Graduation Party Appetizers & Finger Foods

Throwing a graduation party is a significant event, and it’s essential to have an assortment of appetizers and finger foods to impress your guests. These bite-sized treats are simple to prepare, easy to serve, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. When planning a graduation party, it’s crucial to consider your guests’ preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are eight graduation party appetizers & finger foods that are sure to please everyone.

A graduation party is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the new graduates and their accomplishments with family and friends. Graduation parties often involve a variety of food and drinks, and these appetizers & finger foods are perfect for a celebration like this. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large party, having a range of appealing finger foods will keep your guests happy and entertained throughout the event.

Mini Sandwiches / Sliders

Mini sandwiches, also known as sliders, are an excellent choice for graduation parties. They’re easy to make, customizable, and offer a satisfying snack for your guests. These small burgers can be made in various flavors and styles to cater to different tastes. You can serve classic beef burgers, lamb burgers, veggie burgers, or experiment with international flavors like Korean-style or Indian-inspired sliders.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and any other toppings you like
– Cooking oil or non-stick spray for grilling

Instruction

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties.
4. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to your liking.
5. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in the oven.
6. Assemble the sliders by spreading a dollop of your favorite sauce on the bottom bun, followed by a cooked patty, a few slices of cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and finally the top bun.

Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a classic finger food that’s easy to prepare and always a hit. This simple recipe involves dipping cheese slices in breadcrumbs and frying them until crispy. You can serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

– 12 ounces mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– Breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instruction

1. Cut the mozzarella cheese into long, thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick).
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. In another dish, beat the egg.
4. In a third dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
5. Dip each mozzarella strip into the flour mixture, coating it evenly, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the cheese to adhere.
6. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the breaded mozzarella sticks in batches until they’re golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain the cooked mozzarella sticks on paper towels.

Chicken Wings (Buffalo or Honey Garlic)

Chicken wings are another classic party food that can be prepared in a variety of flavors. Today we’ll cover two popular options: buffalo-style and honey garlic. Whether you prefer spicy or sweet, these wings are sure to impress your graduation party guests.

Ingredients (Buffalo)

– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1 cup hot sauce
– 1/2 cup butter
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction (Buffalo)

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the hot sauce and butter until well combined.
3. Toss the chicken wings in the bowl until they’re evenly coated.
4. Bake the wings for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Toss the wings in the hot sauce mixture one more time before serving.

Ingredients (Honey Garlic)

– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction (Honey Garlic)

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, and sesame oil.
3. Toss the chicken wings in the bowl until they’re evenly coated.
4. Bake the wings for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Toss the wings one more time before serving.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a flavorful and impressive appetizer for any occasion. By filling mushrooms with a savory mixture of cheese, herbs, and spices, you’ll create a delicious finger food that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

– 12 large mushroom caps
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Fill each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly.
4. Drizzle the tops with olive oil.
5. Bake the stuffed mushrooms for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Pinwheels (Tortilla Roll-Ups)

Pinwheels are a fun and delicious finger food that can be customized with your favorite fillings. By layering cream cheese, herbs, and vegetables inside tortillas and rolling them up, you’ll create a beautiful and tasty appetizer that’s perfect for graduation parties.

Ingredients

– 8 large flour tortillas
– 8 ounces cream cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

1. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cilantro, scallions, bell peppers, and cucumber until well combined.
2. Lay a tortilla flat and spread a quarter of the cream cheese mixture onto one end of the tortilla.
3. Roll the tortilla up tightly and place seam-side down on a plate.
4. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Slice the pinwheels into 1-inch thick rounds before serving.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a timeless party favorite that’s easy to prepare and can be dressed up with various toppings. These simple ingredients and a few tips will help you create beautiful deviled eggs for your graduation party.

Ingredients

– 6 large eggs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

1. Hard-boil the eggs, cool, and peel.
2. Cut the eggs in half and carefully remove the yolks.
3. In a bowl, mix together the yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture and garnish with chopped chives or paprika, if desired.

Mini Hot Dogs (Pigs in a Blanket)

Pigs in a blanket are an adorable finger food that consists of hot dogs wrapped in croissant dough. These mini burgers are incredibly easy to make and always a hit at parties.

Ingredients

– 12 mini hot dogs
– 1 package croissant dough
– 1 egg, beaten
– Water for brushing

Instruction

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the croissant dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Cut the dough into 4-inch squares.
4. Wrap each hot dog with a piece of dough and press the edges to seal.
5. Brush the tops with beaten egg and cut a small slit in the top for ventilation.
6. Brush the tops with a little water and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.