Graduation day is fast approaching, and while the cap and gown might be what you’re looking forward to, let’s face it—it’s the party that really caps off the celebration. What’s a good party without amazing food, right? Now, imagine hosting a graduation bash that’s unforgettable without leaving your pockets dry. You might be thinking it’s impossible to impress on a budget, but what if I told you it isn’t? Yep, with these 15 amazing appetizers, not only can you keep costs low, but you’ll also impress your guests! From zesty bites to mouthwatering skewers, I’m sharing the must-have dishes that’ll make everyone talk about your party long after it ends. Curious how to serve killer dishes while staying under $30? Keep reading!
Delicious Appetizers for Graduation Parties That Won’t Break the Bank
1. Feta Stuffed Peppers
Looking for cheap appetizer ideas for your graduation party? Check out this feta stuffed peppers recipe! The first time I tasted it was during my visit to Greece, and since then I’m obsessed. Simply stuff sweet roasted peppers with a creamy mixture of feta cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, and fresh dill for a burst of flavor in every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, these vibrant and tasty appetizers are sure to be a hit. And the best part? You can make them without breaking the bank!
2. Big Mac Sliders Recipe
Looking for a delicious and fun appetizer Try these big mac sliders! With simple ingredients like ground beef, Hawaiian rolls, and pickles, you can easily make a batch of these mini burgers. All you need is to just brown the beef with some onions, layer it on the buns with cheese and pickles, bake until melty, and it’s done! You’ve got yourself a party-ready dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Serve them warm.
3. Salami Pinwheels
Salami pinwheels are a must-have at any party, especially on a budget! With just 3 ingredients – sliced salami, cream cheese, and banana peppers – these tasty low carb appetizers are a breeze to make. Simply lay out the salami slices, spread on the cream cheese, sprinkle on the banana peppers, roll it all up, and pop it in the fridge. After an hour of chilling, slice into pinwheels and serve to your guests. These pinwheels are packed with flavor and sure to wow your graduation party guests on a budget.
4. Easy Spiced Nuts
This spiced nuts recipe is a hit. Sweet, salty, and slightly spicy, these savory spiced nuts are the ultimate budget-friendly appetizer. With a mix of almonds, pecans, cashews, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds, these nuts are crunchy, savory, and a little kick of spice. And they’re so easy to make – just mix the nuts with maple syrup, rosemary, curry powder, salt, and cayenne, then bake until golden brown. They’re perfect for serving at a graduation party, as a snack, or even as part of a charcuterie board.
5. Easy Mediterranean Hummus Dip Platter
Impress your guests with this easy Mediterranean hummus dip platter! Layered with creamy hummus, refreshing tzatziki, fresh chopped veggies, and crumbled feta cheese, it’s a nutritious snack plate brimming with protein, fiber, and flavor. For this recipe, you’ll need hummus, tzatziki, chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Simply spread the hummus on a platter, dollop the tzatziki on top, and sprinkle the veggies and cheese over everything. Serve with pita chips or extra veggies for dipping, and you’ve got a delicious, impressive, and cheap appetizer!
6. Spinach-Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups
Transform a classic appetizer into finger-friendly single servings with the spinach-artichoke dip wonton cups recipe. All you need are wonton wrappers, spinach, artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Simply preheat the oven, bake the wonton cups, mix the ingredients together, distribute the spinach mixture among the cups, and bake again until golden brown. These bite-sized savory treats are perfect for impressing your graduation party guests and you can make a batch under $30!
7. Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
This balsamic strawberry caprese salad is so mouthwatering. To make this recipe, first start by gathering some fresh ingredients – juicy strawberries, creamy mozzarella cheese, fragrant basil, and a balsamic reduction that will tie everything together. Then, slice the strawberries and mozzarella cheese into rounds. Then, layer the ingredients on a serving platter, alternating between strawberries, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Finally, drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. That’s it! This sweet and savory dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to wow your guests on a budget.
8. Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Here is another fancy yet affordable appetizer; marinated tomato and burrata salad with balsamic glaze! With creamy burrata cheese, sweet marinated tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic glaze, this dish is sure to wow your guests. Simply slice the tomatoes, mix with red onion, basil, olive oil, and vinegar, then let the flavors marinate. Top with burrata cheese, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and you’ll have a dish that’s both elegant and delicious.
9. Blackberry Burrata Crostini with Hot Honey
This blackberry burrata crostini with hot honey looks fancy and easy to make! This delicious bite features crunchy baguette slices topped with creamy burrata cheese, fresh blackberries, and a drizzle of hot honey for the perfect balance of flavors. Trust me, your guests will LOVE it. Simply slice a baguette, brush with olive oil, bake until golden, spread on the burrata, top with blackberries, sprinkle with sea salt and micro-greens (or herbs), and finish off with a generous drizzle of hot honey. Easy to make, beautiful to look at, and budget friendly.
10. Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Looking for a show-stopping appetizer? Then check out these crispy bang bang salmon bites! Made with tender, bite-sized pieces of seasoned salmon and topped with a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce, these bites are sure to impress your guests, and if you cut them and serve them this way, it won’t cost a fortune. To make them, simply season your salmon with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne for an extra kick. Then, cook the salmon in a hot skillet until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Drizzle with the homemade bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Garnish with chopped herbs.
11. Fried Sliced Mushrooms with Ranch
Here is another delicious and budget friendly appetizer – fried sliced mushrooms with ranch! These crispy, golden bites are perfect for mushroom lovers. All you need is some button or cremini mushrooms, flour, cornmeal (for extra crunch), eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, and a touch of milk to adjust consistency.
12. Puff Pastry Sticks
I recently made a batch of puff pastry sticks for my mom’s birthday party, and let me tell you, they were a hit! These little savory snacks are a breeze to make and so-delicious. All you need is a sheet of puff pastry, some smoked bacon or ham bits, grated cheese, basil pesto, grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of black pepper if you’re feeling fancy. Simply cut the pastry sheet into smaller pieces, fill half with bacon and cheese, and spread pesto on the other half. Twist each cut, pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, and it’s done! You’ve got yourself a fancy appetizer that is both easy to make and budget friendly.
13. Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
You’ve gotta try these baked salmon meatballs with avocado sauce! They are rich, made from a flaky salmon mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices to create mouthwatering meatballs that are both luxurious and light. Pop them in the oven for a quick bake, then make a creamy avocado sauce that’ll make you forget you’re actually eating something healthy. These babies are easy to make and even easier to devour – trust me, your guests won’t be able to resist.
14. Falafel Bites with Techina Pipettes
These falafel bites with techina pipettes are so cute and delicious! They are not only delicious but also easy to make in advance, making them the perfect party dish. Simply grab some mini pitas (or cut regular pitas into quarters), bake up some falafel balls, make a quick chopped salad, and fill some pipettes with techina.
15. Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls
These fresh Vietnamese spring rolls are the perfect healthy appetizer that is budget friendly and look impressive! Packed with juicy shrimp, crunchy veggies, and flavorful sauces, these spring rolls are the perfect addition to any summer gathering. Simply boil some shrimp, cook some noodles, julienne some veggies, and assemble these beauties one at a time. With traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce and a quick 2-ingredient peanut sauce, your guests think thank you for this delicious treat.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! 15 fancy appetizers under $30 to wow your graduation party guests! From feta stuffed peppers to crispy bang bang salmon bites, there’s something for everyone on this list of delicious appetizer ideas for your graduation party.
Happy graduation, and happy eating!
