24 Graduation Party Food Ideas That Would Definitely Make the Honor Roll

Dan from Platter Talk
·6 min read

Sky-High Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcakes

Graduation season will soon be upon us and if you're like me, you're wondering how the last 12 years could have gone so quickly! Soon, we'll be watching our oldest march to "Pomp and Circumstance" as he receives his high school diploma.

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After that, it's goodbye as he travels hundreds of miles away to attend college. Between now and then, though, we've got one big hurdle to clear: his graduation party! To help with some great graduation recipes for our upcoming festivities, we've put together a collection of 24 graduation party food ideas to help celebrate the accomplishments of this year's graduates.

Related: Graduation Gifts

Best Graduation Party Food Ideas

From Buffalo Chicken Nuggets and Greek Meatballs (Keftedakia), to Funfetti Cheesecake Squares and Sky-High Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcakes, these party-worthy appetizers, grilled favorites and sweet treats all deserve an A+!

<p>Teresa Blackburn</p><p>Al Roker gives a dish traditionally done in a skillet on the stovetop a summertime spin by marinating shell-on <a href="https://parade.com/1325505/parade/shrimp-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:shrimp;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">shrimp</a> in the rich, buttery sauce before placing it directly on the grill.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/1211897/alison-ashton/al-roker-new-orleans-style-grilled-shrimp/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Al Roker's New Orleans-Style Shrimp;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Al Roker's New Orleans-Style Shrimp</a></strong></p>
<p>Fearless Dining.</p><p>I'm of the mindset that after 12 years of high school (plus the usual 3 years of preschool and kindergarten), the new grad has the right to ask to begin with dessert at their graduation party! This brownie seems like the perfect way to get this party started!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fearlessdining.com/2014/06/23/gluten-free-blond-brownie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gluten Free Blond Brownie with Peanut Butter Chips;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Gluten Free Blond Brownie with Peanut Butter Chips</a></strong></p>
<p>Feed Your Soul Too</p><p>These chicken nuggets are great bite-size pieces of chicken tenders, bathed in Louisiana Hot Sauce and then baked in the oven. Your graduation guests will love these!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.feedyoursoul2.com/2015/04/buffalo-chicken-nuggets.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Buffalo Chicken Nuggets;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Buffalo Chicken Nuggets</a></strong></p>
<p>Cooking On a Budget</p><p>This cream cheese spread makes for a flavorful and creamy dip that will be perfect for this year's graduation parties. It costs less than $2 to put together...so you'll have plenty of leftover change to spring on the new grad!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://pattyandersonsblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/garlic-herb-cream-cheese-dip.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Garlic Herb Cream Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Garlic Herb Cream Cheese</a></strong></p>
<p>A Calculate Whisk</p><p>This fruity meaty app make for an easy and tasty appetizer for this year's graduation party. This is really an off-the-beaten-path treat, sure to be welcomed by all!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.acalculatedwhisk.com/2013/08/figs-pancetta.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Figs and Pancetta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Figs and Pancetta</a></strong></p>
<p>Platter Talk</p><p>This savory dip is almost as easy to make as it is to devour! You might want to make extra - it goes fast! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.plattertalk.com/beer-dip/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Beer Dip;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Beer Dip</a></strong></p>
<p>Platter Talk</p><p>Fire up the grill for some mouthwatering beef to serve at your graduation party this year. Sweet and salty flavors combine for a crispy finish on this easy-to-make (and even easier-to-eat) grill fare.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.plattertalk.com/jerked-beef/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Jerked Beef;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Jerked Beef</a></strong></p>
<p>Platter Talk</p><p>Spicy buffalo dip features all the great taste of classic buffalo wings but in the form of a mouthwatering dip. Perfect for a graduation party...just be sure to have copies of the recipe to hand out - you're going to need them!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.plattertalk.com/buffalo-chicken-wing-dip/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip</a></strong></p>
<p>Seduction in the Kitchen</p><p>These cocktail meatballs are full of flavor and SO simple to make. Don't expect any leftovers of this snack from this year's graduation party!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.seductioninthekitchen.com/2015/02/cherry-spiced-meatballs.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cherry Spiced Cocktail Meatballs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cherry Spiced Cocktail Meatballs</a></strong></p>
<p>Kevin is Cooking</p><p>These spicy ribs are the perfect main event for this year's graduation party; be ready to handle ravenous party goers that keep coming back for more!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.keviniscooking.com/pineapple-five-spiced-pork-ribs/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pineapple Five Spiced Pork Ribs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pineapple Five Spiced Pork Ribs</a></strong></p>
<p>Hun, What's for Dinner?</p><p>These wings is a bit decadent but completely worthy of a special event such as a graduation party. People will literally lick their chops (and drumsticks) over this one.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.hunwhatsfordinner.com/2014/07/grilled-bacon-wrapped-stuffed-chicken.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken</a></strong></p>
