A Celebrar! High School Graduation Edition

The graduation from high school isn’t just about getting a diploma—it’s a full-blown rite of passage. It’s the moment where we, as parents, pause and realize: My little girl ya no es una niña, and mi hijo doesn’t need help with his math homework anymore (even if he still calls us to ask for the Wi-Fi password). This is adulthood knocking on the door, and we’re here for it—with proud hearts and big appetites.

Now, if there’s one thing we Latinos know how to do, it’s throw a party. But not just any party—an unforgettable, flavor-packed, music-filled, tía-dancing kind of party. And what better excuse than our baby walking across that stage in their cap and gown?

So, let’s get into it. If you’re planning a graduation bash and you want to impress la familia, your kid’s friends, and maybe even that neighbor who always peeks over the fence—you’ll need the right menu. And no, chips and store-bought salsa won’t cut it. We’re talking homemade, crowd-pleasing food that says “¡Felicidades!” with every bite.

Here are three must-have dishes to serve at your high school grad’s party—because nothing says “you did it” like a slider in one hand and a queso dip in the other.

🐓 Tinga Sliders

We’ll start with a classic that never fails: Tinga Sliders. This one’s a guaranteed hit—tender shredded chicken in a smoky tomato-chipotle sauce, tucked into little buns perfect for nibbling between salsa songs.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1 small onion, sliced
  
• 1 garlic clove, minced
  
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
  
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• Slider buns
  
• Pickled red onions (optional, but trust us, they’re the extra sazón)
  

Pro tip from las tías: You can prep the tinga the night before—just try not to “taste test” it too much or you’ll be making another batch before the party even starts.

Full recipe here →

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🧀 Melted Queso Dip

If there’s no queso dip, is it even a party? We say no. This Melted Queso Dip is gooey, melty, and made for dipping everything from tortilla chips to fingers (we don’t judge).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIbCsu_Ayjc

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
  
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  
• 1 cup milk
  
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite melty blend)
  
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
  
• Salt to taste
  
• Cilantro for garnish
  

It’s simple, quick, and disappears fast—just like your patience when people start asking for the playlist.

Full recipe here →

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🥭 Chutney with Picada

Now for a little something fancy—but still full of that Latino corazón. This Chutney with Picada brings sweet, savory, and crunchy all together like a perfect family reunion (the kind without drama).

https://www.instagram.com/wearecocina/reel/DE3GExAhXPr/

Ingredients for Chutney:

• 1 mango, peeled and chopped
  
• ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
  
• 1 garlic clove, minced
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon sugar
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  

Ingredients for Picada (crunchy topping):

• ¼ cup almonds, chopped
  
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  
• 1 garlic clove, minced
  
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  
• Olive oil for toasting
  

Spoon it over crostini, serve it with cheese, or eat it straight from the bowl. And don’t be surprised if your cousin starts asking for this recipe “for her next brunch.”

Full recipe here →

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Final Tips from the Graduation Fiesta Committee (a.k.a. Us)

• Make a little food station so everyone can help themselves—because once the music starts, no one wants to get stuck playing waitress.
  
• Add paper signs with dish names and “¡Felicidades, Grad!” to give it that DIY Pinterest but make it Latino vibe.
  
• And remember: This is their big day, but it’s your moment too. You got them here. You did the homework hustle, the late-night pep talks, the “you better not be failing algebra” speeches.
  

So raise that glass of fruit punch and toast to your grad—with love, laughter, and a plate full of sabor.

¡A celebrar se ha dicho!