While preparing for your graduation party, there are so many things to think about. You need to choose the decorations, the location, the music, etc., and prepare a guest list. Also, one of the most important considerations is creating a menu.
The first thing that your guests will be served are the appetizers, so you need to do your utmost to make a good first impression on them. Check out our ideas for graduation party appetizers!
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Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are one of the classic ideas for a graduation party. You can use baby bella mushrooms and stuff them with your favorite types of cheese and herby, garlicky breadcrumbs. White button mushrooms or portobello mushroom caps will work great as well.
Classic Bruschetta
While preparing these graduation appetizers, remember to start by rubbing toasted bread with garlic – it will provide tons of flavor! Then, top the tiny toasts with marinated tomatoes and place them on a serving tray. Choose the brightest and juiciest tomatoes you can find for the best taste.
Enchilada Cups
Full-size enchiladas can be quite messy, so its handheld version will be much more convenient for your guests. Place flour tortillas into mini cups and fill them with chicken, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Finally, sprinkle some shredded cheese on the top. You can also easily make a vegetarian alternative by exchanging chicken with tofu.
Egg Salad
This salad is one of those graduation party ideas that may be loved by almost everyone while not being hard to prepare. Boil some eggs and add sweet pickle relish and onion. As the base, you can use crackers or toasted baguettes.
Sonoma Almond Chicken Salad Sliders
Sliders are always a good choice – most of your guests will probably love these mini pretzel rolls! Fill them with a creamy chicken salad base and add dried cranberries, celery, and slightly salted almonds that will provide a satisfying crunch. It is also an excellent idea to include some basil, rosemary, thyme, dill, or other fresh herbs.
Bacon Pimiento Guacamole
Fresh guacamole is one of the most popular graduation party appetizer ideas, and it gets even better when you add some bacon and pimientos! It will go great with tortilla chips. You can serve the guacamole in one big bowl or divide it into portions in disposable cups.
Smashed Potatoes
You may be used to having roasted potatoes on a regular basis, but smashing them may be a game-changer. They become amazingly crispy but stay tender and buttery inside. You can improve its flavor even more by adding some butter, garlic, thyme, and Parmesan cheese.
Warm Cheese and Spicy Pecan Dip
A delicious dip made with three different cheeses and topped with spiced nuts is definitely one of the best appetizer ideas for a graduation party. It will taste excellent when paired with a freshly made baguette from your local bakery.
Pigs in a Blanket
Such classic party food as pigs in a blanket will work great as graduation appetizers. Crescent roll dough will serve as a tasty “blanket” if you put it in the oven for just 10 minutes. Don’t forget to serve it with some mustard or ketchup.
Graduation Appetizer Ideas – The Bottom Line
All in all, there are many graduation party ideas you can use to make your celebration unforgettable for the guests. Keep in mind to do all the necessary catering calculations, remember to keep a balance between meat and vegetarian or vegan options, and arrange your food so that it looks mouth-watering.
What’s more, don’t forget that if you serve not only finger food as your graduation party appetizers but also salads or other things your guests shouldn’t eat with their hands, you need to provide the right disposable tableware. Have fun at your graduation party!
Dacia Flowers is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) with a major in Cultural Anthropology. Since graduating in 2019, she has expanded her expertise and applied her anthropological background in the practical domain. As the Administration Manager at CMJJ Gourmet since August 2022, Dacia handles crucial day-to-day operations, ensuring the warehouse's optimal functionality, timely delivery of orders, and managing invoices. Her commitment to excellence and in-depth understanding of organizational dynamics stem not just from her academic prowess but also her personal passion. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dacia has a keen interest in reading, loves to travel, and stays active through regular exercise.
