices of chicken breast, and cheese.
11. POPCORN BAR
We cannot forget everyone’s favorite snack, popcorn! This is great for all types of grad parties but even better if you’re having an intimate gathering with your friends.
You can watch movies all night long and eat lots of delicious popcorn. Include a few different options for your guests to choose from.
The most popular are regular, cheddar, caramel, and spicy popcorn for those who love a little kick. You also set up some popcorn toppings like M&M”s, candy corn, chocolate chips, pretzels, and Oreos.
12. CHIPS AND SALSA
Chips and salsa are a classic party food idea guests won’t get enough of. Plus, it’s one of the easiest things you can prepare.
You’ll want to include lots of tortilla chips because it’s not chips and salsa without the chips, haha! Include salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, lettuce, and onions.
For the salsa, make sure you make two different types. One with spice and one without. Some can’t handle spice that well and others can’t get enough.
13. CHARCUTERIE CUPS
In my opinion, charcuterie cups are so much better than charcuterie boards. Not only are they more sanitary but, everyone gets a little of everything.
So there won’t be any arguments about who gets the last slice of cheese, haha! I’ve seen it happen.
You can get the little charcuterie serving cups from Amazon and fill them up with different cheeses, fruits, cured meats, crackers, and a couple of sweets as well.
14. FRENCH FRIES
If you’re looking for something guests can snack on throughout the party, French fries are a great option. I would recommend preparing the fries about 5-10 minutes before guests arrive because they get soggy very fast.
You can buy them from a restaurant/store or get your apron on and make them yourself. After you’re done making all the fries, transfer them to serving cones you can get from Amazon.
15. LOADED TATER TOT SKEWERS
Tater tots are another great food item to serve. These ones in particular are loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.
They are absolutely delicious and are a great appetizer option for your grad party. Here is the full recipe.
16. CAPRESE SKEWERS
If you’ve tried the Caprese salad, then you know how delicious they are. These Caprese skewers taste just the same with the same ingredients but on wooden skewers.
You’ll need cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil, mini mozzarella, and balsamic glaze. These party appetizers will be gone in less than 10 minutes. Here is the full tutorial.
17. SALAMI AND CHEESE SKEWERS
Here is another appetizer idea on a stick. All you need are salami and cubes of cheese. Grab your wooden skewer and start sliding the salami and cheese down.
Make sure you alternate so it looks good. If your guests are not a fan of salami, you use any other there meat you’d like.
18. SERVE SLIDERS
Sliders are one of the most popular food options when it comes to gatherings and parties. They are super easy to make and are very cheap.
All you need are mini slider buns and the filling. First, think about the meat. You can use ham, bacon, beef, or chicken.
I recommend you include at least two options so your guests can choose which one they like more.
For the other ingredients, think of things like onions, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and cheese. Those are the classics for any sandwich but you can of course customize it to your liking.
19. SOFT SHELL TACOS
Tacos anyone? Um yes, please! If you are someone who loves going to Taco Bell regularly, then you need to serve tacos at your party.
Grab some tortillas at your local grocery store and start preparing. For the filling, you can use ground beef/chicken, cilantro, lettuce, salsa, onions, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and cheese.
Your guests will not be able to get enough of this. Pro tip: use clothespins to prevent the filling from spilling out.
20. MINI CHICKEN WRAPS
Wraps are amazing for parties because they are filling and take little effort to make. I suggest you make mini chicken wraps because those are extremely popular and most people usually like them.
For the filling, include shredded lettuce, cheese, cherry tomatoes, and sour cream if they want it. Check out the tutorial here.
21. PIZZA BAR
As an avid pizza lover, this picture is like heaven for me, haha! Everyone loves pizza so you can never go wrong with a pizza bar at your parry.
Include many different options for your guests to choose from. Chicken pizza, pepperoni, and simple cheese pizza are the most popular.
Make sure you order a couple of vegetarian pizzas as well for all the non-meat eaters.
22. CHICKEN AND WAFFLES
Is there a better combo than chicken and waffles? Not in my book. What more could you want besides the savory of the chicken and the sweetness of the waffles?
It’s a match made in heaven. Grab plastic cups/bowls and place a few pieces of chicken and waffles inside.
Make sure you cut the waffles in half so it’s easier to eat. Lastly, pour some maple syrup into a small dipping cup.
I know some people who love the extra sweetness of the syrup and some who hate it. So, this way, they’ll have a choice.
23. MAC AND CHEESE CUPS
Mac and cheese is the best comfort food and is insanely easy to make. Depending on how many guests are at your party, you can make enough for them in less than an hour.
This mac and cheese recipe is extremely creamy, cheesy, and delicious. Your guests are guaranteed to want seconds. Take a look at the recipe here.
24. CANDY BUFFET
Let your guests pick out a few sweet treats for their accomplishments. Write down a clever word or phrase that aligns with the type of candies you’re serving.
For example, for the smarties, you can write “smartie pants”, for the gummy worms, write “book worms” and so on and so forth.
25. DIPLOMA COOKIES
Diploma cookies are one of the most popular graduation foods. I can almost guarantee you’ll see them at every graduation party that’s being thrown.
And it’s popular for a good reason too. They taste amazing, look like diplomas, are cheap, and are insanely easy to make.
All you need to do is buy a few packs of wafer rolls and tie a ribbon on the center. Voilà! You’re done.
