Planning the food for a party can be, without a doubt, one of the most stressful elements. At a graduation party, in particular, you have many guests coming and going for a long period of time, which means that you are most likely going to need food that lasts all day! We are going to help ease some of those worries and make your job of planning the menu easier. Start out by considering some of the most frequently asked questions. Then, check out our lists for ideas that include buffets, barbecues, and everything in between!
Grad Grub Planning: What to Consider When Choosing Graduation Party Foods
Before solidifying a menu for your graduate’s big party you are going to want to consider some of these frequently asked questions. The answers will get you headed in the right direction to choose food that all your guests will enjoy!
What is the Theme of the Graduation Party?
If your graduation party has a theme, that is often the best place to start when choosing the food. Many themes can be paired with dishes that will make your event even better and create a cohesive feel for the whole day. After all, it wouldn’t make sense to serve pasta at a luau party, right?
What Time of Day is Your Graduation Party?
The menu that you choose will largely depend on the time of day that you are hosting your party. If you are hosting a late morning party, then breakfast makes sense. And, if you are hosting a late afternoon event, appetizers may be more of the way to go!
What is Your Budget?
Food is not the most budget-friendly item on the graduation party list. Therefore, how much you have to spend determines what type of food you will offer. If you will spare no expense, go for a big buffet. However, if funds are tight there is nothing wrong with a traditional cake and light refreshments!
How Many Guests Will Be in Attendance?
Throwing a party for 300? If so, a steak dinner might not be your best choice! Before you determine your menu, determine the number of guests that you need to feed. Doing so will help you budget and choose the perfect options!
Where is Your Venue?
Many venues offer on-site catering, and if they do it may be required of you to use it. So, before creating a menu or hiring an outside caterer to be sure to see what the policies are for bringing in your own food!
How Do You Want to Serve the Food?
The type of graduation party you are hosting depends on how the food will be served. If you are hosting an open house event, most likely you will have a buffet. However, if you are not then a plated dinner option or a passed appetizer might make perfect sense!
Have You Considered Catering?
Making your own food is a big job! So, if the thought of doing so seems overwhelming consider hiring an outside caterer to do the job for you!
Allergies, Vegetarians, and Other Food Considerations?
Always keep everyone in mind when planning your menu! Make sure there are options for common allergies and food preferences such as vegetarians and vegans.
OUR #1 PARTY FOOD TIP! Don’t be Shy to Accept help! If anyone offers to bring food, DO NOT SAY NO!
Graduation Party Food Ideas
Once you have made all of the above considerations, it’s time to choose your menu! Take a look at these categorized lists of graduation party food ideas to help make your decision easier!
Graduation Party Food Ideas for a Brunch
Breakfast and brunch menu items are a great way to serve a crowd. However, there are so many options to choose from. Go with the staples of bacon and eggs or venture out and do a build your own waffle bar! Sweet or savory your guests will love it!
- Biscuits
- English Muffins
- Pancakes
- Crepes
- Waffles
- Sausages
- Bacon
- Ham
- Prosciutto
- Roasted Meats/ Cold Cuts
- Cheeses
- Jams
- Omelets
- Toast
- French Toast
- Croissants
- Bagels & Cream Cheese
- Smoked Salmon
- Tea Sandwiches
- Quiche or Frittata
- Fresh Fruits
- Yogurt
- Salads
- Home fries /Grits / Hashbrowns
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Donuts
- Muffins
- Coffee & Teas
- Smoothies
Graduation Party Finger Food Ideas
If you are passing the appetizer plates at your party, then there are many different ways your menu can go! Stick with an appetizer theme or give your guests a wide variety! With small plates, everyone can be happy!
