25 Easy Graduation Finger Foods

Graduation parties are so much more fun when the food is easy to grab, easy to love, and looks cute on the table.

These graduation finger foods are perfect for a buffet setup with a set of large serving platters and food label cards so guests can snack and mingle.

1. Mini Caprese Skewers

These are fresh, colorful, and feel a little fancy without being fussy. They’re perfect for a graduation party because you can assemble a big tray in minutes.

Ingredients

• 24 oz cherry tomatoes
• 24 oz mozzarella pearls
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup balsamic glaze
• 50-count cocktail skewers

Directions

1. Set out a large serving platter and line it with paper towels to catch any moisture from the cherry tomatoes.
2. Thread one tomato, one mozzarella pearl, and one basil leaf onto each cocktail skewer.
3. Arrange the skewers in neat rows so the tray looks extra party-ready.
4. Right before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze so it stays glossy and fresh.

2. Graduation “Tassel” Cheese & Pepperoni Picks

These are a cute little nod to graduation caps, and they disappear fast. They’re great when you want something savory and super easy to grab.

Ingredients

• 24 oz cheddar cheese blocks
• 16 oz pepperoni slices
• 2 cups pretzel sticks
• 1 cup seedless grapes
• 100-count decorative toothpicks

Directions

1. Cut cheddar into small cubes (about ¾-inch) so they’re bite-size and easy to skewer.
2. Fold or roll pepperoni into little ruffles so it looks like a “tassel” on top of the pick.
3. On each toothpick, add a grape, a cheese cube, then top with pepperoni.
4. Add a short piece of pretzel stick alongside on the tray for a crunchy “cap-and-tassel” vibe.

3. Sheet Pan Sliders (Ham & Swiss)

These are warm, melty, and totally crowd-pleasing. They’re easy to cut into party portions, which is perfect when lots of guests come through.

Ingredients

• 24-count slider buns
• 1.5 lb deli ham slices
• 16 slices Swiss cheese
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Large rimmed baking sheet

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for quick cleanup.
2. Slice the slider buns in half as a slab and place the bottom half on the pan.
3. Layer on ham, then Swiss cheese, then add the top slab of buns.
4. Whisk melted butter with Dijon and poppy seeds, then brush over the top.
5. Cover loosely with foil and bake 12 minutes, then uncover and bake 8–10 minutes more until golden and melty.
6. Let rest 5 minutes, slice into individual sliders, and move to a serving tray with lid to keep warm.

4. Mini Chicken Salad Croissant Bites

These feel a little fancy and are perfect for a buffet table. They’re also easy to prep ahead, which is a big win on party day.

Ingredients

• 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup celery, diced
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 24 mini croissants
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Extra-large mixing bowl

Directions

1. Add shredded chicken to an extra-large bowl.
2. Stir in mayonnaise, Dijon, celery, and lemon juice until creamy.
3. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend.
4. Slice mini croissants and fill each with a spoonful of chicken salad.
5. Arrange on a platter and keep chilled until serving.

5. Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Crackers

This one is sweet, spicy, and ridiculously easy—perfect for last-minute party prep. It also looks cute on a tray with almost no effort.

Ingredients

• 48 butter crackers
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup pepper jelly
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• Spreading knife set

Directions

1. Lay crackers out on a serving tray in a single layer.
2. Use a spreading knife to add a thick smear of cream cheese to each cracker.
3. Spoon a small dollop of pepper jelly on top (a little goes a long way).
4. Sprinkle with green onions for a fresh finishing touch.

6. Mini Taco Cups

These are crunchy, cheesy, and easy to eat without a plate. They’re perfect for graduation because you can make a big batch fast and they’re always a hit.

Ingredients

• 24 wonton wrappers
• 2 lb ground beef
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup salsa
• Olive oil spray
• Mini muffin pan

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a mini muffin pan with olive oil spray.
2. Press wonton wrappers into each cup so they form little bowls.
3. Brown ground beef, drain, then stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water.
4. Spoon beef into the wonton cups and top with shredded cheddar.
5. Bake 10–12 minutes until crispy and melty, then cool 5 minutes before removing.
6. Serve with a drizzle of salsa on top or on the side.

7. Buffalo Chicken Dip Cups

These taste like the classic dip but without everyone double-dipping into the same bowl. They’re great for a packed party because they’re tidy and portable.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 24 phyllo shells
• Sheet pan

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and set phyllo shells on a sheet pan.
2. Mix chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch until creamy.
3. Spoon the mixture into the shells and sprinkle with cheddar.
4. Bake 8–10 minutes until hot and bubbly, then cool for 3 minutes before serving.

