Kick off your next spooky-scary party with Halloween appetizers, like crispy mummy-wrapped brie, sweet ghostly strawberries and creamy, spiced pumpkin pie dip.
Halloween is the best holiday to play with your food and be extra creative. These Halloween appetizers will get your ghoulish juices flowing for an inspired menu at your next spooky season party. From eerie snacks and creepy-cute bites to sweet treats, these recipes are festive and delicious, so your next Halloween get-together will be the best one yet.
This collection features dishes that are playful and decorative enough to entice kids to eat something besides candy, yet clever and sophisticated enough to appeal to adults. Imagine dipping homemade tortilla chips into guacamole shaped like Frankenstein’s monster in a dimly lit room, or slicing into gooey pastry-wrapped Brie that looks like a mummy while carved pumpkins flicker around you.
While our list focuses on Halloween appetizers, there are other ways to keep the festivities going. Pair them with easy fall dishes for a simple dinner at home or next to some decadent and scary Halloween baked goods for a successful spooky evening. Feel free to take inspiration from our recipes and put a creepy twist on your favorite pumpkin recipes for Halloween-themed fun all season long.
1/24
Mummy Pigs in a Blanket
From the Recipe Creator:
Refrigerated crescent rolls make these Halloween snacks quick and easy. They're great by themselves or with the included dipping sauce! —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer with 2 teaspoons dip: 128 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
This flaky, delightful treat combines the savory, juicy taste of a hot dog with a sweet kick of honey mustard. Your guest will be unraveling with excitement for this Halloween appetizer.
2/24
Pumpkin Cheese Ball
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will guess that this make-ahead pumpkin cheese ball has pumpkin in it, but that subtle ingredient lends harvest color and added nutrition. —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 85 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
Have the perfect edible centerpiece for your Halloween get-together with this pumpkin cheese ball. Smooth cream cheese, sweet pineapples and sharp cheddar blend together for this hauntingly delicious treat. Serve with crackers or a medley of fresh vegetables for the perfect scoop.
3/24
Halloween Guacamole
From the Recipe Creator:
Play the mad scientist this year and bring a monster to life. He's frightfully fun and delicious! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 88 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
Take a frightful, flavorful twist on the classic guacamole and chips with this Frankenguac. Made with mashed avocados, fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice, this Halloween appetizer is quick and easy to make while leaving a big impression on your party guests.
4/24
Crescent Roll Witch Hats
From the Recipe Creator:
It doesn’t take magic to transform these crescent rolls into charming witch hats—just a few minutes and a couple of ingredients. They’re so good, you’ll want to make a double batch. —Mara Fletcher, Batesville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 129 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
These bewitching treats take only a couple of ingredients and a few minutes to make. Using the buttery goodness of prepackaged crescent rolls and the freshness of basil and sun-dried tomatoes, these rolls will leave your guests under its spell.
5/24
Roasted Pumpkin Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
I had previously made this dish with black beans and corn off the cob in the summer. Wanting to try it with fresh fall ingredients, I replaced the corn with roasted pumpkin—yum! It's also good with butternut squash. —Lesle Harwood, Douglassville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 347 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
Tender pumpkin is generously topped with black beans, salsa and a gooey Mexican cheese blend to create the perfect bite of autumnal flavors. Load it up by adding fresh cilantro, green onions or hot pepper sauce.
6/24
Halloween Deviled Eggs
From the Recipe Creator:
Thrill partygoers with Halloween deviled eggs. The mayonnaise-filled bites are one of my favorite apps, so I had fun creating a spooky version. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 79 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
These devilishly delicious eggs are made with mayonnaise, roasted sweet red peppers, Dijon mustard, and an assortment of seasonings for a hauntingly delicious Halloween appetizer.
7/24
Witch’s Caviar
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this dip with triangle-shaped tortilla chips because they look like pointy witch hats. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 17 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
An enchanting blend of ripe olives, green chiles, juicy tomatoes, onions, and more comes together to make this witch’s caviar. Serve with a side of triangle-shaped tortilla chips for a bewitching scoop.
8/24
Pumpkin-Shaped Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These cute pumpkin rolls are a festive fall favorite in my household and are definitely worth the extra effort. If you don't have pumpkin on hand, try using sweet potato. —Veronica Fay, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 211 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
Wow your party attendees with these cute pumpkin-shaped rolls that contain pumpkin puree, shredded cheese and a wonderful bouquet of savory herbs and spices.
