Graduation Party Food Ideas That Are Sure to Please a Crowd

Graduation parties are all about celebration, pride and excitement for what’s to come, but let’s be honest—they’re also all about the food. Whether you’re throwing a backyard bash or a casual open house, the right menu sets the tone for the entire event. And here’s your new favorite party trick: with the Fetch app, you can earn rewards just by buying your party supplies and groceries. Shop your favorite brands, snap your receipts, and turn your graduation celebration into gift cards!

Don’t have Fetch? Download the app today, and start earning rewards on all your grad party essentials.

Easy, crowd-pleasing graduation party food favorites

From crowd-pleasing mains to snackable treats, here are some delicious and easy-to-make graduation party food ideas your guests will love:

Main dishes

• Pulled pork: Serve with soft buns and tangy slaw. Look for deals on pork shoulder and BBQ sauce from Fetch partners like Sweet Baby Ray’s.
• Sandwich bar: Offer a spread of deli meats (like Hillshire Farm or Oscar Mayer), cheeses, and toppings so guests can build their own, or make sliders on Hawaiian rolls for easy grazing.
• Barbecue classics: From hot dogs and brats to burgers and grilled chicken skewers, you can’t go wrong with a good backyard grill-out!
• Lasagna: Whether you go with frozen or make it from scratch, classic lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that feeds a big crew and can be prepped ahead.
• Taco bar: Prep a variety of proteins like ground beef, chicken, and carnitas, then grab tortillas and taco shells from Old El Paso, beans from Goya and all your favorite toppings. 
• Pizza: It’s a party go-to for a reason! Feed a crowd with a variety of your favorite takeout pizzas (be sure to check your local restaurant offers in Fetch!) or grab frozen pizzas for a late night snack.

Sides

• Potato salad: A creamy, comforting favorite that pairs with any main.
• Pasta salad: Try a zesty Italian version with rotini, veggies, and salami (look for Barilla pasta and Wish-Bone dressing offers in the app).
• Salad kits: Save yourself all the chopping and prep with kits you can just mix and serve.
• Corn on the cob: A perfect addition to your grill lineup.
• Mac and cheese: Another hearty favorite that doubles as a vegetarian main. Keep it warm in a crockpot!

Desserts

• Cupcake display: Use school colors for frosting and get themed toppers.
• Ice cream sundae bar: Offer multiple toppings for a fun DIY dessert station (don’t forget Breyers or Blue Bunny deals in Fetch!).
• Cookie platter: Bake your own or grab a variety from the bakery section.

Snack Ideas

• Chips and dips: Include a mix of salsas, queso, guac, or any of your favorite dips. Scan your receipts for points on your favorite chips like Lay’s and Tostitos!
• Frozen appetizers: Mozzarella sticks, mini pigs-in-a-blanket, jalapeno poppers, or pizza rolls are easy heat-and-serve crowd favorites.
• Fruit or veggie trays: They’re light, refreshing, and perfect for prepping ahead.

What should be on your graduation party shopping list?

Make your grocery run easier with this organized checklist. Don’t forget: snapping your receipt in Fetch earns you points on all of it.

Main dish essentials

• Deli meats
• Burger patties or ground beef
• Chicken for grilling
• Hot dogs and brats
• Buns
• BBQ sauce and condiments

Sides and snacks

• Salad kits
• Chips & dips
• Fresh fruit
• Fresh veggies or veggie tray
• Pasta salad ingredients (or premade from the deli)
• Potato salad ingredients (or premade)
• Corn on the cob

Desserts

• Cake or cupcake mix
• Frosting and toppings
• Ice cream
• Chocolate sauce, caramel, sprinkles, whipped cream, or your favorite ice cream toppings

Drinks

• Soda
• Juice boxes
• Sparkling water
• Beer, wine, and mixed drink supplies (for 21+)
• NA spirits and mocktail supplies (like Seedlip)

Frozen party favorites

• Appetizers
• Pizza
• Ice cream novelties

Pro tip: earn rewards on graduation grocery shopping

Planning a party takes work, but getting rewarded for your grocery haul is easy with Fetch!

• Shop your favorite brands. Look for personalized offers in the app before your grocery run to maximize your points potential.
• Snap your receipt from any store (yep, even online orders).
• Redeem your Fetch points for free gift cards. You can use them for last-minute supplies, summer treats, or even as a gift for your grad!

You’re already shopping for graduation party food and supplies—you might as well earn rewards for it and stretch your budget while you celebrate!

Tips for a fun, low-stress graduation party

• Prep ahead. Make what you can the day before so you’re not stuck in the kitchen during the party.
• Mix homemade and store-bought. This saves time and energy without sacrificing flavor.
• Delegate as needed. Guests often love helping out! Ask people to bring a dish or dessert to pass, or take people up on offers to help with final food prep tasks.
• Keep it casual. Grab-and-go items like sliders or cupcake trays help keep the vibe easy and fun, which takes the pressure off you as the host.
• Enjoy the moment. You’re celebrating a major milestone for you, your grad, and your family and friends. Perfection isn’t the goal—just presence and fun!

Ready to earn rewards on graduation party essentials?

Download the Fetch app today and turn every grocery run into points for free gift cards. It’s the easiest way to make your celebration even more rewarding.