8. Mini Meatball “Diploma” Subs

These are hearty, saucy, and perfect for guests who want something more filling. The “diploma” idea is cute—roll parchment around them like a little scroll for serving.

Ingredients

• 48 frozen meatballs
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 12 mini sub rolls
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Slow cooker
• Parchment paper sheets

Directions

1. Add meatballs and marinara to a slow cooker and sprinkle in Italian seasoning.
2. Heat on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally so they’re evenly sauced.
3. Split mini rolls and add 2–3 meatballs to each.
4. Top with mozzarella and let the heat melt it, or pop them under a broiler for 1–2 minutes.
5. Wrap each mini sub in a strip of parchment paper like a cute “diploma” scroll for easy serving.

9. Mini Pigs in a Blanket with Everything Seasoning

These are nostalgic, snacky, and always disappear first. The everything seasoning makes them taste a little extra without extra work.

Ingredients

• 2 cans crescent roll dough
• 24 mini smoked sausages
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
• Parchment paper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll crescent dough and cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles.
3. Wrap each mini sausage with a dough piece and place seam-side down.
4. Whisk the egg with a teaspoon of water and brush the tops lightly.
5. Sprinkle with everything seasoning.
6. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden, then cool 3 minutes before serving.

10. Mini Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups

These taste like the restaurant dip everyone loves, but in neat little cups. They’re great for a graduation party because they stay warm and snackable.

Ingredients

• 24 phyllo shells
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 14 oz artichoke hearts, chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• Sheet pan

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and place phyllo shells on a sheet pan.
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, spinach, artichokes, mozzarella, and parmesan until combined.
3. Spoon the mixture into the shells and bake 10–12 minutes until hot and lightly browned.
4. Let cool 3–4 minutes so they’re easy to pick up without burning your mouth.

11. Prosciutto Melon Bites

These are sweet and salty and feel like a “fancy party” snack with basically no cooking. They’re perfect for guests who want something lighter.

Ingredients

• 1 large cantaloupe
• 12 oz prosciutto, sliced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 1 cup arugula (optional)
• 100 cocktail toothpicks

Directions

1. Slice the cantaloupe into bite-size cubes (about 1-inch) and pat dry.
2. Tear prosciutto into strips and wrap each around a melon cube.
3. Secure with toothpicks and arrange on a platter.
4. Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze right before serving.
5. If you want, scatter arugula underneath for a pretty, fresh base.

12. Mini BBQ Chicken Flatbread Squares

These taste like the pizza everyone loves, but in small squares made for grabbing. They’re a great way to serve something warm without doing full slices.

Ingredients

• 4 naan flatbreads
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup red onion, sliced
• Sheet pan
• Pizza cutter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and set sheet pans on the counter.
2. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over each naan.
3. Toss chicken with a few spoonfuls of sauce, then sprinkle over the flatbreads.
4. Top with mozzarella and red onion.
5. Bake 10–12 minutes until melty and browned at the edges.
6. Use a pizza cutter to slice into small squares for easy grabbing.

13. Classic Deviled Eggs (Party Tray Style)

Deviled eggs are always a hit, and they feel perfect for a celebration spread. Make them extra neat and pretty so they look great on the table.

Ingredients

• 24 large eggs
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• Disposable piping bags
• Deviled egg tray

Directions

1. Boil eggs (cover with water, bring to a boil, turn off heat, cover 12 minutes), then transfer to an ice bath to cool.
2. Peel and slice eggs in half lengthwise, then pop yolks into a bowl.
3. Mash yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and relish until smooth.
4. Spoon into a piping bag and pipe neatly into the whites.
5. Dust with paprika and arrange on a deviled egg tray.

14. Mini Greek Cucumber Hummus Bites

These are cool, crunchy, and perfect when you want a lighter option on the table. They’re also naturally gluten-free if you need a crowd-friendly variety.

Ingredients

• 6 large cucumbers
• 2 cups hummus
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• ½ cup feta crumbles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Melon baller

Directions

1. Slice cucumbers into thick rounds (about 1 to 1.5 inches).
2. Use a melon baller to scoop a small well from the center of each round (don’t go all the way through).
3. Fill each well with hummus.
4. Toss tomatoes with olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Spoon the tomato mix on top and sprinkle with feta.