9/24
Mummy-Wrapped Brie
From the Recipe Creator:
You can assemble our baked Brie appetizer in advance and bake it right before the party. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without apples): 372 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 426mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
You’ll find a rich, buttery taste of brie and a touch of sweetness from apricot jam beneath this mummy’s wraps. Assemble it beforehand and then toss it in the oven right before the party begins for a warm and cozy Halloween appetizer.
10/24
Jack-o’-Lantern Empanadas
From the Recipe Creator:
Your trick-or-treaters will love these spooktacular pockets with silly grins. The savory filling is perfectly spiced, and the refrigerated pie crust makes prep easy.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 empanada: 137 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Give your trick-or-treaters a special treat with these Jack-o’-Lantern empanadas. Filled with a perfectly seasoned filling of corn, onion, red pepper, pumpkin, and beans, the crusts then get cut-outs of silly grins for a fun Halloween twist.
11/24
Ghost Strawberries
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids will gasp in delight at these adorable ghosts. Juicy strawberries, chocolate and a lick of almond flavor make these little bites a howling success! —Nancy Mueller, Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 ghost: 54 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
These ghost strawberries might be spooky to look at, but they’re a crowd-pleasing sweet treat that is easy to make and has the ability to vanish at rapid speeds. I mean, who doesn’t love a good chocolate-dipped strawberry?
12/24
Sweet and Salty Chex Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
These crunchy munchies are sure to rank high with your family and friends. The combination of flavors gets this sweet and salty chex mix recipe just right. —Candice Lumley, Charles City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 227 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 560mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
This mouthwatering blend of crunchy pretzel sticks, Corn Chex and Cheerios topped with melted butter, garlic salt, soy sauce and sugar make the ultimate sweet and salty snack to please any crowd.
13/24
Mummy Poppers
From the Recipe Creator:
I wrapped these spicy jalapeno poppers in puff pastry like a mummy. You can tame the heat by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 popper: 133 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Get a bite-sized burst of flavor with these crescent roll-wrapped jalapeno poppers. Using chipotle peppers covered in adobo sauce and jalapeno peppers for the spicy kick, these poppers are also made with a touch of sweet honey and zesty lime for a harmony of flavors. If you’re not one for spice, tame the heat by using less chipotle peppers.
14/24
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
After making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
What’s not to love about bacon-wrapped anything? These bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes are a sweet and savory appetizer that pays homage to the fall season and are a locked-in crowd pleaser that you can serve with your favorite dips and other finger foods. Make a double or triple batch, as these will disappear scarily fast.
15/24
Pumpkin Snack Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy mix is so munchable, a bowl of it never lasts long. Feel free to use candy corn instead of the candy pumpkins—or a mix of both! —Shirley Engstrom, Genoa, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 216 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
This party mix combines all the favorite snacks you can’t stop nibbling on like buttery popcorn, nutty peanuts, Rice Chex and Cheerios. Then it adds a few teaspoons of vanilla extract, a cup of brown sugar and candy pumpkins for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Switch out the candy pumpkins for candy corn or have both!
16/24
Ham ‘n’ Cheese Spiders
From the Recipe Creator:
These creepy sandwiches are sure to scare up some fun at Halloween time! Kids really enjoy eating the spider-shaped sandwiches. —Kendra Barclay, De Kalb, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 sandwich: 264 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 827mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
Scare up some fun with this spooky twist on the classic ham and cheese sandwich. This Halloween appetizer is easy to assemble by using foil balls to help make those spider legs. For the details, use complementary ingredients like olive slices and pimientos for the eyes.
17/24
Slithering Hummus Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
Friends often ask me to make my hummus dip for parties. One year at Halloween, I decided to take it further by piping it into phyllo shells and topping it with olives and roasted red peppers to make creepy creatures. —Amy White, Manchester, Connecticut
These classic hummus bites will be slithering into the spotlight at your Halloween get-together. Served in mini phyllo tart shells, “snakes” made of fresh red pepper slivers are draped over the dip for a creepy effect.
18/24
Frankensushi
From the Recipe Creator:
When I think Frankenstein's monster I think Halloween. Give this guy a try this year they are the cutest! These rolls are so fun to make and even more tasty. I love getting creative with the different faces I can make.
