20 Good For A Crowd Graduation Party Food Ideas
Looking for easy graduation party food that’s simple to make and good for a crowd. From appetizers for graduation party to graduation party desserts, these 20 Graduation party food ideas include graduation snack ideas too. Whether you’re setting up a graduation party buffet or grad party treats, these grad party food ideas will help you plan a menu for a graduation party. These party food ideas will help you create a scrumptious grad party food table that everyone will love. This list includes graduation party food ideas on a budget.
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Mini Caprese Skewers
These little skewers are super easy to make and look really fancy on a party table. All you need are cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves. To put them together, grab a small wooden skewer or toothpick, then stack a tomato, a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball. Repeat if your skewer is long enough. Right before serving, drizzle some balsamic glaze on top for extra flavor. You can also add a little sprinkle of salt and pepper. Arrange them neatly on a tray, and they’re ready to go. They don’t need to be kept warm, so they’re great for parties where guests can grab food at different times.
Loaded Nacho Bar
Everyone loves nachos, and a DIY nacho bar is the best way to make sure everyone gets their favorite toppings. Start with a big bowl of tortilla chips. Then, set up small bowls with shredded cheese, melted cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, black beans, and cooked ground beef or shredded chicken. Guests can grab a plate, pile on chips, and add as many toppings as they want. To make it even more fun, label each topping with a small sign. If you want to keep the melted cheese warm, use a slow cooker or a warming tray. This setup is easy, mess-free, and will have everyone coming back for more.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of spice. To make it, mix shredded rotisserie chicken with cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and shredded cheese. Spread it in a baking dish, sprinkle more cheese on top, and bake until it’s hot and bubbly. Serve it with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers. If you want to keep it warm throughout the party, use a slow cooker on a low setting. You can also make it ahead of time and reheat it before the guests arrive. This dip is always a hit, and since it’s easy to scoop, people can grab a bite while chatting and celebrating.
Mini Sliders
Sliders are just like burgers, but smaller and way easier to eat at a party. You can make beef sliders by shaping small patties and cooking them on a stovetop or grill. If you want something different, try pulled pork or shredded chicken with barbecue sauce. Use soft Hawaiian rolls or slider buns and add a slice of cheese, a pickle, and a little ketchup or mayo. To keep them warm, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil until serving time. Stick a toothpick in each one so guests can grab them easily. Arrange them on a tray, and you’ve got a delicious, bite-sized burger that everyone will love.
Veggie Cups with Ranch Dip
These veggie cups are an easy and mess-free way to serve fresh vegetables at a party. Grab small plastic cups and fill the bottom with a little ranch dressing. Then, cut up carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers into thin sticks. Place a few pieces of each veggie inside the cup, standing up like a little bouquet. This way, guests can grab a cup and walk around without needing a plate or extra utensils. If you want to add a fun touch, tie a ribbon around the cup or serve them in a large basket. This is a great way to make sure people get some fresh and healthy snacks while enjoying all the other party treats.
Cheese & Charcuterie Cups
A fancy cheese board but in a cup. To make these, grab clear plastic cups and fill them with a mix of small cheese cubes, slices of salami or pepperoni, crackers, and grapes or nuts. If you want to get extra creative, add small pretzels, dried fruit, or even a piece of chocolate. These little snack cups are easy to hold and make sure everyone gets their own portion without crowding around a big platter. Arrange them in a basket or on a tray to make them look extra nice. Guests will love having a fun and tasty snack they can enjoy while chatting and celebrating.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork sandwiches are warm, filling, and super easy to prepare ahead of time. To make them, cook a pork shoulder in a slow cooker with barbecue sauce, a little brown sugar, and spices. After a few hours, the meat will be so tender that you can shred it with a fork. Serve it on soft buns with a scoop of coleslaw for extra crunch. To keep the pulled pork warm during the party, leave it in the slow cooker on a low setting. Set up a little sandwich station so guests can build their own or serve them pre-made on a tray. Either way, these sandwiches will disappear fast.
Walking Tacos
Walking tacos are a fun way to eat tacos without needing a plate. Start with individual bags of chips like Doritos or Fritos. Cut the bags open on the side (not the top) so they stay upright. Then, set up a taco topping station with seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and jalapeños. Guests can scoop their favorite toppings right into the chip bag, mix it up with a fork, and eat straight from the bag. It’s easy, fun, and there’s barely any cleanup. Perfect for an outdoor graduation party.
