So you’re throwing a graduation party and want the food to be next-level? I’ve got you. Whether you’re keeping it chill in the backyard or going full Pinterest board with the decorations, the snacks and sips are what everyone actually shows up for (besides the grad, of course). From delicious pulled pork sliders to crispy air fryer chicken wings, this list is packed with 15 graduation party foods everyone will love. Let’s get into it.
15 Graduation Party Food Ideas
1. Delicious Pulled Pork Sliders
These mouthwatering pulled pork sliders are the ultimate party snack and are perfect for your graduation party! Filled with shredded pulled pork and coleslaw, these warm sandwiches are the perfect combination of savory and crunchy. The buns are brushed with a flavorful onion poppy seed butter and baked to golden brown perfection, adding an extra layer of deliciousness. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be the star of the party in no time!
2. Mac and Cheese Bites
These crispy, gooey, and so-satisfying fried mac & cheese bites are amazing! Imagine golden, crunchy bites of macaroni and cheese perfection. Let me break it down for you – first, you make a creamy cheese sauce with sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella. Then, you mix in cooked elbow macaroni, chill it, cut it into squares, coat it in a breadcrumb mixture, and fry it up until irresistibly crispy. Serve them with some dipping sauces you like and watch as your guests gobble them down faster than you can say “graduation”!
3. Mini Bacon Cheeseburgers
Get ready to impress your guests with mini beef bacon cheeseburger bites! These delicious appetizers are the perfect addition to any gathering, packing all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into bite-sized form. To make them, simply mix ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning, then form into patties and bake. Top with melted cheese, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, and mustard on slider buns for the ultimate snack experience. Perfect crowd-pleasing finger food that’s sure to be a hit at your party.
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4. Walking Tacos
Looking for a fun and easy party dish to impress your guests? Try walking tacos – the ultimate portable and delicious snack that is totally out of the box! All you need are small bags of Fritos or Doritos, ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning and salsa, and a variety of toppings like cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and more. Simply cook up the seasoned beef, scoop it into the chip bags, add your favorite toppings, and voila – you’ve got yourself a tasty treat that’s sure to be a hit at any graduation party.
5. Soft and Fluffy Cheese Rolls
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for your graduation party, check out these soft and fluffy cheese rolls. Packed with rich cheddar cheese and a savory tomato and grilled pepper sauce, these homemade bread rolls are a cheesy delight. The dough is light and airy, making each bite a flavorful treat that your guests won’t be able to resist. To make a batch, simply mix warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and yeast before adding in flour and salt. Knead the dough until soft and elastic, then let it rise until doubled in size. Roll out the dough, add your fillings, shape into rolls, and let them rise again before baking until golden and gooey. These cheese rolls are so delicious, especially when you serve them right when they are ready!
6. Easy 30-Minute Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Looking for the crispiest chicken wings to wow your guests at your graduation party? Then go for these easy 30-minute crispy air fryer chicken wings that are a total game changer. All you need are split chicken wings, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavor explosion. Simply mix the ingredients in a bowl, coat the wings, pop them in the air fryer, and voila! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy wings that are perfect for munching on during weeknight dinners or game days. Trust me, your friends and family will be obsessed with these delicious wings!
7. Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls Recipe (No Oil + Healthier)
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your graduation party that’s not only delicious but also healthier, try these crispy air fryer spring rolls! Packed with a flavorful ground chicken filling and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these spring rolls are lighter and crispier than their deep-fried counterparts. Plus, you can customize them with ground pork, turkey, or beef, or make them vegetarian or vegan with tofu or extra mushrooms. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these air fryer spring rolls are sure to be a hit at your celebration!
Related: 21 Best Finger Food Ideas to Serve at Your Next Party
8. Loaded Ground Beef Nachos
Are you ready to take your graduation party to the next level with some mouthwatering loaded ground beef nachos?! These sheet pan super nachos are a serious game-changer, packed with flavor and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Juicy ground beef infused with moisture and flavor, layered with black beans, freshly shredded cheese, and a generous drizzle of homemade nacho cheese sauce. And did I mention they’re baked on a sheet pan for easy prep and cleanup? Seriously, these nachos are a party MUST HAVE. Just assemble in two layers to ensure the perfect ratio of ingredients to tortilla chips – no dry nachos here!
