Graduation party food list for 30
Run a three-hour graduation open house for 30 with pulled pork sandwiches, cold sides, fruit, cake, and self-serve drinks.
What to get
Cooked pulled pork
10 lb
Barbecue jackfruit
3 lb
Sandwich rolls
42
Barbecue sauce
64 oz
Prepared coleslaw
8 lb
Macaroni salad
8 lb
Fresh fruit platter
10 lb
Sheet cake
1 half-sheet cake, 40 servings
Unsweetened iced tea
3 gal
Lemonade
3 gal
Drinking water
8 gal
Ice
50 lb
Plates
40 10-inch plates
Cups
70 12-fl oz cups
Forks
40
Napkins
120
Food labels
10 cards
Slow cookers
Use two for pork and one for jackfruit.
3 6-qt cookers
Ice-bath pans
Use one each for slaw, macaroni salad, and fruit; replenish from the refrigerator.
3 half-size pan sets
Dedicated serving utensils
Provide one for each filling, cold dish, and cake.
6
Card box
1
Heavy-duty trash bags
12 30-gal bags
How to make it
- Collect allergy and dietary information with the RSVPs. Label the jackfruit filling and keep its tongs separate.
- Hold pork and jackfruit at 140°F or warmer. Keep macaroni salad, slaw, and cut fruit at 40°F or colder and replenish in small pans.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Empty trash and recycling halfway through the open house and again at closing.
Who this list is for
This food list is for anyone hosting a graduation party or open house for 30 guests, where pulled pork sandwiches, cold salads, fruit, cake, and drinks are all self-serve. It’s ideal for families or friends who want a straightforward menu that covers all the basics without fuss.
How to use this list
Start by confirming your serving setup—do you have enough tables, serving spoons, and space for hot and cold items? Shop for 10 pounds of cooked pulled pork and 3 pounds of barbecue jackfruit for vegetarian guests. Buy 42 sandwich rolls, 64 ounces of barbecue sauce, and 8 pounds each of prepared coleslaw and macaroni salad. Pick up a 10-pound fresh fruit platter and a half-sheet cake (serves 40). Stock up on 3 gallons each of unsweetened iced tea and lemonade, 8 gallons of water, 50 pounds of ice, 40 large plates, and 70 cups. Set up self-serve stations so guests can help themselves as they arrive.
Common mistakes
Don’t forget to offer vegetarian options—barbecue jackfruit covers this. Avoid running short on drinks or ice; both go quickly, especially if it’s hot or guests linger. Don’t overlook utensils and serving tongs for salads and sandwiches. Make sure the cake is pre-sliced or have a knife ready. Skipping enough cups or plates can leave you scrambling—always have extras.
What is on this list
Expect to serve pulled pork, barbecue jackfruit, sandwich rolls, barbecue sauce, coleslaw, macaroni salad, and a big fruit platter. Dessert is a half-sheet cake, enough for everyone. Drinks include iced tea, lemonade, and water, with 50 pounds of ice to keep everything cold. There are 40 plates and 70 cups to cover seconds and drink refills. Cross off what you already own, like extra cups or utensils.
Day-of
Chill drinks and ice early. Set up food stations before guests arrive, keeping hot items warm and salads cold. Arrange plates, cups, and napkins within easy reach. Refill drinks and food as needed. After the party, pack leftovers promptly and check that all serving pieces are collected and cleaned.
FAQ
Who is "Graduation party food list for 30" for?
This food list is for anyone hosting a graduation party or open house for 30 guests, where pulled pork sandwiches, cold salads, fruit, cake, and drinks are all self-serve. It’s ideal for families or friends who want a straightforward menu that covers all the basics without fuss.
How should I use "Graduation party food list for 30"?
Start by confirming your serving setup—do you have enough tables, serving spoons, and space for hot and cold items? Shop for 10 pounds of cooked pulled pork and 3 pounds of barbecue jackfruit for vegetarian guests. Buy 42 sandwich rolls, 64 ounces of barbecue sauce, and 8 pounds each of prepared coleslaw and macaroni salad. Pick up a 10-pound fresh fruit pl…
What should I skip or avoid with "Graduation party food list for 30"?
Don’t forget to offer vegetarian options—barbecue jackfruit covers this. Avoid running short on drinks or ice; both go quickly, especially if it’s hot or guests linger. Don’t overlook utensils and serving tongs for salads and sandwiches. Make sure the cake is pre-sliced or have a knife ready. Skipping enough cups or plates can leave you scrambling—always ha…
What is on the "Graduation party food list for 30" list?
Expect to serve pulled pork, barbecue jackfruit, sandwich rolls, barbecue sauce, coleslaw, macaroni salad, and a big fruit platter. Dessert is a half-sheet cake, enough for everyone. Drinks include iced tea, lemonade, and water, with 50 pounds of ice to keep everything cold. There are 40 plates and 70 cups to cover seconds and drink refills. Cross off what…
What should I check on the day of?
Chill drinks and ice early. Set up food stations before guests arrive, keeping hot items warm and salads cold. Arrange plates, cups, and napkins within easy reach. Refill drinks and food as needed. After the party, pack leftovers promptly and check that all serving pieces are collected and cleaned.
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For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.