Baked Mac & Cheese Bites
These mini mac and cheese bites are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Start by making your favorite mac and cheese recipe, then stir in an egg to help it hold together. Spoon the mixture into a greased mini muffin pan, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top, and bake until golden brown. Once they cool, pop them out and place them on a serving tray. These little bites are perfect because they don’t require forks or spoons—just grab and eat. You can even add bacon bits for extra flavor.
Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are super easy and look great on a party table. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings. Then, thread the chicken onto wooden skewers and grill until golden brown. If you don’t have a grill, you can bake them in the oven. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. To keep things simple, you can also add bell peppers or onions to the skewers for extra flavor and color.
Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are a fun easy way to enjoy pizza without the mess. Use store-bought crescent roll dough or pizza dough, roll it out and spread a thin layer of pizza sauce shredded mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices on top. Roll it up like a jelly roll and slice it into small pieces. Place them on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown. Serve with sauce on side. These bite-sized pizza rolls are perfect for grabbing on the go and they disappear quickly, so make plenty.
Pasta Salad Cups
Pasta salad is a classic party food and serving it in cups makes it even easier for guests to enjoy. Make your favorite paste and add diced cucumbers, red tomatoes, olives and cheese cubes. Add a simple dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.Serve the pasta salad in cute small plastic cups for individual servings. You can also add grilled chicken or pepperoni for extra flavour, or place them next to the salad servings on the table for guests to add as per their choice. Its an easy crowd pleaser and you don’t need to be warm it.
Graduation Cap Cupcakes
These fun cupcakes look like little graduation caps. Start with your favorite cupcakes, frosted with chocolate or vanilla icing. To make the caps, place a small chocolate square (like a Ghirardelli chocolate square) on top of each cupcake. Use a small strip of licorice or candy to make a tassel and attach it with a tiny dot of icing. If you want to match school colors, use colored candy melts or sprinkles.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries are simple but always a favorite. Use fresh strawberries and melt chocolate chips in the microwave. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate letting the excess drip off then place them on parchment paper to harden. To make them more special sprinkle some sprinklers or use colored candy melts to match school colors.
Rice Krispie Treats with Drizzle
Rice Krispie treats are a childhood favorite that everyone still loves. Make a classic batch by mixing melted marshmallows with Rice Krispies cereal, then press it into a baking pan. Once they cool, cut them into squares and drizzle melted chocolate or colored icing over the top. You can even dip half of each treat in chocolate and add sprinkles. To make them easy to grab, stick a small lollipop stick or popsicle stick into each one. These treats are soft, chewy, and fun to eat, making them perfect for a graduation party.
Mini Cheesecake Bites
Mini cheesecakes are a great way to serve dessert without slicing a big cake. Start by lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Crush graham crackers and mix them with melted butter to make the crust, then press a small amount into each liner. Mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and eggs to make the cheesecake filling, then pour it over the crust. Bake for about 15 minutes and let them cool. Before serving, top them with fruit, caramel, or chocolate sauce. These little bites are creamy, delicious, and easy to eat in one or two bites.
S’mores Dip
This dip has all the flavors of s’mores without the campfire. In a baking dish, spread a layer of chocolate chips, then top with marshmallows. Bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown. Serve it warm with graham crackers for dipping. If you want to keep it warm throughout the party, use a small slow cooker instead of baking it. Guests will love scooping up the gooey chocolate and marshmallow mixture. It’s a great way to enjoy s’mores without the hassle of roasting marshmallows.
Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits
These parfaits are a light and refreshing treat that looks beautiful on a party table. In clear plastic cups, layer vanilla yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. You can also drizzle a little honey on top for extra sweetness. To make them even more fun, use school-colored fruit, like blueberries and pineapple for blue and gold. Keep them in the fridge until serving time so they stay cold and fresh. Guests will love having a healthy and tasty option among all the party treats.
Mocktail Punch
A bright and fruity punch is a must-have for any graduation party. To make a simple mocktail punch, mix lemon-lime soda, fruit punch, and pineapple juice in a large bowl. Add sliced oranges, lemons, and cherries for a fun, colorful touch. If you want an icy version, freeze some of the punch mixture in ice cube trays beforehand and add them to the bowl so the drink stays cold without getting watered down. Serve it in clear cups so guests can see the bright colors. You can also set up a drink station with fun straws and cups to make it extra festive.
Personalized Candy Bags
Candy bags are a fun party favor and an easy grab-and-go treat. Buy different types of candy in bulk, like M&Ms, Skittles, or chocolate bars, and sort them into small clear bags. You can tie them with ribbons that match the school colors or add custom stickers with the graduate’s name. If you want to make it interactive, set up a candy table where guests can fill their own bags with their favorite sweets. It’s a simple way to send guests home with a sweet reminder of the celebration.
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