Graduation Celebration Menu: Ten Food Ideas to Serve
When planning a graduation party, the menu can be built around easy-to-eat snacks and drinks similar to any other gathering, though a congratulatory cake or cupcakes often sets it apart. From savory bites and buffet mains to themed desserts, here are ten food options to consider.
By Casey Scott
Graduation party foods should be small, bite-sized snacks that are easy to consume while mingling.
When it comes to feeding guests at a graduation party, the selection tends to resemble what you would offer at any other casual gathering. What sets a graduation celebration apart is often the addition of a cake or cupcakes made to honor the graduate. Beyond that, bite-sized finger foods work well because they are simple to eat while guests stand and socialize in a crowd.
Savory Bites
Finger foods are perfect for parties without seated dining, as guests won't have knives and forks.
Hearty appetizers, also described as savory finger foods, suit guests who arrive hungry. Offering a variety of these snacks helps make sure no one leaves with an empty stomach. Popular choices include deviled eggs, small pigs-in-blankets, chicken sliders or mini sandwiches, meatballs, cocktail shrimp, and taquitos. These items can be eaten with one hand while holding a small plate, and no utensils are needed.
For vegetarian attendees, it is helpful to set out a few meat-free alternatives when serving savory bites. Options could be mini grilled cheese sandwiches, flatbreads topped with vegetables, cheese cubes on toothpicks, or puff pastries filled with spinach dip.
Buffet-Style Dining
For a seated dinner party, allow a few entree options for guests with dietary concerns.
Should you decide on a seated meal for your graduation party, you might offer one or two main dishes, or arrange a buffet lunch or dinner. In either case, providing a range of choices is sensible because guests have different preferences and some follow restricted diets.
Barbecue ribs or chicken, burgers, and hotdogs are among the typical main dishes at graduation parties. If you go with a barbecue theme, include vegetarian alternatives like garden burgers, grilled eggplant, or fresh salads.
A make-your-own-sandwich station is another frequent meal option. By setting out breads, meats, cheeses, and toppings, you let guests assemble their own plates. A similar approach is a build-your-own-taco bar.
Desserts for the Occasion
Themed desserts are especially popular at graduation parties. A large sheet cake with decorations congratulating the whole class is a standard choice, made to serve a large number of guests. It costs less than buying individual cupcakes or decorated cookies.
Practical Tips
To cut down on waste and trash, think about using reusable drinking cups. You can order cups decorated for the graduating class so guests can take them home as keepsakes.
In the same vein, for a big party, serving beverages and foods from shared sources generally beats individual bottles, cans, and wrapped portions. For example, if you are marking a college graduation and intend to serve beer, a keg is a far more budget-friendly and environmentally sound choice than bottles or cans. Likewise, purchasing snacks such as potato chips in bulk creates less waste than individually wrapped bags of chips, cookies, and other snacks.
Choose glass mason jars instead of disposable cups to make the party greener. Mason jars are available at grocery stores and can be decorated for guests to take home as memorabilia.
