30+ Must Make Graduation Party Food Ideas

Planning a graduation party can be overwhelming from the decorations to the food. Having done this before I thought I would share these 30+ Graduation Party Food Ideas to make it easy on you! When I plan any kind of party, I usually start with the theme, decorations then the food. Most likely you will choose your theme based on the graduate’s school colors. There are plenty of colorful grad party decorations to make the celebration festive. Personally, I like the party pinwheels. They make a fun backdrop for the dessert table or photo booth.  You can see some of these creative ideas and inspiration with these creative graduation themes here!

Find great appetizers, drinks, side dishes and entrees for all your party needs!

30+ GRADUATION PARTY MENU IDEAS

GRADUATION PARTY APPETIZERS

Here are some of my favorite graduation party appetizer ideas! The grad party appetizers are undeniably delicious.

PARTY TIP: Pick a few appetizers to serve that can be made the day before and kept in the refrigerator like the Mexican Corn Dip or Rainbow Salsa. They are easy to set out immediately when guests arrive. Second, choose a crockpot appetizer like the Thia Meatballs which can be prepped the day before and placed in the crockpot to cook a few hours before party time.

Then choose a graduation party appetizer that can be prepped ahead of time but put in the oven after guests arrive to serve hot.

Other great no-fuss options are veggie trays, fruit trays and snack foods.

Cuban Sliders Appetizers | Home.Made.Interest

 Thai Meatball Mania Appetizer  |  OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Jalapeno Cream Cheese Bacon Bites

Reuben Roll-Ups  |  Spend With Pennies

Parmesan Goat Cheese with Basil Oil |  OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Fresh Rainbow Salsa

Mexican Corn Dip

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Nacho Bar  |  The Gunny Sack

Cheesy Spinach Crescents  |  Klienworth & Co.

SEE MORE PARTY APPETIZERS HERE!

 GRAB THESE GRADUATION PARTY PRINTABLES HERE!

GRADUATION PARTY DRINKS

It’s always nice to have a few special “signature” drinks at a party. For a high school graduation party, you would have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks for the kids. Choose one of these below plus offer, water, soda, lemonade or iced tea.

Non-Alcoholic Fruit Sangria Drink  |  The Idea Room

Non-Alcoholic Watermelon Peach Spritzer   |  What’s Cooking, Love?

Non-Alcoholic Mojito  |  Live Like You Are Rich

GRADUATION COCKTAILS

I like to serve a signature cocktail at all my parties. Below are some of my favorites. Since most graduation parties are in the late spring to summer, these graduation cocktails are light and refreshing!

Don’t forget to have a variety of beer and wine on hand plus non-alcoholic beverages as well.

Blueberry Vodka Lemonade  |  OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

 This Blueberry Vodka Lemonade I actually made for the adults at my daughter’s graduation party – so good! Garnish with a skewer of blueberries!

Pomegranate Sea Breeze | OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Mexican Strawberry Tequila Mojito

Looking for more cocktail options? Check out these additional 25 Summer Cocktail Recipes here!

SALAD PARTY IDEAS

BLT Pasta Salad  |  OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Mexican Pasta Salad  |  OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Greek Tortellini Salad  |  Spend with Pennies

Strawberry Broccoli Salad  |  CarlsBad Cravings

Tomato and Cucumber Feta Salad |  OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Caprese Salad Recipe  |  OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Classic Taco Salad Recipe  | Kenarry Ideas for the Home

Homemade Creamy Coleslaw  |  Tastes of Lizzy T

Find More Salad Recipes Here!

HOT SIDE DISHES

Colby Jack Cheese and Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Jiffy Corn Casserole 

Bacon Brussels Sprouts Side Dish  |  OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Baked Beans  |  OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

ENTREES

Easy Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe  |  Tastes of Lizzy T

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe  |  Tidy Mom

Baked Fried Chicken  |  Dinner at the Zoo

Beefy Nacho Casserole  |  The Wanderlust Kitchen

Chicken Fettuccine Casserole  |  Somewhat Simple

Slow Cooker Ham with Maple Brown Sugar Glaze  |  No. 2 Pencil

Homemade Dijon Pretzel Wrapped Hot Dogs with Maple-Dijon Dipping Sauce  |  Will Cook for Smiles

Check out the

Ultimate Graduation Party Guide: Everything you need!

SEE OUR GRADUATION PARTY DESSERTS HERE!

SEE MORE GRADUATION PARTY IDEAS AND PRINTABLES!

Find Colorful Grad Party Decorations Here!

Grab these Graduation Party Signs Here!