Whether it’s a Graduation Open House or hosting a casual cookout, you’ll love these 25 perfect recipes for entertaining whether it’s a few or a crowd
I originally wanted to post a roundup of recipes that would be perfect for a Graduation Open House. The more recipes that I collected the more I realized that these are 25 perfect recipes for entertaining where you need food that can sit out for awhile, can be made ahead, and people can help themselves.
Appetizers/Finger Food Recipes
Restaurant-Style Salsa by Life Currents
Nutella Puppy Chow by Belle Of The Kitchen
Healthy Tomato Basil White Bean Dip by Peas and Crayons
Chickpeas Masala by Simply Vegetarian
Salsa Verde by A Dish of Daily Life
Spicy Nacho Cheese Pretzels by Hostess At Heart
Main Dish Recipes
Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches by An Affair From the Heart
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs by Heidi’s Home Cooking
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef by Fox and Briar
The Best Chili Recipe by Hostess At Heart
Side Dish/Salad Recipes
Cucumber Greek Salad by Belle of the Kitchen
Mexican Corn Salad by Life Currents
Fresh Fruit Salad by The Foodie Affair
Nutty Ginger Tamari Quinoa Salad by Healthy World Cuisine
Summer Pasta Salad by A Dish of Daily Life
Soba Noodle Salad by Hostess At Heart
Mediterranean White Bean Salad by Bowl Me Over
Dessert Recipes
Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Scotchies by Little Sweet Baker
Moist Gluten Free Rainbow Peanut Butter Cookie Bars by Fearless Dining
Derby Pie Brownies by Take Two Tapas
13 Minute Almond Joy Cookies by Heidi’s Home Cooking
And now, once the kiddos or under-age guests have moved on, it’s time to sit back with some Adult-inspired libations!
Very Cherry Long Island Ice Tea by Giraffes Can Bake
Pineapple Ginger Prosecco Punch by Take Two Tapas
Hot and Bubbly Margarita Recipe by Mid-Life Croissant
A Blood Orange Pisco Cocktail by Beyond Mere Sustenance
In addition to the recipes, An Affair From the Heart shared how she threw a Racing/Fishing themed graduation party for her Son and a Country Chic themed graduation for her daughter. I’m sure you can pull a ton of inspiration from them.
Thank you to all of these very special blog owners for letting me use their photos and recipes for this roundup. I hope you will visit each and every one of them to see their other amazing creations.
Let’s keep in touch! You can find me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! Better yet, enter your email address in the box below and never miss a recipe!
Antonia (Zoale) says
May 9, 2017 at 9:20 amGreat collection!
Julie Menghini says
May 9, 2017 at 9:07 pmThank you, Antonia! You’re such a gem!
sue says
May 5, 2017 at 10:00 amWow! What a very impressive collection of wonderful entertaining dishes. Love the photos too!
Julie Menghini says
May 7, 2017 at 1:46 pmThank you so much, Sue! I appreciate you co-hosting this week for FF too and hope you’re having a great time with all of those talented foodies!
Josette says
May 4, 2017 at 7:47 pmI’m going to have to keep this as a reference when I have a party to plan! Absolutely great, Julie. 🙂
Julie Menghini says
May 7, 2017 at 1:47 pmThank you so much, Josette! The planning is definitely the hard part.
Sonal says
May 4, 2017 at 6:51 pmWhat a fab collection Julie! Pinning it and sharing on Facebook! Thanks for including mine
Julie Menghini says
May 7, 2017 at 1:48 pmYou’re so darned sweet! Thank you so much, Sonal for your support and friendship!
[email protected] says
May 4, 2017 at 9:46 amThis is a great roundup – a little bit of everything – and so many delicious ideas to choose from! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Julie Menghini says
May 7, 2017 at 1:50 pmThank you, Ana! The nice weather is here (I hope to stay) and we love to entertain and planning always is the hard part so I love finding recipes that don’t take me away from my friends.
debi at Life Currents says
May 4, 2017 at 7:56 amWhat a great collection! When I host parties I prefer to all the work ahead of time, or at least as much as possible. I don’t get to see my guests often so I want to spend time with them. This makes it easy for me! Thanks!
Julie Menghini says
May 5, 2017 at 8:19 amThank you Debi! I agree that we shouldn’t be babysitting the food and spend time with our guests otherwise entertaining is just a chore!
Julie Menghini says
May 7, 2017 at 1:51 pmThank you, Debi! I’m with you, I am a list maker and I spend more time planning than anything else so love recipes like these.