These recipes will earn you top honors!
Graduation may be billed as a 'once-in-a-lifetime experience,' but that's certainly not the case for Ree Drummond. The Pioneer Woman has found herself at countless graduations over the years, including her kids' high school and even college graduation ceremonies! And, it's safe to say that she's marked the occasion with a few graduation parties during that time. After all, what better way to celebrate their hard work and dedication than with party dips, a meaningful gift, and a festive graduation cake?! Whether you opt for a backyard barbecue or a formal sit-down dinner, these graduation party food ideas will help you create a memorable event that honors their achievements.
It doesn't matter what the age group might be (college, high school, or even middle school)—a graduation party is all about celebrating a new phase in life. You can do that with a slew of grilling recipes or a comforting casserole that feeds a crowd. Looking for graduation recipes that will earn you top honors? Your kids will love the classic party food ideas, like pepperoni pizza rolls, pigs in a blanket, cheeseburger sliders, and buffalo chicken dip. But whichever dishes you choose to serve at your grad's party, don't forget a celebratory dessert! We've got an over-the-top ice cream cake and cute brownie bites that look like mini graduation caps. Here's to new beginnings!
1
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Serve up some simple sliders stuffed with ham, melty cheese, and honey-jalapeño mayo for a sweet and spicy kick! They're such an easy and delicious party food, as they call for a whole pack of pre-attached dinner rolls, which are sliced in half and stuffed with meat and cheese.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.
2
Cowboy Caviar
A summer party calls for a fresh and colorful salad, and cowboy caviar certainly fits the bill! Chock-full of fresh vegetables and protein from both black-eyed peas and black beans, this appetizer is best enjoyed when scooped up like a dip with crunchy tortilla chips.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
3
Frozen Lemonade
All the excitement of graduation and bright sunshine call for a refreshing glass of lemonade to cool off! This frozen lemonade is the perfect way to do so, containing a blend of Ree's homemade lemonade and creamy vanilla ice cream.
Get the Frozen Lemonade recipe.
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4
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
What better way to get the celebration started than with some crispy, juicy chicken wings? These garlic parmesan wings are sauce-free, so your guests won’t have to worry about having sticky fingers as they enjoy the party.
Get the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings recipe.
5
Southern Potato Salad
Potato salad is a potluck and picnic staple that will be a hit at any graduation party. This Southern-style salad is creamy, flavorful, and sprinkled with paprika and green onions for a finishing touch. Plus, it's one of the best make-ahead sides as time allows for the flavors to really soak in.
Get the Southern Potato Salad recipe.
6
PB and J Ice Cream Sandwich
The guest of honor might be out of school now, but that doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate this sweet nod to the classic lunchbox combo! These unique ice cream sandwiches are bursting with sweet flavor thanks to homemade peanut butter cookies, raspberry jam, and white chocolate raspberry ice cream.
Get the PB and J Ice Cream Sandwich recipe.
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7
Chicken Empanadas with Herb Sauce
Juicy chicken empanadas dipped in a bright herb sauce are the perfect easy handheld appetizer. These crispy pockets of goodness are so easy to make, as they call for store-bought rotisserie chicken and dough!
Get the Chicken Empanadas recipe.
8
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Your guests will love adding a scoop of this flavorful pasta salad to their party plate! It's packed with crispy bacon, creamy ranch, curly pasta, and peas, and topped with lots of fresh dill.
Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.
9
Popcorn Chicken
You won't be able to resist popping a few of these crispy chicken bites in your mouth every time you pass the food table! Serve the finger food with homemade ranch for a finger-lickin’ good time.
Get the Popcorn Chicken recipe.
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10
Pizza Casserole
Here's a life lesson for your recent grad: Growing up is all about compromise. Take this casserole recipe for example—it’s the perfect trade-off for both pizza and pasta lovers in the house.
Get the Pizza Casserole recipe.
11
Cheeseburger Sliders
Sliders make for great party food. They're easy to make, easy to grab, and delicious to eat!
Get the Cheeseburger Sliders recipe.
12
Ladd's Grilled Tenderloin
Graduation is a special occasion so why not go all out with a special main course?! Ladd's beef tenderloin is the stuff of legends.
Get the Grilled Tenderloin recipe.
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13
Stromboli
Layers of meat and melted cheese rolled up into a pizza crust—what's not to love? Serve this stromboli with marinara sauce for dipping.
Get the Stromboli recipe.
14
Pigs in a Blanket
Whenever these little piggies are served at a party, they're always the first to go. The original recipe was created for a children's cookbook from the 1950's, so they have a long-standing tradition of being a great snack for kids.
Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
15
Graduation Brownie Bites
These adorable chocolate treats are decorated with squares semisweet chocolate and sour candy belts to look just like little graduation caps. Look for your school's colors, if you can!
Get Ree's Graduation Brownie Bites recipe.
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16
Beef Kebab Marinade
Take the party outdoors with this grilled beef kebab recipe. Everyone can grab one (or two) for a hearty graduation dinner.
Get the Beef Kebab Marinade recipe.
17
Best-Ever Guacamole
Your recent high school grad will want to take this best-ever guacamole recipe will them to college. It'll come in hand for game days, parties, and late-night snacking.
Get the Best-Ever Guacamole recipe.
18
Homemade Chicken Burgers
This quick and easy burger recipe is ready in just 20 minutes so even a last-minute party can be a breeze. If your kid is a fan of buffalo chicken wings, try topping the burgers with buffalo sauce and blue cheese.
Get the Homemade Chicken Burgers recipe.
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19
Italian Sandwich
A big life event deserves an even bigger sandwich! This sub is easy to assemble the day before, then can be sliced up for all your favorite grads.
Get the Italian Sandwich recipe.
20
Grilled Flank Steak
Entertaining for a crowd can be intimidating, but not when you're armed with this grilled flank steak recipe. It's inexpensive, easy to make, and so versatile. Try topping it with corn salsa or serve with your favorite potatoes.
Get the Grilled Flank Steak recipe.