- Melon Prosciutto Skewers
- Veggies & Dip
- Hummus & Pita Chips
- Bruschetta
- Tea Sandwiches
- Roasted Meats/ Cold Cuts
- Assorted Cheeses & Crackers
- Cheese Ball Bites
- Panzanella
- Meatball Skewers
- Caprese Tomatoes
- Cucumber Canapes
- Jalapeno Poppers
- Baked Brie
- Mini Shrimp Cocktails
- Deviled Eggs
- Focaccia Bread
- Empanadas
- Stuffed Vine Leaves
- Spanakopita Bites
- Mini Quiches
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Tortilla Chips & Guacamole
- Salads
Luncheon Style Graduation Party Food Ideas
Hosting a luncheon is a great way to get everyone around a table (or a few). However, if you are doing so it is important to make sure that you don’t limit your options to only satisfying a few guests. Be sure to offer enough choices so everyone can have what they want!
- Fresh Salads
- Pasta Salads
- Couscous
- Finger Sandwiches
- Mini Shepherd’s Pies
- Quiche
- Mini Chicken Pot Pies
- Cheese & Crackers
- Roasted Meats/ Cold Cuts
- Deviled Eggs
- Veggies & Dip
- Fruit Kabobs
Graduation Party Food Ideas for a BBQ
Although a barbecue is very casual, everyone loves it! Choose any or all of the items from this list and your guests will definitely be coming back for more!
- Pigs in a Blanket
- Chips & Dip
- Corn on the Cob
- Mini Sliders
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Hot Dogs
- Cheeseburgers
- Fresh Salads
- Pasta Salads
- Coleslaw
- Chili
- Ribs
- Baked Mac n’ Cheese
- Fruit Salad
- Watermelon
Graduation Party Food Ideas for a Taco Bar
Your party doesn’t have to be on a Tuesday to offer tacos! Any day of the week, tacos are a great choice that everyone loves! Not to mention this option is also easy and affordable!
Mains
- Taco Meat (Ground Beef and/or seasoned Chicken and/or grilled steak)
- Refried Beans
- Rice (white and/or Mexican)
- Hard Shell Tortillas
- Soft Shell Tortillas
Toppings
- Iceberg Lettuce
- Onion (red and/or white)
- Tomato
- Avocado
- Sweet Corn
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby)
- Sour Cream
- Salsa Verde
- Pico de Gallo
- Hot Sauce
- Guacamole
- Cilantro
- Chili flakes
- Lime Wedges
Graduation Party Drink Ideas
If you are going to have food, you have to have beverages! Many guests will expect an alcoholic beverage option. However, be sure to choose the beverage option that is best for you, your graduate, and your budget!
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Sparkling Water
- Bottled Water
- Assorted Sodas
- No-Alcohol Punch
- Juices
- Coffee
- Tea
Alcohol Beverage Options
- Champagne Punch
- Mimosas
- Mojitos
- Sangria
- Champagne
- Wine
- Beer
JUST REMEMBER! Never serve alcohol to Minors.
Graduation Party Food Ideas for Dessert
Although a cake is the traditional option, any of these dessert items will satisfy the sweet tooths of your guests!
- Graduation Cake or Cupcakes
- Scones
- Tiramisu
- Cream Puffs
- Lemon Bars
- Cheesecake
- Brownies
- Macaroons
- Chocolate Fondue & Fruit
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Donuts
Graduation Candy Buffet Ideas
Candy buffets are colorful, fun and all the rage at any type of party…especially graduations! Choose candy by color theme or choose a variety of your grad’s favorites! Everyone will love being able to build their own candy box to take some for the road!
- M&M’s
- Jelly Beans
- Smarties
- Nerds
- Hershey’s Kisses
- Lollipops
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Popcorn
- Licorice
- Sour Patch Kids
- Mints
Easy Snacks to Have on Hand
Some of your guests might not want a big meal, even if you are offering one. In order to appease everyone, offer a variety of snacks and other finger foods that can easily be grabbed and enjoyed by guests!
- Mixed Nuts
- Pizza Slabs
- Chips & Dip
- Nachos & Salsa
- Chicken Wings
Sound the Party Horns!
When choosing the food for your graduation party, remember that it is likely the way to your guest’s heart! Therefore, thoughtful time and consideration should be put into your decision. However, if you choose from the ideas we listed above, you can’t go wrong and we know your guests will be happy!Pin these Graduation Party Food Ideas for Later!