Graduation party recipes should be easy on the host, and designed to please the tastes of your crowd. These recipes hit the mark on both counts. So whether the graduate is heading off to grade school, college or the world of work, your party will be easy on you and fun for your guests. (By the way, don't assume the cupcakes are just for the little kids. My 20-something nephews scarfed those down at a college graduation party last year!)
1. Ranch Deviled Eggs Recipe
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Ranch salad dressing mix adds a bright flavor to these deviled eggs that appeal to everyone. I recommend that you make the hard-boiled eggs a day or two in advance. Then just make the filling several hours before the graduation party. To make the eggs easier to fill, use a cookie scoop (compare prices).
2. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Stephanie Gallagher
Sweet and sour meatballs make a fabulous party recipe, because you can make and serve them in the Crockpot. Better than that: They aren't a lot of work, and everybody loves them.
3. Crab Dip Recipe
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This crab dip says summer to me (that's when crabs are in season in Maryland). The secret is a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning - the traditional seasoning for Maryland crabs. If you can't find Old Bay, substitute a creole seasoning.
4. Sausage Lasagna
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Big graduation party crowds deserve satisfying food, and with this graduation party recipe, you don't have to skimp. You can make this rich, delicious lasagna ahead of time and just reheat before your guests arrive.
5. Easy Chili Recipe
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Chili makes a terrific graduation party food, because you can make it days or even weeks in advance, and it tastes even better than it does when served right away. This version is especially easy because it starts with prepared salsa and leftover beef.
6. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Stephanie Gallagher
Peanuts, grapes and bacon give this broccoli salad incredible texture and flavor. When you make this salad, be sure to have copies of the recipe on hand - your guests will ask you for it.
7. Mustard Potato Salad
Stephanie Gallagher
Hot sauce combines with sweet pickle relish and Dijon mustard to give this potato salad a kicked-up flavor that makes it just special enough to serve as a graduation party recipe.
8. Fruit Salad with Vanilla Pudding
Stephanie Gallagher
This recipe is ideal for graduation parties, because it looks great on a buffet table. You can serve this fruit salad as a side dish or dessert - it's refreshing either way. The key is to use fruits that aren't too wet, so if you're using canned fruit, make sure it's well-drained. And if you're using fresh fruits (berries work especially well), pat it dry with paper towels.
9. Graduation Cupcakes Recipe
Stephanie Gallagher
Could there be a better graduation party dessert recipe than these adorable graduation cupcakes? I think not. They're festive enough for preschool graduations and college graduations alike.
10. Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Stephanie Gallagher
This graduation party recipe couldn't be simpler to prepare. And you can decorate it any way you like - I like to use sprinkles in the graduate's school colors .