<p>Easy Cookin' with Molly</p><p>This lemonade spritzer offers a cool splash of refreshment to your graduation parties this summer!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://easycookinwithmolly.blogspot.com/2015/05/cardamom-rosemary-lemonade-spritzer.html?m=0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cardamom Rosemary Lemonade Spritzer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cardamom Rosemary Lemonade Spritzer</a></strong></p>
<p>Meal Planning Maven</p><p>This dish offers a tasty twist on a traditional shrimp cocktail, combining lemon and fresh herb-infused shrimp with a spicy mango mayonnaise. Your guests will love this one!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.mealplanmaven.com/recipes/chilled-shrimp-spicy-mango-mayo/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chilled Shrimp with Spicy Mango Mayo;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chilled Shrimp with Spicy Mango Mayo</a></strong></p>
<p>2 Cookin' Mammas</p><p>These spicy corn on the cob give traditional corn a flavorful cheesy twist with a mild kick. This is easy to put together and will be well-received at this year's graduation parties!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://2cookinmamas.com/2013/08/24/grilled-corn-with-chili-butter-a-summertime-treat/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Corn with Parmesan Chili Butter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Grilled Corn with Parmesan Chili Butter</a></strong></p>
<p>Platter Talk</p><p>You can make these juicy sandwiches in the slow cooker while you are watching the graduate get their diploma. Serve them at the party to follow, relax, and have a great time!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.plattertalk.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork-sandwiches/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pulled Pork Sandwiches;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pulled Pork Sandwiches</a></strong></p>
<p>Platter Talk</p><p>Here's a crowd-feeding chicken platter that's easy, affordable, and loved by all...it's an ideal option for this year's graduation party!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.plattertalk.com/cornell-chicken-barbecue/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cornell Chicken Barbecue;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cornell Chicken Barbecue</a></strong></p>
<p>Platter Talk</p><p>These meaty enchiladas are easy to put together...they're just as tasty using leftover steak or beef! They serve as an attractive and delicious option at graduation parties, whether you are hosting the big event or just bringing a dish to pass around.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.plattertalk.com/steak-beef-enchiladas/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Steak Enchiladas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Steak Enchiladas</a></strong></p>
<p>Pinch and Swirl</p><p>Chicken kebabs offer a light, classy, and delicious option for your graduation party this year. Simple and affordable too...they really have it all!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://pinchandswirl.com/2013/08/rosemary-garlic-chicken-kabobs/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Rosemary Garlic Chicken Kabobs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Rosemary Garlic Chicken Kabobs</a></strong></p>
<p>Sugar Spun Rum</p><p>A dessert like these cheesecake squares are a perfect way to celebrate the end of school and the beginning of summer. Don't expect these to last long!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://sugarspunrun.com/funfetti-cheesecake-squares/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Funfetti Cheesecake Squares;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Funfetti Cheesecake Squares</a></strong></p>
<p>Platter Talk</p><p>This pie will make a great ending to your graduation party; vanilla ice cream is optional but<em> never</em> a bad idea.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.plattertalk.com/pies-of-summer-series-peach-pie-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Peach Pie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Peach Pie</a></strong></p>
<p>Platter Talk</p><p>A snap to put together with ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, these pie bars are loved by all and make a perfect treat for any graduation party this season.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.plattertalk.com/oatmeal-and-apple-butter-bars/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Oatmeal & Apple Butter Bars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Oatmeal & Apple Butter Bars</a></strong></p>
<p>Platter Talk</p><p>Looking fora light and celebratory dessert that looks delectable and adds a pop of color to all the other wonderful edibles at your graduation party this year? Look no further than these cupcakes. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://tempest.saymedia.com/wp-admin/www.savoryexperiments.com/pink-lemonade-cupcakes" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pink Lemonade Cupcakes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pink Lemonade Cupcakes</a></strong></p>
<p>Noshing with the Nolands</p><p>These delectable bites offer a tasty and flavorful finger food that will bring a whole new level of class to your graduation party.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://noshingwiththenolands.com/smoked-salmon-twirls/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Smoked Salmon Twirls;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Smoked Salmon Twirls</a></strong></p>
<p>Platter Talk</p><p>These chocolatey caramel-drenched cupcakes are worthy of any special party and are a perfect fit for graduation this year.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.plattertalk.com/sky-high-salted-caramel-chocolate-cupcakes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sky-High Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcakes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sky-High Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcakes</a></strong></p>

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