22 Graduation Party Food Ideas to Wow the Guests

As graduation season is here, you are surely planning for an epic part. Now, while planning, you might be spending a lot of time planning the decorations, choosing the decor props, or making the photobooths Insta-worthy. However, food is always something that is an afterthought, while it is something that needs to be on point.

Think about it. Guests admire the beautiful décor only for a few moments, but they will remember what they ate all night long.

So, today, why not talk about food that will earn top marks before spending hours perfecting the balloon arch? After all, what’s a graduation party when there is no table full of delicious snacks, finger foods, and Instagram-worthy treats?

Let’s dig in.

Appetisers and finger foods

1. Mini sliders

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If you want to serve something hearty but not too filling as a starter, you can serve mini sliders. These buns are served on small buns and are an easy-to-eat alternative to full-sized burgers. You can offer a variety of options, such as beef, chicken or veggie patties topped with cheese, lettuce and special sauce.

2. Buffalo chicken dip

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For the guests who just love bold flavours, this will be a perfect option. It is baked with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing and hot sauce. It tastes best when served with crackers, celery sticks or tortilla chips.

3. Graduation pizza squares

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This item is cut into small squares for easy serving. You can use a variety of toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers or olives. This item is a favourite among both kids and adults.

4. Mini caprese skewers

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If you want to give your guests a classic Italian flavour, this will be a fresh and colourful appetizer. This item will feature cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves.

5. Seekh kebab

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This is a flavourful South Asian dish that are made from minced meat (usually lamb or chicken) mixed with many of aromatic spices, ginger and herbs. Packed with bold flavours, it is a great choice for meat lovers. To add some extra taste, you can serve it with chutney or yogurt.

6. Graduation cap cheese bites

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This is fun and festive party snack that is made by stacking small cheese cubes with a square cracker on top to resemble a graduation cap. For the tassel, use a pretzel stick in the middle and a tiny strip of bell pepper or chive.

7. Crunchy coleslaw

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This refreshing and crunchy dish is usually made with shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy dressing mix of mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard and a touch of sugar for balance. You can even add apple slices, raisins and nuts for added texture.

Main dish

8. DIY taco bar

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Let your guests customise their meals. For the fillings, keep seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, grilled vegetables and black beans. And for the toppings, include shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, salsa and jalapenos. This setup will be loved by everyone from meat lovers to vegetarians.

9. Mac and cheese

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This is a classic comfort food that features elbow pasta smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Alongside the blend of cheeses, you can add mix-ins like bacon bits, breadcrumbs or jalapenos for more extra flavour.

10. Barbecue chicken

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This is a must have item at every party. Keep the chicken marinated in a flavourful mix of barbecue sauce, garlic, paprika and spices before being grilled or baked to get deep and smoky flavours. In addition, you can serve it with coleslaw, baked beans or cornbread.

11. Sticky ribs

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Coated with thick, sweet and smoky sauce and the caramelised glaze on top is what makes the ribs irresistibly juicy. Whether you make it with a traditional barbecue sauce or an Asian-style sticky soy glaze, these are surely going to be a party-hit item.

12. Sticky chicken wings

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This is a finger-licking favourite, especially for children, as it is easy to eat with hands. It is always a crowd favourite as it balances both sweet and savoury flavours.

Salad and slide

13. Classic pasta salad

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You can be creative with this item. You can feature your cooked pasta tossed with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and more! If you want to add more flavour, go for a zesty Italian dressing or a creamy mayo-based dressing.

14. Loaded baked potato salad

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Bring a creamy and indulgent twist by adding a tender chunk of baked potatoes mixed with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream and green onions. For more extra flavour, add ranch dressing.

15. Corn and cucumber salad

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If it is summer, this will be a light and refreshing salad. Combine sweet kernels with diced cucumbers, onions, and cherry tomatoes and toss those in a simple lime or lemon dressing. Adding parsley and cilantro will add extra freshness.

Desserts

16. Strawberry cake

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It is always a crowd-pleaser. The soft, moist crumb infused with fresh strawberry puree or chunk gives a natural sweetness with a beautiful pink hue. It brings the perfect balance of sweet and tangy if topped with a rich cream cheese or whipped cream frosting.

17. Sheet cake

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If you are arranging a party for a large gathering, a sheet cake is an excellent choice. There will be no fuss about cutting a layered cake. You can make it with a variety of flavours, from classic vanilla to chocolate to lemon to red velvet.

18. Banana pudding

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It will be a comforting and creamy dessert that combines layers of vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices and soft vanilla wafers. Be it for the kids or the adults, it is an irresistible dessert that is both nostalgic and delicious.

19. Colourful lollipops

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This is not just a nostalgic candy but makes great party favours while adding a playful touch to the dessert table. These are available in both bright colours and various flavours.

Drinks and refreshments

20. Lemonade bar

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Let your guests customise their drinks while staying hydrated. Set up a self-serve station and keep different flavours, including classic lemonade, strawberry lemonade and raspberry lemonade. You can offer other add-ins like mini leaves, fresh fruit slices or flavoured syrups for an extra twist.

21. Mocktail

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The non-alcoholic punch is a crowd-pleaser as it balances sweetness and fizz with fresh fruit flavours. This easy-to-make drink adds a more fun and festive touch to the party.

22. Honey-citrus iced tea

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This is a great alternative to traditional sodas. Try to offer both sweetened and unsweetened versions to serve different preferences. You can use iced tea cubes as well to prevent dilution.

Final words

One good part about all these party foods is that it doesn't have to be compiled or expensive. No matter you are feeding a big crowd or a small group of close friends, pick any of the easy crown-pleasers to impress your guests and make the celebration extra special.