Trying to decide what food to have at your graduation party is nothing short of HARD. You want to choose foods that you of course like, but then you also have to keep in consideration what foods others may like too! (Talk about STRESSFUL).
In this post, I’ve put together some of the best ideas for graduation party food bars, easy graduation party appetizer ideas, and easy desserts to have at your graduation party. And let me tell you….you are going to love them! I don’t want to keep you waiting any longer, let’s hop right in!
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Easy Graduation Party Food Bar Ideas
Food bars are honestly probably my favorite graduation party food ideas because they are SO. CUTE. And you can be sure to find a food bar to go with any type of graduation party theme. There is just so much you can do with them, and your guests will love them too!
Here are some of the best graduation party food bar ideas that I have found that are guaranteed to transform your party!
1. Taco Bar
Taco bars are a great food bar idea because let’s face it, pretty much everyone loves tacos am I right? Put out some hard taco shells, soft taco shells, tortilla chips, and all of the toppings anyone could ever want. It’s guaranteed to be a hit!
2. Popcorn Bar
Popcorn is an inexpensive graduation party food idea that is easy to set up and that your guests will love! You can keep things simple by only offering one popcorn type and setting out different popcorn seasonings and toppings. Or you can take things up a notch by offering different types of popcorns (cheddar, caramel, zebra, etc.) for your guests to snack on!
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3. Breakfast Bar
This easy graduation party food idea is perfect if the graduate has an evening graduation ceremony and you are celebrating in the morning/early afternoon.
Because there are an array of breakfast foods to choose from, the easiest way to make this food bar work is by picking one main breakfast (bagels, donuts, waffles, pancakes, burritos etc.) and pairing it with fruit and one or two meat options!
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4. Hot Dog Bar
Hot dogs are always a hit at graduation parties! You can take this classic graduation party food idea to the next level by creating a hot dog bar filled with hot dogs and toppings for your guests to grab.
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5. Burger Bar
Just like hot dogs, burgers are another classic food to have at your graduation party. This food bar idea can be set up along with hot dogs so your guests can have more options to choose from.
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6. Cookie Bar
Setting up a cookie bar for your graduation party is as easy as 1,2,3! To keep things on the budget friendly side, head to your local Costco or Sam’s and purchase a few large trays of assorted cookies and you’ll be off to the races!
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7. Sushi Bar
Now, this is a really unique (and fancy) food bar idea to have at your graduation party. Grab a large order of sushi from your favorite sushi spot to complete this idea.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar
To put together this food bar idea, all you need is a few tubs of vanilla ice cream, mason jars, and ice cream toppings! Everyone will be able to make their perfect ice cream sundae with no effort at all!
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9. Pizza Bar
For your pizza bar, place an order from your favorite pizza place with a variety of toppings to serve at your graduation party.
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10. Gourmet Sandwich Bar
You can’t go wrong with having sandwiches at your party. By providing a variety of bread options and options, your guests can build the perfect sandwich for themselves just the way they like it!
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11. Smores Bar
I absolutely love s’mores bars because of how easy they are! All you have to do is grab some chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers and arrange everything on platters you are literally set!
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12. Soft Pretzel Bar
A soft pretzel bar is a unique food bar idea to have at your grad party. Fun fact: Auntie Anne’s pretzels actually caters for large orders! All you’ll have to do is place an order and put together your dipping sauces for your guests to try!
13. Baked Potato Bar
This is probably one of the easier (and cost-efficient) food bar ideas. All you have to do is throw a bunch of baked potatoes in the oven, cut them for your guests, wrap them back up, and set out all of the toppings for them to try!
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14. Make-Your-Own Pasta Bar
Are you feeling Italian food for your grad party? Might as well make it the best Italian dinner you and your guests will ever have!
Things you may need for your food bar
This is perfect to use to display the type of food bar it is or instructions for your guests.
Use these mini chalkboard signs to label each food item on your food bar!
Serving bowls are great for toppings, and other smaller food bar items that go with your main food bar dish.
Easy Graduation Party Appetizer Ideas
If you plan on having some appetizers for your guests to snack on before the main meal, you’re going to want to take a look at these!
Most of these ideas are ideas for individualized portion appetizers because I find that these can be easier to put together and serve to a large number of people. But you can always take the idea and make it in its “standard” form if you are having a smaller gathering!
15. Mini Sandwiches
These mini sandwiches make for a quick and easy grab and go for your guests!
16. Shrimp co*cktail
Shrimp co*cktail is always a party favorite! Putting it in a cup to serve your guests makes for less mess, and if we’re being honest: anything in a cute cup makes it 100% better!
17. Wedge Salad on a Stick
With all the cake and cookies, your guests are probably going to indulge at your party, offering them salad on a stick makes all the junk food not look too bad! It’s all about balance am I right?
18. Charcuterie Table
This by far is my favorite appetizer that would be perfect for a grad party! If you are having a smaller party, a simple charcuterie board will work just as well.
Related: 19 Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas for Every Occasion
19. Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket
Why make basic pigs in a blanket when you can make fancy pigs in a blanket?
Pro tip: If you haven’t tried Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel seasoning, it’s AMAZING!
20. Chicken & Waffle Bites
This food combo is bound to win over your guests. They won’t be able to stop eating them!
21. Spinach Dip Bites
You can’t forget about the classic spin dip for your party! Check out this fun variation.
22. Charcuterie Cones
These individualized versions of the charcuterie table/board are a great idea to minimize any messes and to make it easier for guests to grab and go.
23. 7 Layer Dip Cups
These are perfect to go alongside a mexican food themed graduation party!
24. Salad Cups
How cute are these salad cups? They make eating healthy actually look fun haha!
25. Fruit Cups
As a fruit lover, these fruit cups look like heaven!!
Easy Graduation Party Dessert Ideas
Of course, the main dessert that is going to be the star of the show at your grad party is going to be the cake. But if you want to offer a few more dessert options for your guests to try, here are some simple dessert ideas that won’t take you long to make!
26. Cannoli Dip Cups
27. Strawberry Brownie Skewers
28. Dessert Board
29. No Bake Cheesecake Cups
30. Banana Pudding Parfait
31. Cupcake Table
Looking for more graduation party ideas?
- 24 Best Graduation Party Ideas 2021
- 10 Epic Graduation Party Themes
- 14 Easy Outdoor Graduation Party Ideas
Don’t forget to download your FREE graduation party game printables!