26. MEXICAN STREET FOOD WITH CORN
You cannot tell me this doesn’t look good. It is a very affordable Mexican street food made from grilled corn on the cob. It has lots of tasty seasonings and is insanely easy to make. Here is the full recipe.
27. ANTOJITOS
You may be wondering, “What the h*ll are antojitos”. Well, they are soft tortillas filled with cream cheese, sour cream, jalapeno, bell pepper, and green onions.
They are then rolled up and baked. These pinwheels are the perfect appetizer for your grad party. Learn how to make them here.
28. JALAPENO POPPERS
Do I even need to say anything about this? Jalapeño poppers are an insanely popular appetizer for basically all parties. You can never go wrong with them.
The crunchiness of the jalapenos combined with the savory of cheddar cheese and bacon is just perfection. Try out the recipe here.
29. MILK AND COOKIES
Milk and cookies are a classic combination and are a great end-of-the-party snack.
Since graduation parties are often held during the summer, the cold milk is a great way for your guests to wind down and the cookies are the perfect sweet addition.
30. LEMONADE BAR
As I mentioned above, graduation parties are held in the summer, and what better way to cool down from the scorching hot sun than drinking a cold glass of lemonade?
Include a bucket of ice and lots of syrup flavors like lime, strawberry, and orange. Make sure you cut up some fruit for your guests to add to their drinks as well.
A few popular options are mangos, raspberries, and strawberries.
31. CHIPS
One of the simplest and universally loved graduation food ideas is chips. They make for a great light party snack and are super cheap.
Buy a few bags of different flavored chips so your guests have options and transfer them into small paper bags.
32. PRETZEL BAR
Pretzel bites are absolutely delicious, especially when they are freshly out of the oven. Create a cute pretzel bar with a variety of different flavored pretzel bites.
Include the classic, cheddar, and garlic pretzel bites. Make sure to include a couple of dipping sauces as well like mariana and cheese.
33. MINI PIGS IN A BLANKET
Pigs in a blanket anyone? They are another popular party appetizer your guests won’t get enough of.
The little sausages are wrapped up in buttery crescent rolls and then baked until done. This recipe requires only two ingredients so I don’t think it could get any easier than that. Check out the recipe here.
34. COOKIES
If you’re looking for a delicious sweet treat to serve at your party, cookies are on the top. You don’t even have to make them yourself (though you can if you want to).
Just go to your nearest grocery store and pick up a couple of classic chocolate chip cookies. You can also get some Oreos and a mix of chewy and crunchy cookies because why not?!
35. PANCAKE SKEWERS
I will literally never tire from putting things on skewers, haha! They are just so fun and in my opinion, make the food taste even better.
Mini pancakes on skewers will definitely be a hit at your party. You can buy premade mini pancakes from the store and heat them up.
Cut up some fruit for the toppings and transfer some syrup into small dipping cups for the guests to pour when they are ready for their pancakes.
Just put the wooden skewer on last so the layers and the fruit stay together.
36. WATERMELONS
Watermelons will never not be on my favorites list. It’s one of the best fruits to exist. Serving this at your party is a great idea because watermelons are made up of 90% water.
So, it’ll keep the guests hydrated during the hot weather and they taste amazing. Cut them into triangle pieces and put popsicle sticks through them so your hands don’t get sticky.
37. CHICKEN WINGS
Calling all chicken lovers, you are going to love this recipe! Chicken wings at a grad party is a fantastic idea.
Not only do most people love chicken, but they will keep you full and energized so you can get your party on all night.
These chicken wings are also made in an air fryer which is a lot healthier than if you were to fry it. Here is the full recipe.
38. FRUIT KABOBS
Celebrate your graduation by serving some delicious and fresh fruit kabobs. They are super easy to put together and are perfect if you are in a time crunch.
Make little cubes of watermelons, mangos, cantaloupes, melons, and apples.
Put those on the bottom of the skewer and add strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and raspberries. This is also another great option for vegetarians.
39. CHEESE AND CRACKERS
Cheese and crackers are an unbeatable combo. You cannot change my mind no matter how hard you try, haha!
Seriously though, these are great as a party appetizer or just as a light snack guests can grab throughout the party.
Grab a serving plate and add different types of cheeses and crackers. Definitely include Ritz crackers because those are just top-notch.
Add some grapes and other fruits to balance everything out.
40. HOTDOG STATION
Create a little hotdog station where guests can make their own. Build-your-own stations are great because you won’t have to worry about whether they’ll like a topping or not.
Everyone can make it how they like it. Include all of the necessary ingredients and toppings for a hotdog and don’t forget to include spoons.
41. SHRIMP COCKTAIL CUPS
If you can your guests love seafood, you need to serve these delicious shrimp cocktail cups. They include a couple of shrimp with delicious cocktail sauce and fresh parsley/cilantro for garnish.
I promise you, your guests won’t get enough of this. I’ve found a great recipe you can recreate here.
42. YOGURT PARFAITS
Looking for a great way to end the party? These delicious yogurt parfaits will do the trick. They have layers of tasty yogurt with fresh fruit and granola.
It’s not overly sweet so it’s great as a end of the party snack. Take a look at the recipe here.
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THIS POST SHOWED YOU THE BEST GRADUATION FOOD IDEAS
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