Wondering What to Serve at a Graduation Party? These 15 Catering Ideas Are a Hit!
Whether it’s high school or college, graduation is a huge accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated. But hosting a grad party comes with a big to-do list, from determining the guest list to setting up the decor. The most important part might just be the food, though. You want to keep guests happy, full, and ready to keep the celebration going. If you don’t know what to serve, these 15 grad food ideas can provide some great inspiration.
Mains
When choosing catering for a graduation party, you want filling dishes that accommodate dietary restrictions. These seven ideas are affordable, delicious, and sure to please a crowd of even the pickiest eaters.
1. Taco Bar
Catering doesn’t really get any easier or more affordable than a taco bar. Set up a self-serve station with a variety of shells, meat options, and fresh toppings like cool sour cream, crisp lettuce, warm rice, and gooey cheese. This way, everyone can make their own perfect taco, from guests who will load up on the protein to those taking a more veggie-centered approach.
Burrachos’ customizable taco bar catering is an easy, crowd-pleasing option that fits any grad party theme.
2. Sub or Wrap Trays
Sandwiches and wraps are frequently a go-to for grad party catering, and you can make them yourself or order from a local deli shop. Offer a mix of popular flavors like turkey and Swiss, chicken salad, ham and cheddar, and Italian. Pre-cut wraps and subs are easy to grab and enjoy while guests mingle. Just don’t forget essential condiments like mayo and mustard!
3. Pizza Buffet
Pizza is another crowd-pleaser you can make as simple or complex as you want. You can stick to the basics with a mix of cheese and pepperoni pizzas or add more gourmet flavors like Margherita, prosciutto and fig, and buffalo chicken. Have veggie-friendly and gluten-free options available for the guests who need them.
4. BBQ Spread
You can’t go wrong with a nice barbecue for traditional spring and summer graduations. You can take this one in any direction you like. For a classic, all-American vibe, serve hot dogs, hamburgers, and pulled pork sandwiches. If you want to get a bit fancier, go all out with smoked brisket, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, and mac and cheese. Don't forget to throw a few black bean burgers or portobello mushrooms on the grill if you have vegetarian or vegan guests.
5. Pasta Bar
Who doesn’t love pasta? If you aim to please everyone from young children to adults, pasta is a great option. Serve different pasta options with marinara, alfredo, or pesto sauces. You can offer fresh veggies, grilled meats, and cheeses for toppings. If you have any gluten-free or low-carb attendees, you can even provide zucchini noodles as an option.
6. Brunch Buffet
If you’re throwing a late morning or early afternoon grad party, brunch is a unique option that guests will remember. Add staples like pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, fruit, and pastries with plenty of butter, syrup, and ketchup. You can even set up a coffee bar with hot and iced options and flavored creamers or syrups.
7. Burrito Bar
Burritos are another easy and super customizable crowd-pleaser. All you need is a tortilla base (or lettuce or rice for burrito bowls), protein options like grilled chicken and barbacoa, and plenty of toppings like queso, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and beans. Guests can build their own burritos, so even your extra picky nephew will be happy and full.
Apps, Sides & Snacks
Even with hearty mains, guests love to graze. These appetizers and sides are easy to serve and perfect for mingling.
8. Chips & Salsa/Guac
Chips and dip are a staple for any party. Even if you don’t go the burrito or taco bar route, chips with salsa and/or guacamole is a great snack to set out. You can offer different tortilla chip flavors with various salsa spice levels. Some creamy guac is perfect for balancing out the hit of a spicy salsa.
9. Veggie & Fruit Platters
Fresh fruit and veggies are a perfect snack option for your grad party. You can purchase a pre-made platter at your local grocery store or create your own. Make sure you include popular fruits and veggies like grapes, strawberries, apple slices, pineapple, celery, broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. Don’t forget the yogurt dip and ranch to go along with your trays!
10. Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board or grazing table can keep guests snacking and happy the entire party. Offer assorted meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits, and dips on a nice serving board or tray. Popular charcuterie items include brie, salami, dried apricots, honey, almonds, goat cheese, gouda, prosciutto, grapes, hummus, and olives. There should be plenty of options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and dairy-free guests. Be mindful of potential nut allergies if you don’t know the dietary restrictions of all your guests.
11. Mini Nacho Bar
If you’re hosting a grad party in the evening and it goes late into the night, you can end the festivities with a delicious mini nacho bar. Warm chips covered with melty cheese, seasoned meat, and fresh salsa will keep guests from ending the night hangry.
Sweet Treats
Your graduation party food offerings aren’t complete without a little dessert. These dessert ideas will help satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
12. Ice Cream Bar
If you’re throwing an afternoon party in the spring or summer, ice cream is the perfect way to cool guests down. Offer cones, waffle bowls, and normal cups for guests to fill with classic ice cream flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Make the bar self-serve with toppings like sprinkles, hot fudge, cherries, and whipped cream.
13. Candy Station
A candy bar lets guests grab just the perfect amount of sugar to satisfy their sweet tooths — whether that’s just a few pieces or a few handfuls. Offer a mix of chocolates, gummies, and nostalgic candies to ensure everyone is satisfied.
14. Cupcake Bar
If you have a large guest list, a sheet cake might not be enough to serve everyone. A cupcake bar makes it easy for everyone to get a serving, and you can offer more customization than with one cake. Offer vanilla and chocolate cupcakes with a variety of frosting flavors and sprinkles. It’s a fun and customizable way for guests to enjoy a sweet treat.
15. Cookie & Brownie Platters
Sometimes, simple is better. Cookies and brownies are excellent dessert options that guests can quickly grab and take with them as they continue to party and socialize. You can often find pre-made platters at your grocery store’s bakery, or you can purchase a variety of cookies and brownies to create your own platter. Think chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, white chocolate macadamia nut, and oatmeal raisin cookies. You can add some regular brownies, brownies with walnuts, or brownie bites to satisfy those chocolate lovers.
Make Your Grad Party Catering a Breeze with Burrachos
Planning a graduation party? Skip the hassle of cooking and let catering take your celebration to the next level! Whether you’re looking for a build-your-own taco bar, classic comfort foods, or crowd-pleasing platters, there’s an option for every style of party. Burrachos’ fresh, flavorful catering makes it easy to serve up delicious tacos, burritos, and sides your guests will love. Order today and make your grad party unforgettable!