15. Mini Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

These feel like a fun party snack and they’re perfect for grazing. Keep the dip warm in a slow cooker so it stays silky all party long.

Ingredients

• 40 oz frozen pretzel bites
• 16 oz cheese melting block
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Slow cooker
• Small ladle

Directions

1. Bake pretzel bites according to package directions and keep warm on a tray.
2. Add melting cheese block, cheddar, milk, and garlic powder to a slow cooker.
3. Heat on LOW, stirring every 10 minutes until smooth and creamy.
4. Serve the dip with a small ladle so it’s easy to portion without making a mess.

16. Mini Italian Sub Skewers

These are like an Italian sub, but made party-friendly and super cute on a tray. They’re great for guests who want something hearty without a full sandwich.

Ingredients

• 24 oz salami slices
• 16 oz pepperoni slices
• 24 oz provolone cheese cubes
• 24 oz cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups banana pepper rings
• 1 cup Italian dressing
• 100 cocktail skewers

Directions

1. Fold salami and pepperoni into loose ribbons so they look pretty on the skewer.
2. Thread onto cocktail skewers with provolone cubes, tomatoes, and banana peppers.
3. Arrange on a platter and lightly drizzle with Italian dressing, or serve dressing on the side for dipping.

17. Mini Loaded Nacho Cups

These are crunchy, cheesy, and perfect for guests who want a fun snack without balancing a whole plate of nachos. They’re also easy to customize with toppings.

Ingredients

• 24 scoop-style tortilla chips
• 2 cups refried beans
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup sliced jalapeños
• Sheet pan

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and place scoop chips on a sheet pan.
2. Add a teaspoon of refried beans to each chip, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
3. Bake 6–8 minutes until melty.
4. Top with a small spoon of salsa, a dollop of sour cream, and a slice of jalapeño if you like heat.

18. Mini “Class of” Fruit Cups

These are fresh, colorful, and an easy way to add something lighter to the snack table. You can even pop a little “Class of” topper in each cup for extra cute points.

Ingredients

• 4 cups strawberries, sliced
• 4 cups blueberries
• 4 cups seedless grapes
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 50 clear plastic cups
• Mini disposable spoons

Directions

1. Whisk honey with lime juice in a bowl.
2. Toss strawberries, blueberries, and grapes gently with the dressing.
3. Spoon fruit into clear cups and chill.
4. Serve with mini spoons so it’s easy to eat while walking around.

19. Mini Baked Mac and Cheese Cups

These are warm, cheesy comfort food in the cutest party portion. They’re especially great when you want something filling that still counts as finger food.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar
• 2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• Muffin tin

Directions

1. Cook macaroni until just tender, then drain well.
2. Stir in butter so it melts and coats the pasta.
3. In a bowl, whisk milk with eggs, then stir into the pasta with cheddar.
4. Grease a muffin tin and pack the mixture into each cup.
5. Top with panko and bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes until set and golden.
6. Cool 10 minutes so they hold their shape when you lift them out.

20. Mini Cheeseburger Skewers

These are adorable, hearty, and totally made for a party tray. They taste like a cheeseburger bite but are so much easier to serve to a crowd.

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 24 slider buns
• 12 slices cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pickle chips
• 50 bamboo skewers

Directions

1. Mix ground beef with salt and pepper, then form 24 mini patties.
2. Cook patties in batches on a skillet or grill until done, then top with small squares of cheddar to melt.
3. Cut slider buns into small squares (or use the tops and bottoms as mini bun pieces).
4. Assemble a “stack” on each bamboo skewer: bun, patty, pickle, bun.
5. Arrange on a platter so they look like a cute little burger lineup.

21. Mini Fruit & Cheese “Congrats” Board Cups

These feel like a charcuterie board in one hand, which is basically perfect party food. They’re cute, colorful, and easy to make with whatever you already love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cheddar cheese cubes
• 2 cups seedless grapes
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups pretzel sticks
• 2 cups mini crackers
• 25 clear snack cups
• Graduation toppers (optional)

Directions

1. Set out clear snack cups on a tray so you can fill them assembly-line style.
2. Add a handful of mini crackers and a few pretzel sticks to each cup as the base.
3. Layer in cheddar cubes, grapes, and strawberries.
4. If you want extra theme, add graduation toppers on top so each cup looks “Class of” cute.

