29 Recipes That Turn Any Graduation Into a Feast

Graduation parties don’t have to rely on store-bought trays and last-minute snacks. These 29 recipes are easy enough to handle, but still make the table feel like someone planned ahead. They cover enough ground to keep everyone fed, even the friends who show up “just to stop by” and stay for three hours.

Broccoli Casserole

Level up your graduation feast with a hearty Broccoli Casserole that brings both comfort and flair to the table. This dish is simple to prepare and serves as a fantastic complement to any main course. Enjoy the creamy texture paired with crumbly topping that adds a nice crunch to each bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing choice for a celebratory gathering. The dish blends fresh flavors with a light, airy feel, making it perfect for a daytime event. It’s easy to assemble and even easier to enjoy, ensuring you spend more time mingling than cooking. Your guests will appreciate this classic salad twist.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Pizza Bagels

For a fun and casual addition to any graduation party, Pizza Bagels are a hit. These are quick to make, and you can customize them with various toppings to suit everyone’s taste. They’re perfect for guests to grab and go as they celebrate. Plus, who doesn’t love a miniature pizza for a special occasion?
Get the Recipe: Pizza Bagels

7 Layer Salad

A 7 Layer Salad is visually striking and packed with diverse flavors. It’s layered beautifully, making it not only a flavorful addition to your meal but also a decorative centerpiece. Its fresh and crisp layers ensure that there’s a delicious texture in every forkful. This salad stands out in both presentation and taste.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Enjoy a sweet tang with every bite and make for a fun post-dinner treat with Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. This dessert is a fusion of tart raspberries and vibrant lemon atop a creamy cheesecake layer. It’s the perfect conclusion to your feast and is bound to be a favorite. Enjoy a bar or two and soak in the compliments.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Caprese Pizza

Introducing Caprese Pizza at your celebration adds an Italian flair that is both simple and sophisticated. This pizza combines classic flavors in a fresh, aromatic way that is bound to impress. It’s easy to slice up and serve, making your gathering both stylish and relaxed. Enjoy sharing this favorite at your table.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pizza

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing says celebration quite like freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies can be made in bulk beforehand, filling the air with a welcoming aroma as guests arrive. They are perfect for all ages, ensuring no one misses out on a sweet treat. Watch them disappear as guests come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peri Peri Fries

Spice up your menu with Peri Peri Fries, a fiery twist that will add a little kick to your feast. These are wonderful either as a snack or as a side dish, complementing more neutral-flavored main courses. They’re sure to ignite a spark in your celebration. Guests will love the bold flavor these fries bring to the party.
Get the Recipe: Peri Peri Fries

Spicy Greek Feta Dip

Add some vibrancy to your appetizers with Spicy Greek Feta Dip. This dip is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of snacks from crackers to vegetables. It’s a fantastic way to start off any festive meal. Your guests will relish the rich and bold flavors of this exquisite dip.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Greek Feta Dip

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo is a fresh, salsa-like addition that brings vibrant colors and flavors to your spread. It’s incredibly simple to set up a bowl alongside main dishes. This dish enhances any types of food by adding a fresh and clean taste. It’s always a hit at gatherings, ensuring a light yet flavorful option for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Sriracha with Mayo

The perfect dipping sauce that combines creamy texture with a spicy kick is Sriracha with Mayo. Perfect for fries, burgers, or as a glamorous veggie dip, it catches the eye with its vibrant color. It’s versatile and loved for its ability to complement a wide range of snacks and dishes. This sauce will definitely spice up the menu.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha with Mayo

Strawberry Dump Cake

For an effortlessly charming dessert, Strawberry Dump Cake is an ideal pick. This cake is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, offering a luscious and fruity flavor that melts in the mouth. It’s superb for serving a large crowd and goes great with a scoop of ice cream. Expect this to be a major hit at your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Dump Cake

Garlic Dip

Complement your breads and crisps with a rich Garlic Dip that is as aromatic as it is delicious. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bold flavor without overpowering the main dishes. This dip is also a splendid choice for vegetarians at the party. Your guests will love the robust flavor and creamy texture it adds to the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Dip

Hashbrown Casserole

A Hashbrown Casserole can be a stand-alone breakfast item or a satisfying side dish. It combines crispiness with a creamy interior, making it a comforting addition to any meal. This casserole is a wonderful way to start off a celebratory meal, warming up the palate for more to come. It’s well-loved for its universal appeal.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Grape Salad

