17 Appetizer Ideas For Your Graduation Party

Perhaps the only event to rival an actual graduation ceremony is the graduation after-party, and that's mostly because of the food. These graduation party appetizer recipes, for example, would have my mouth watering through all of graduation.

Now if you are a graduate, listen here. Graduation is scary. You are being abruptly kicked out of the life you have known for years and forced into the cold world of adulthood and independence, only to be anchored down by student debt, probably. It only makes sense to comfort yourself with food in these times of need. And boy do I have the recipes to help you do just that.

If you are a parent of a grad, or just a grad party host, the following statement is for you: Throwing a graduation party is no easy feat. Of course it’s not as difficult as graduation, but never mind that. Obviously you have to impress your guests, as is the way with parties. The easiest way to do that is clearly by cooking food that looks difficult to make but is deceptively simple. Don’t worry, I have the recipes for you.

So get ready because while this graduation party is going to be full of judgmental family members and nervous graduates, I can promise that the food will be great.

1. Beet-Dyed Devil Eggs

These deviled eggs from A Beautiful Mess add the perfect pop of color to any party.

2. Avocado Hummus

What kind of college graduate doesn't love avocado hummus? Head to A Cozy Kitchen for the recipe.

3. Pea Blinis with Creme Fraiche and Smoked Salmon

You could say these are the ivy league of appetizers. A Better Happier St. Sebastian has the full recipe, and I promise it's not as intimidating as it sounds.

4. Jalapeno Corn Cakes with Honey Whipped Goat Cheese

These corn cakes by A Farm Girl's Dabbles are the perfect size. It's going to be hard not to eat them all, but sharing is important.

5. Loaded Stuffed Jalapenos

These appetizers from A Spicy Perspective are filling, tasty, and are sure to be a hit.

6. Baked Brie in Puff Pastry Crust with an Apricot Brown Sugar Filling

Adventures in Cooking has this amazing, cheesy, and sweet dish.

7. Grilled Shrimp Ceviche

I can't say no to a big bowl of shrimp like this one from A Farm Girl's Dabbles.

8. Baked Goat Cheese and Spinach Dip

Click over to A Pretty Life in the Suburbs for this amazing spinach dip.

9. Easy Creamy Chicken Dip

Another appetizer of bite-sized perfect from A Beautiful Mess.

10. Portobello Fries

Mushrooms are the new fries, right? A Cozy Kitchen has this delicious recipe.

11. Typical Italian Antipasto

Antipasto deserves a place at every party. Apron and Sneakers has everything you need to make your own.

12. Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Baked. Potato. Salad. What could be better? The deliciousness is from Ari's Menu.

13. Bacon Sriracha Queso

Bacon and queso?! Dare I say this is the perfect appetizer? Back to Her Roots has the full recipe.

14. Bite-Sized Caesar Salad Taco Bowls

These tiny taco bowls combine two amazing foods: tacos and salads covered in dressing. Get the full recipe from Big Girls Small Kitchen.

15. Baked Thai Beef Stuffed Artichokes

If you are throwing a smaller family party, I suggest these stuffed artichokes from Climbing Grier Mountain.

16. Fig and Balsamic-Caramelized Onion Focaccia

All bread should be focaccia bread. Thanks to The Brewer and The Baker for helping to make that dream come true.

17. Soft Pretzel Tots

Soft pretzels are the food of the gods. A Cozy Kitchen has the perfect recipe to turn it into a party.

Images: A Beautiful Mess (2), A Cozy Kitchen (3), A Better Happier St. Sebastian, A Farm Girl's Dabbles (2), A Spicy Perspective, Adventures in Cooking, A Pretty Life in the Suburbs, Apron and Sneakers, Ari's Menu, Back to Her Roots, Big Girls Small Kitchen, Climbing Grier Mountain, The Brewer and The Baker