22. Mini Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods (School Colors)

These are sweet, crunchy, and so fun to customize with school colors. They’re also easy to bag up as a take-home snack.

Ingredients

• 24 pretzel rods
• 24 oz white candy melts
• 1 cup sprinkles (school colors)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for thinning)
• Parchment paper

Directions

1. Line a tray with parchment paper so the pretzels don’t stick.
2. Melt candy melts in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth (add coconut oil if needed).
3. Dip each pretzel rod about halfway, let excess drip off, then sprinkle immediately with school-color sprinkles.
4. Let set at room temp or chill 10 minutes until firm.

23. Mini Brownie Bites with “Congrats” Flags

These are rich, chocolatey, and easy to make in a big batch. A little topper turns them into instant party desserts.

Ingredients

• 2 boxes brownie mix
• 2 large eggs (plus whatever your mix requires)
• Vegetable oil (as needed for mix)
• Mini muffin pan
• Graduation toppers

Directions

1. Preheat the oven according to the brownie mix package directions.
2. Grease a mini muffin pan and fill each cup about ⅔ full with batter.
3. Bake until set (start checking early since mini cups bake faster), then cool completely.
4. Top each brownie bite with a graduation topper right before serving.

24. Mini “Diploma” Tortilla Pinwheels

These are easy to slice, easy to serve, and you can make them ahead. Roll them tight so they look neat and party-perfect on the tray.

Ingredients

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 8 oz deli turkey slices
• ½ cup green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
• Serrated knife

Directions

1. Mix cream cheese with ranch seasoning and green onions.
2. Spread the mixture evenly over tortillas, then layer on turkey and sprinkle with cheddar.
3. Roll tightly, wrap in plastic, and chill 1 hour so they slice cleanly.
4. Use a serrated knife to cut into 1-inch pinwheels and arrange on a tray.

25. Mini Cupcake Cones (No-Fork Dessert)

These are adorable, mess-free, and perfect for a graduation party where people are walking around. Plus, they’re easy to decorate in school colors.

Ingredients

• 24 flat-bottom ice cream cones
• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 2 large eggs (plus what your mix needs)
• Vanilla frosting (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup sprinkles (school colors)
• Muffin tin
• Disposable piping bags

Directions

1. Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions.
2. Place flat-bottom cones upright in a muffin tin so they don’t tip.
3. Fill each cone about ⅔ full with cake batter and bake until a toothpick comes out clean (start checking around 15 minutes).
4. Cool completely, then pipe frosting on top using piping bags.
5. Finish with school-color sprinkles and serve right from the tray.

FAQ

How far ahead can I prep finger foods for a graduation party?

Cold items like pinwheels and fruit cups can be made the day before and stored in containers with lids.

Warm items like sliders can be baked earlier and kept covered in a tray with a lid until you’re ready to re-warm.

What’s the easiest way to keep hot foods warm without drying them out?

A slow cooker is perfect for things like meatballs and dips, and foil-covered trays help sliders stay soft.

If you’re using the oven, keep it on a low “warm” setting and cover pans with foil so the tops don’t get too crusty.

How many finger foods should I plan per person?

For a snack-style graduation party, plan about 8–12 pieces per person (more if it’s the main meal).

Using a mix of hearty bites and lighter options is easiest when you have plenty of large serving platters to spread things out so the table doesn’t feel crowded.

Any easy ways to make the table feel more “graduation themed”?

Use food label cards for cute names, add school-color sprinkles to desserts, and pop in graduation toppers wherever you can.

Even simple bites look festive when the presentation is on point.

What’s the best way to prevent a snack table from getting messy?

Go for one-hand foods and set out plenty of party napkins plus mini disposable plates.

Also, small serving tools for dips and toppings keep people from using the same spoon for everything.

Graduation Finger Foods

Graduation parties are all about celebrating big moments, and having a buffet of easy, shareable bites keeps the day fun instead of stressful.

If you prep a mix of warm and cold options and set everything out on large serving platters, guests can graze happily while you actually enjoy the party.

Little details make the spread feel extra special, like adding decorative toothpicks or using food label cards for cute names.

Get the scoop on more like this:

• 25 Graduation Party Food Ideas for a Crowd
• 34 Best Graduation Cake Ideas for Your Celebration
• 55+ Side Dishes for Graduation Party: Easy Food Ideas
• 35+ Graduation Nail Ideas