Graduation party food ideas that feed a crowd without cooking

Graduation party food ideas that need no cooking come down to three plans: a cold grazing table (about $11.10 a guest for 40 guests), a hot tray lunch (about $10 a guest), or pulled pork sliders ($214 for 40). All three are built from Upper Crust trays you pick up in Yorkville, or have delivered, and none needs more than three days' notice. Prices below are before 9.25% sales tax.

Idea 1: a grazing table for 40

Good for a drop-in open house where people eat a little and wander. We plan about 6 savory pieces and 2 sweet pieces a guest for this style, which is a planning guide, not a rule.

• Assorted Finger Sandwiches, $89, 60 pieces
• Pinwheel Sandwiches, $79, 60 pieces
• Assorted Cheese Tray with Crackers, $69, 60 pieces
• Bruschetta with Garlic Toast Points, $45, 60 pieces
• Fresh Vegetable Crudités, $59, serves 25 to 30
• Assorted Dessert Tray, $59, 40 pieces
• Assorted Home Baked Cookies, $45, 40 count

Savory is $341, sweet is $104, total $445, which is 240 savory pieces and 80 sweet pieces for 40 guests. That is about $11.10 a guest. With tax it is $486.16.

Idea 2: a hot lunch for 40

Good when the party lands over lunch or dinner and people want a plate.

• 2 trays Chicken Oreganato, $80 each, serves 20, gluten-free: $160
• 2 trays Baked Macaroni & Cheese, $59 each: $118
• 2 trays Buttered Fresh Green Beans, $49 each: $98
• 2 trays Fresh Homemade Bread, $11.99 each, serves 20: $23.98

Total $399.98, about $10 a guest. Add a chafing dish set at $17 for each hot tray, or $1.50 a person for plates, napkins and silverware. If you want pasta on the table, Baked Mostaccioli is $45 a tray in the smaller size, and our pasta catering guide has the sizes.

Idea 3: a slider table

Two BBQ Pulled Pork trays at $95 and two Slider Sandwich Buns trays at $12 is $214 for 40 guests. Add a side or two and dessert. The full plan is in pulled pork sliders for a crowd.

Drinks

Iced Tea, Punch or Lemonade is $89 for 50 servings, cups included. Soft Drinks and Bottled Water are $2.49 each. If the party runs several hours, count on guests refilling.

Mixing the plans

Most hosts take a piece of each. A cold table for the first hour, a hot tray at the peak, and sweets out the whole time. Our graduation party food for 50, 100 or 150 post has costs at larger counts, and the checklist covers dates and pick-up. Browse the graduation party catering page, or send your date and headcount through the quote form. Call (630) 553-9533 with questions.

Questions

How much food do I need for a graduation party?

We plan about 6 savory pieces and 2 sweet pieces a guest for a drop-in party, and one tray per 20 guests for hot dishes.

Is there a minimum order?

No minimum on trays and platters. Buffets start at 20 guests.

Do you have vegetarian options?

Yes. The cheese tray, crudités, bruschetta and all desserts are vegetarian, and Meatless Mostaccioli is $39 a tray.

Can you deliver?

Yes. Delivery is quoted when you order, or pick up at the kitchen in Yorkville.