No party (especially one that includes young people) can get off the ground without let-me-at-em Buffa-Que Wings or spicier Nashville Hot Wings. Smoke the wings the day before or the morning of the party, then reheat on a grill over medium-high heat, turning frequently with tongs, and glaze before serving. One recipe will make about 32 pieces. For a similar flavor profile, try Smoke-Roasted Chicken Dip.
Glam Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta will add color to your food table. Grill the tomatoes in advance, then assemble as needed the day of the party.
Smoked Pulled Pork and Brats That Feed a Crowd
Lighter appetites will appreciate the unexpected—a BLT Salad featuring all the components of one of America’s favorite sandwiches. Assemble the salad shortly before guests arrive.
For years, pulled pork has been on the menu of thousands of graduation parties, and for good reason: it’s one of the few bargains left at the meat counter; it can be smoked and pulled in advance, then reheated; a 5- 6-pound pork shoulder feeds 12 to 15 (more if served as sliders—perfect for a party like this where guests may have more than one event to attend); it reheats well; and leftovers freeze well. One of our favorite recipes for this iconic American sandwich is a Carolina-inspired recipe with Pig Pucker Sauce. Smoked Potato Salad, Smoked Coleslaw, and Best Baked Beans on the Planet are fantastic sides.
We’d also like to nominate Brats in a Hot Tub—grilled brats that are transferred to a “hot tub” with beer and onions. (You can use nonalcoholic beer if desired.) Because the brats are indirect grilled, they require very little attention during the 30 to 40 minutes they cook. Hot dogs, which cook quickly, are another option. Give them a twist, i.e., offer the fixin’s for one or more of these five variations.
And don’t forget a dessert. A great cake, of course. No grilling or smoking required.
No matter how you choose to celebrate your graduate, a backyard barbecue offers the perfect mix of ease, flavor, and fun. With these make-ahead recipes and crowd-pleasing dishes, your graduation party menu is sure to impress—without keeping you stuck in the kitchen. Whether you’re grilling wings, serving pulled pork, or dishing up smoked sides, it’s all about good food and great memories. Congrats to your grad—and happy grilling!
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