You can make half as Frankenstein's monster and half plain, with the nori on the outside, to cut your prep time down. Mixed up on the plate the effect looks great.
Keeping this fun little appetizer veggie is a super plus. Not only do you not need to worry about raw fish sitting on a counter all night, but it keeps things veg-friendly for all of your guests.
Replicate your favorite Halloween creature with this monstrously delicious creation. Vegetarian-friendly, these sushi rolls are stuffed with carrots, cucumbers and avocados for a refreshing bite. Use black and green food coloring for the Frankenstein design!
19/24
Spiderweb Taco Dip with Bat Tortilla Chips
From the Recipe Creator:
Every year, our daughter and her friends anticipate our annual Halloween party. Among the menu items is this spiderweb taco dip with bat-shaped tortilla chips. —Sonia Candler, Edmonton, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons dip with 7 chips: 356 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 669mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
This easy, layered dip has a spicy salsa and cream cheese base topped with guacamole and piped sour cream webs. Homemade baked, seasoned tortilla chips, cut into bats using cookie cutters, make this simple appetizer the ultimate Halloween snack.
20/24
Spider Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
We're always trying to do fun things with food to make meals memorable. Better grab one of these sandwiches before it walks away! —Frank Millard, Edgerton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 337 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 717mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
You’ll want to get a hold of this Halloween appetizer before it crawls away. Using sweet potato fries as legs and pimiento-stuffed olive slices for the eyes, these beef burger sliders bare a scary resemblance to the creepy creature.
21/24
Skewered Eyeballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Someone is watching! These stuffed mushrooms are awfully tasty. The toothpicks look threatening, but they help folks grab their share of the finger food.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 51 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
These Halloween appetizers will make for an eye-catching display. Fresh mushrooms stuffed with crispy bacon, red onion, garlic and cherry-sized mozzarella cheese, these treats taste awfully good.
22/24
Pumpkin Pie Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this rich, creamy pumpkin dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It's also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons dip: 65 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Create a cozy and flavorful autumn dessert in just ten minutes with this pumpkin pie dip. Make by mixing cream cheese, sweet pumpkin puree, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Then scoop a heaping serving with a gingersnap cookie for the perfect bite.
23/24
Gourd-geous Halloween Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves nachos so much that I sometimes serve them for lunch. To get in the Halloween spirit, I used a pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out chips from pita bread. You can change the cutter shape to match any theme.—Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 281 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
Make a hauntingly delicious twist on ordinary nachos with pumpkin-shaped pita bread. Toppings like gooey cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, black beans and onion pile on top for a spook-tacular harmony of flavors.
24/24
Beet Hummus
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. —Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 87 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
This vibrant and nutritious dip is a beautiful addition to the table spread. Made with beets for its deep red color, it uses Greek yogurt, dill, cumin, tahini and chickpeas for a homemade, authentic taste.
Halloween Appetizers FAQ
What easy Halloween appetizers can be made quickly?
If you are short on time, try Halloween appetizers with shortcut ingredients, like crescent roll dough for pigs in a blanket, or refrigerated hard-boiled eggs for quick deviled eggs. Add ketchup eyes or black sesame seeds for a festive garnish. These witches’ fingers look time-consuming, but take minutes to assemble and decorate with just a few ingredients. Even homemade dips, like a creamy pumpkin hummus, can be made quickly by tossing everything into a food processor and whipping until smooth.
What food is best to bring to a Halloween party?
The best foods to bring to a party are fun to look at and easy to grab and eat while mingling, like these Halloween finger food recipes. To stay on theme, add decorative touches to any snack using cookie cutters to make ghost, bat or pumpkin shapes out of soft bread or vegetables or make eyeballs with sour cream and olives. Choose recipes that use pumpkin, sweet potatoes and cozy, warming spices for a seasonal touch.
What are some kid-friendly Halloween appetizers?
Have your kids help assemble a Jack-o’-Lantern-shaped Halloween charcuterie board and include sweet and savory ingredients so there is something everyone will like. Kids will love these soft, homemade pretzel bones to eat plain or dip in warm marinara or cheese sauce. For something heartier before the sugar rushes in, boo-rito bites are like a handheld taco and easy to customize for kids. Remember to keep the kid-friendly designs cute, and creative and reserve the scary and creepy dishes for the adults-only party.
