18 Great Graduation Party Dishes

Who doesn’t love wings? This sticky-sweet combo is a hit every time.

Recipe: Honey-Sesame Grilled Chicken Wings

These teen-tested and -approved nachos mix chorizo, beef, and salsa for a flavor-packed topping that comes together in no time.

Recipe: Chorizo-Beef Nachos

San Francisco Chef Ryan Rollnow shares his secrets for creating the perfect charcuterie plate. Have some fun putting together a beautiful and hearty no-cook dish for your guests.

All the colors of summer on one beautiful platter! Serve the vegetables shown here or sub in your family favorites. Vegetables are delicious chilled or at room temperature, so you can prepare everything a day or two ahead.

Recipe: Summer Vegetables with Aioli

We love this simple, colorful, and tasty salad from Sunset reader Kathy Kane. It’s easy to double or triple this recipe if you’re expecting a crowd.

Recipe: Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad

Karen Hatfield, chef-owner of Odys + Penelope and Sycamore Kitchen restaurants in Los Angeles, combines the best of summer produce in a sweet-and-savory crowd-pleaser of a salad.

Recipe: Watermelon, Corn and Tomato Salad

Serve orzo tossed with spinach and a light herb vinaigrette for a fresh take on pasta salad that’s welcome at every party, picnic, and barbecue.

Recipe: Spinach and Orzo Salad

Tomatoes in every color are tasty and beautiful. Topped with herbs and cheese, this platter is so pretty you won’t need flowers on your party table. Fresh mozzarella can easily be subbed in for the cheese.

Recipe: Tomato and Herb Salad with Fresh Chive Cheese

Steve Freidkin, the chef at Texaz Grill in Phoenix, shared his technique for instantly “marinating” meat, which gives this yummy dish bonus points for speed. Family and friends will love this steak as-is, or tucked into rolls for sandwiches.

Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak, Onion, and Peppers

It’s easy to make these crisp tacos for a crowd. Just ask Sunset reader Dana Anderson of Newport Beach, CA, who’s made them for as many as 50 teenagers! Add a salad or two and a bottomless bowl of tortillas chips for a memorable graduation fiesta.

Recipe: Crisp Chicken Tacos (Tacos de Pollo)

This style of enchiladas is dubbed Suiza (or “Swiss”) because of all the decadent cream and cheese, and this version from Silvana Salcido Esparza, chef-owner of Barrio Café and Barrio Queen in Tucson, does not disappoint. These enchiladas freeze well so you can prepare them well in advance of graduation day.

Recipe: Enchiladas Suizas

Visit your local Mexican market, deli, or restaurant with this ingredient checklist in hand and plan a plentiful feast. Whether they’re hearty or picky eaters, your guests can gladly build a burrito to their liking.

Recipe: Burrito Bar

Cilantro, green onion, jalapeño, and chili powder transform purchased mayonnaise into a mouth-watering sandwich spread. Slather it on bread and top with steak that cooks up in minutes for a special graduation sandwich. Make several if you’re serving a crowd.

Recipe: Hanger Steak Sandwiches with Chile-Lime Mayo

Don’t forget to serve something for the vegetarians in the family. But make plenty because everyone will want to try this lighter version of a comfort food classic.

Recipe: Spring Vegetable Macaroni ‘n’ Cheese

Nothing says celebration like a cake loaded with sprinkles! Rosie Daykin, the talented owner of Butter Baked Goods in Vancouver shares all her baking and frosting tips so you can make the perfect cake for your graduate.

Recipe: Rainbow Sprinkle Cake

The Sunset staff gave rave reviews to the combination of sweet raspberries and rich, nutty pistachios in this cake by Rosie Daykin of Butter Baked Goods.

Recipe: Pistachio Raspberry Cake

A hint of rose and strawberry infuse these cupcakes with a delicate, fragrant flavor. If possible, decorate with rose petals in your grad’s school colors (or a close approximation thereof).

Recipe: Strawberry Rose Cupcakes

What better treat to serve your grad than a grown-up twist on a nostalgic childhood favorite? Ice cream gives it the perfect touch.

Recipe: S’mores Sundaes