Graduation season is here, and so is the challenge of planning the perfect celebration menu! Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash for your graduate or simply looking for tasty weekend dinner options, side dishes make or break any meal.
I’ve gathered 12 crowd-pleasing graduation party sides plus 5 weekend dinner favorites that’ll impress your family and friends without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all day.
1. Loaded Potato Salad
Bacon bits and cheddar cheese transform ordinary potato salad into something extraordinary. The creamy mixture of mayo, sour cream, and mustard coats each potato chunk perfectly.
Guests will grab seconds of this upgraded classic. Make it a day ahead so flavors meld together nicely.
2. Caprese Pasta Salad
Fresh mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves create a colorful pasta salad that screams summer. Toss with spiral pasta and drizzle with balsamic glaze for an irresistible combination.
The red and green colors might even match your graduate’s school colors!
3. Sweet Corn Casserole
Half side dish, half bread – this sweet corn casserole disappears fast! Mix corn kernels with cornbread mix, sour cream, and butter for a golden, slightly sweet treat.
The crusty top and soft middle create perfect texture contrast. Serve warm for maximum enjoyment.
4. Mediterranean Veggie Platter
Colorful veggies, hummus, and tzatziki create an appetizing grazing option. Arrange cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, and bell peppers around dips for easy snacking.
Add olives and feta cheese cubes for authentic Mediterranean flair. This healthy option balances out heavier party foods.
5. Mac And Cheese Bites
Handheld mac and cheese? Yes please! These bite-sized morsels feature creamy macaroni and cheese baked in mini muffin tins until golden and slightly crispy outside.
Kids and adults alike can’t resist these portable treats.
6. Watermelon Feta Salad
Cool watermelon chunks paired with tangy feta cheese create a refreshing summer salad. Add mint leaves and a light honey-lime dressing for bright flavor that cuts through rich party foods.
The sweet-salty combo surprises and delights guests. Serve chilled for maximum refreshment on hot graduation days.
7. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables
Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots get a flavor boost from garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. The high heat caramelizes the vegetables, creating irresistible crispy edges.
Even veggie-skeptics come back for seconds! These can be served warm or at room temperature.
8. Black Bean And Corn Salsa
Bright colors and zesty flavors make this salsa a hit alongside tortilla chips. Black beans, corn, diced peppers, and red onions get tossed with lime juice and cilantro.
The hearty ingredients turn this into more than just a dip. It doubles as a side dish that holds up well at room temperature.
9. Deviled Eggs With Bacon
Classic deviled eggs get an upgrade with crispy bacon bits and chives sprinkled on top. The creamy yolk mixture combines mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of hot sauce for subtle kick.
Arrange them on a special egg platter for easy grabbing. These protein-packed bites disappear quickly!
10. Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups
Individual phyllo cups filled with creamy spinach artichoke dip solve the double-dipping dilemma! Bake until golden and bubbly for perfect single-serving appetizers that guests can grab while mingling.
The crispy shells and creamy filling create irresistible texture contrast. No plates or utensils needed!
11. Fruit Kabob Skewers
Colorful fruit chunks threaded onto wooden skewers create a healthy, sweet option guests love. Alternate strawberries, pineapple, grapes, and melon for rainbow-like appeal.
Serve with a honey-yogurt dip on the side. These portable treats keep well in the refrigerator until serving time.
12. Pulled Pork Sliders
Mini sandwiches packed with tangy pulled pork satisfy hungry graduates and guests. The slow-cooked meat stays juicy inside soft slider buns topped with coleslaw for crunch.
Set out different BBQ sauces for customization. These hearty bites work as sides or can become the main attraction!
13. Cheesy Garlic Bread
Crusty French bread slathered with garlic butter and topped with melty cheese creates irresistible comfort food. Slice into easy-to-grab pieces that pair perfectly with pasta dishes or stand alone.
The golden, bubbly cheese top and soft center make this simple side extraordinary. Everyone reaches for seconds!
14. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs create a weekend dinner that feels special without much effort. The skin crisps beautifully while the meat stays tender.
Roast with potatoes and carrots for a complete one-pan meal. Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches or salad toppers!
15. Creamy Tuscan Pasta
Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach swimming in a garlic cream sauce create a restaurant-quality pasta dinner. The rich, velvety sauce clings to fettuccine noodles perfectly.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. This crowd-pleaser comes together in under 30 minutes!
16. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Colorful bell peppers and onions roast alongside seasoned chicken or steak for easy weekend fajitas. Everything cooks on one pan, caramelizing beautifully in the oven.
Serve with warm tortillas and toppings bar. The minimal cleanup makes this a weekend dinner win that everyone customizes to their liking!
17. Homemade Pizza Night
Store-bought dough transforms into restaurant-quality pizza with minimal effort. Set out various toppings and let everyone create personal masterpieces for a fun weekend dinner activity.
Kids love customizing their portions. The homemade touch tastes better than delivery and creates lasting family memories around the dinner table!