9. The Best Fajita Bar
Have you ever tried a fajita bar for a dinner party? It’s fun to eat and so yummy. Imagine a huge platter filled with all your favorite fajita fixings, from juicy protein options to creamy guacamole and tangy pico de gallo. Perfect for your graduation party. My go-to fajita bar features mouthwatering fajita-style chicken, steak, shrimp, or veggie options, warmed flour tortillas, and all the classic toppings like refried beans, Mexican rice, and crumbled cotija cheese. Simply arrange everything on a large board, and serve!
10. Potato Bar
Potato bar is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any graduation party. Start with baked potatoes and keep them warm in a cooler filled with hot water. Offer a variety of toppings like salt, pepper, butter, sour cream, and different types of cheese. Don’t forget the meat options like chili, taco meat, and crispy bacon. You can even serve it with fish like salmon or sea-bream. Include veggies like broccoli and salsa for added flavor and nutrients. And of course, don’t skimp on the sauces – whether it’s gravy, alfredo, or ranch, having multiple options will take your potato bar to the next level.
11. Gourmet Hot Dogs
Get ready to elevate your graduation party with some mouthwatering gourmet hot dogs that will WOW your guests! With options like the classic dog with diced onions, sauerkraut, and pickles; a Mexican-style dog with pico de gallo and jalapeños; or an Asian-inspired dog with fried onions and teriyaki sauce, there’s a topping combo for everyone. And if you can’t decide which one to try, why not set up a hot dog bar and let your guests customize their own creations? Just grill the wieners, toast the buns, and let the fun begin! These juicy and delicious hot dogs will definitely take your graduation party to a whole new level.
12. Accordion Potatoes
I love these accordion potatoes! They are so crispy, delicious, and easy to make. All you need is some unsalted butter, olive oil, sea salt, pepper, paprika, fresh rosemary, oregano, garlic, and of course, Yukon gold potatoes. Prep them by slicing them up and cutting those slices with chopsticks to create that accordion effect. Then pop them in the oven and let them bake to crispy perfection. Top them off with some flaky sea salt and fresh herbs for that final touch. Trust me, everyone will be obsessed with these delicious potatoes! Serve with mayo, ketchup , or any other sauce you like.
13. Best Ever SPANAKOPITA
If you have not tried the best ever spanakopita recipe before, you’re in for a treat! This savory Greek pie is a delicious combination of crispy phyllo dough layers and a comforting filling of spinach and feta cheese. The first time I tasted them was during my visit to Greece and I fell in love! And guess what? It’s easier to make than you think! This foolproof family recipe is perfect for any occasion – from holiday dinners to graduation parties. Serve it alongside lamb or lemon chicken, or make it the star of the show with a big Greek salad and your favorite dips. Trust me, once you try this spanakopita, you’ll be obsessed!
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14. Easy Hummus & Veggie Platter
Craving a healthy, colorful snack? The easy hummus & veggie platter is a great option! Loaded with fresh vegetables and creamy hummus, it’s perfect for dipping and snacking. Check out this simple recipe for a nutritious, easy-to-assemble platter! It’s always a win when you find a recipe that’s not only incredibly easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This easy hummus & veggie platter has become a staple in our home, and for good reason. From family gatherings to simple weeknight snacks, it’s always the first thing to disappear. My kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, love snacking them too.
15. Summer Cheese Board
This summer cheese board is the perfect appetizer to impress your guests at your graduation party. Packed with cheddar and Colby Jack cheese cubes, slices of savory salami, fresh fruits like strawberries, blackberries, and grapes, and crunchy crackers, this board is a showstopper. Simply place everything on a wooden board, pour some jam into a bowl, and arrange your ingredients in a visually pleasing way. Don’t forget to top off any gaps with rosemary marcona almonds for an added touch of flavor. Serve immediately at your party or save it in the fridge until your guests arrive. So easy and delicious, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your party!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it; 15 perfect graduation party food ideas to make. From delicious pulled pork sliders to crispy air fryer chicken wings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at your celebration. Whether you’re looking to create a fajita bar or wow your guests with gourmet hot dogs, these graduation party food ideas are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, start planning your menu and get ready to impress your guests with these tasty foods.
Happy Graduation!