Refresh your guests with a Grape Salad, an excellent choice for a light and refreshing side. This salad mixes sweetness with a hint of creaminess, perfect for balancing out a hearty meal. It’s simple to toss together and serves as a pleasant palate cleanser. This dish brings a burst of freshness to your festive table.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno Poppers are a thrilling choice for those who love a bit of heat. These bite-sized treats are irresistible and offer a burst of flavor with each bite. They are ideal for passing around at a party where guests can enjoy a small but exciting snack. This fiery treat tends to disappear quickly from the serving tray.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers

Cinnamon Pie

Indulge in a slice of Cinnamon Pie, a unique dessert option that offers a warm, spicy kick. This pie pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a smart choice for a laid-back gathering. It’s both comforting and a bit luxurious, providing an unconventional twist to your dessert menu. Your guests will be enchanted by its charm.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Pie

Mashed Potato Fritters

Mashed Potato Fritters offer a crispy exterior with a soft, comforting interior, making them an irresistible snack or side dish. These fritters are a clever way to reinvent a classic dish, bringing excitement and texture to your party spread. They’re great for dipping and munching as you celebrate. This dish is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Fritters

Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Serve Mini Goat Cheese Balls as a chic and flavorful starter that immediately captures attention. These small bites are playful and can be coated with various herbs for added flair. They’re perfect for guests to pop into their mouths as they mingle. This appetizer is not only convenient but also universally enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Mini Goat Cheese Balls

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Whip up some 25 Minute Black Bean Burgers for a hearty, veg-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. These burgers are a splendid main dish that can be dressed up with various toppings. Quick to prepare, they ensure you’re not stuck in the kitchen all day. Your guests, vegetarian or not, will appreciate this hearty option.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Red Velvet Cake

Surprise your guests with a Red Velvet Cake, a stunning and luxurious centerpiece that’s as delicious as it looks. This cake is moist, rich, and has that classic velvety texture everyone loves. It’s the perfect showstopper to end a celebratory meal. With its impressive look and fabulous taste, it’s bound to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed Mushrooms are a sumptuous and savory snack that packs a punch of flavor in a small package. These are excellent for a buffet table or as passed appetizers during the festivities. Each bite is loaded with flavor, making them a sophisticated choice for an appetizer. Your guests will enjoy the care put into each mushroom.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Corn Casserole

Incorporate a Corn Casserole into your menu for a touch of homestyle comfort. This dish is universally inviting with its sweet and savory blend. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and even easier to love, making it a reliable choice for any large gathering. This casserole is a versatile side that complements any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Treat everyone with Salted Caramel Cheesecake, a luxurious dessert that combines sweet and salty in a rich, creamy context. This cheesecake is smooth, with a decadent caramel topping that makes each slice indulgent. It’s a perfect finale for a lineup of great dishes. Expect rave reviews when this dessert makes its way to the table.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet Potato Wedges are a fun alternative to regular fries and bring a splash of color to the plate. These wedges are baked to perfection, offering a slightly sweet flavor that is both satisfying and subtle. They’re excellent for dipping or as a standalone side. It’s a simple dish that’s received enthusiastically by guests.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Tandoori Gobi Tikka

Spice up your celebration with Tandoori Gobi Tikka, an Indian-inspired dish that delivers both flavor and presentation. This vibrant dish is not only eye-catching but also packed with aromatic spices that promise a memorable eating experience. It’s a splendid vegetarian option that stands out on any festive table.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Gobi Tikka

Tortilla Pizza

Tortilla Pizza is a brilliant choice for a quick and easy meal option that satisfies without requiring extensive preparation. This thin and crispy base serves as the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings. It’s a fun way to involve guests in making their own creations. This dish makes for a relaxed and interactive dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Tzatziki

Freshen up the appetizer table with Tzatziki, a cool and creamy dip that’s perfect for pairing with fresh vegetables or grilled meats. This Greek-inspired sauce is incredibly refreshing and easy to whip up. It offers a mild yet delicious flavor that complements a variety of dishes. It’s a must-have at any party for a touch of lightness.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Create your own Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl for a customizable eating experience that lets guests choose their own ingredients. This dish is not only fun but also fills you up with wholesome goodness. It’s ideal for serving a group with diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Everyone can build their own perfect bowl, making it a celebrated feature of your menu.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl