Whether you're putting together a graduation party for a high school grad, a college grad, or another major milestone, two things are mandatory to make it a success: Great tunes and the right kind of food.
We've got ideas for your graduation party playlist right here, and when it comes to the food, you're in the right place. A graduation party should have plenty of snacks and dips, and just enough finger food so that people can graze while wandering around, talking and celebrating.
You don't need to go all out on every dish—big bowls of chips, plates of veggies, and even fun-sized candy bars can go a long way. But it helps to have a few special foods—some homemade empanadas, quick-pickles, and a handmade dip or two at least—to make it feel special.
After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone! Below find three dozen of our favorite Graduation Party foods, from cheese-stuffed Buffalo chicken balls and homemade salsa, to roasted pecans, a chicken wing everyone'll love, and of course deviled eggs. No party should be without deviled eggs.
Now all you need is a great graduation gift, and a good graduation quote to put in the card!
1
Beef and Raisin Empanadas
These bite-sized hand-pies are filled with seasoned beef and served with sour cream. You'll love how easy they are to make—and how fast they fly off the platter.
Get the recipe for Beef and Raisin Empanadas.
2
Mortarboard Chocolate Chip Ice-Cream Cake
Throwing a party to celebrate a recent graduate? Don't just buy them any old cake. Make them something special.
Get the recipe for Mortarboard Chocolate Chip Ice-Cream Cake.
3
Everything Bagel Dip
This simple sour cream dip has everyone's favorite flavor combo, and pairs easily with anything from chips to veggies.
Get the recipe for Everything Bagel Dip.
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4
Mini Chicken Tacos
Because you don't want it all to be chips and dessert, you'll want to make a meal-like food. These easy to carry tacos are meal-like, without making anyone sit down to eat 'em.
Get the recipe for Mini Chicken Tacos.
5
Saltines with Basil Mayo and Burst Tomatoes
A couple containers of cherry tomatoes, a sleeve of Saltines, and an easy-make mayo upgrade turns into an hors d'oeuvre that everyone'll love.
Get the recipe for Saltines with Basil Mayo and Burst Tomatoes.
6
Snap Pea Pesto and Shrimp Crostini
Want something a little more elegant for your new grad? These light and tasty toasts are like bites of springtime!
Get the recipe for Snap Pea Pesto and Shrimp Crostini.
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7
Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo dip is a classic for good reason. It's absolutely delicious. Get a rotisserie chicken and half the work's already done.
Get the recipe for Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip.
8
Thin-and-Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Homemade cookies are one of the most underrated party foods — and they make every party better. If you love 'em crispy, this is your recipe.
Get the recipe for Thin-and-Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
9
Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you love 'em chewy, this cookie recipe won't let you down!
Get the recipe for Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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10
Grandsue’s Sweet-and-Spicy Roasted Pecans
Don't sleep on the genius of a bowl full of spiced, toasted nuts. It's an any-occasion hit that's been filling bellies at parties and holidays since forever.
Get the recipe for Grandsue’s Sweet-and-Spicy Roasted Pecans.
11
Apple Cider-Glazed Wings
Wings are always a great party food, but not everyone cares for the kick that Buffalo sauce gives. That's why we love these cider-glazed wings. They're a little sweet, a little tart, with just a little kick that makes them hard to stop eating.
Get the recipe for Apple Cider-Glazed Wings.
12
Restaurant-Style Salsa
Yes, you can buy salsa in a jar. No, it doesn't taste nearly as good as this, with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and white onion.
Get the recipe for Restaurant-Style Salsa.
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13
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Simple but delicious, this bundt cake skips out on frosting for a more finger-food-friendly cinnamon-sugar dusting. It's like a cake and a donut all in one!
Get the recipe at Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake.
14
Quick Refrigerator Pickles with Pimento Cheese
Want to make your veggie plate much more appetizing? Quick-pickle the veg the day before!
Want to make a dip everyone will love? Whip up the "caviar of the South."
Get the recipe for Quick Refrigerator Pickles.
Get the recipe for Classic Southern Pimento Cheese.
15
Serrano Ham and Cantaloupe Bites
These two-ingredient bites are a great back-pocket recipe for when you're looking for something else quick to fill out the food table.
Get the recipe for Serrano Ham and Cantaloupe Bites.
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16
French Onion Flatbread
Here's another sneaky way to serve something a little more meal-ish along with all the snacks. This no-mess flatbread looks like pizza and tastes like French onion soup.
Get the recipe for French Onion Flatbread.
17
Roasted Tomatillo and Poblano Salsa
Want to switch up the salsa? Go green! Mild poblano peppers and roasted tomatillos give a tangy, peppery flavor to the dip.
Get the recipe for Roasted Tomatillo and Poblano Salsa.
18
Blue Cheese-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Okay but really, these are genius. Boneless Buffalo chicken bites with the blue cheese already inside. The kids'll eat as many as you can make.
Get the recipe for Blue Cheese-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.
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19
Ceviche with Corn, Peppers, and Avocado
Ceviche is such a delicious springtime food, and these elegant little jars are perfect for a classy grad.
Get the recipe for Ceviche with Corn, Peppers, and Avocado.
20
Spiced Roasted Peanuts
If you're looking for a snack that's low-fuss and also kind of fun, try these warm-from-the-oven spiced peanuts. Don't forget to set out an extra bowl for the shells!
Get the recipe for Spiced Roasted Peanuts.
