72 Halloween Potluck Recipes to Feed a Crowd

So-Easy-It's-Spooky Bat Cake

This gorgeous dessert starts with a boxed cake mix. Then it’s an easy and magical trick to make the bat silhouette with cocoa. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota

Spooky Pretzel Bones

I hosted a party one Halloween and wanted to make pretzels to go with my beer cheese dip. Considering the holiday, I shaped the dough into bones. —Courtney Lentz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Slithering Snake Roll

There’s nothing sinister about this snake. It’s filled with meat, sweet red pepper and cheese. You can paint the pizza dough any color or leave it plain.—Jaclyn Scanlan, Dayton, Ohio

Witches' Fingers

You don't need a cauldron to conjure these frightening fingers. They're a sweet-and-salty treat that's spooky easy to make. —Beth Tomkiw, Chief Content Officer, Taste of Home

Mummy-Wrapped Brie

You can assemble our baked Brie appetizer in advance and bake it right before the party. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

Witches' Brew

Stir up Halloween beverages that are as bewitching as the rest of your menu. For a nonalcoholic version, just omit the vodka. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Roasted Pumpkin Nachos

Previously, I had 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

Juicy Bat Wings

These wings are guaranteed to have your guests licking their fingers clean! If desired, you can replace the seasonings listed in the recipe with 1/4 cup purchased blackened seasoning. —Corey Russo, Orono, Minnesota

Mad Scientist Punch

Our home economists concocted this "potion" with kitchen staples such as juice concentrate, soft drink mix, soda and sherbet. It appeals to kids of all ages! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Confetti Corn Quesadillas

This easy and convenient meal is easily changed to fit any family's picky eaters. You can even sneak in protein, dairy and veggies and the kids will never know this is relatively good for them. I try to keep a batch in the fridge for a quick and hearty lunch. —Carey Hunt, Portland, Oregon

Halloween Party Cutout Cookies

I've been making these Halloween cookies for about 40 years—first for my children and now my grandchildren and all their friends, too. I make about 20 trays a year to give away to trick-or-treaters. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

Candy Bar Apple Salad

This creamy, sweet snickers salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa

Skewered Eyeballs

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

Mummy Poppers

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

Flying Bat Pizzas

My kids love to help add toppings and spooky decorations to these quick and tasty Mexican-style pizzas before they go into the oven. —Angela Hanks, St. Albans, West Virginia

Monster Munchies

Magically transform squash or pumpkin seeds into a spellbinding snack with ranch salad dressing mix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Halloween Monster Cookies

Don't be surprised if all the monsters come out of hiding when you assemble these fun and easy treats. My kids and I made them for their classroom Halloween party one year. Their classmates loved them, and it's now a tradition to make them every year. —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Roasted Autumn Vegetable Soup

Roasting sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips brings out their best features. Blend them, and you have a warm, healthy soup for a cool fall night. —Stephanie Flaming, Woodland, California

Mummy Brownies

The grave couldn't hold these mummified treats for long! Watch these fudgy brownies pull a disappearing act at your Halloween get-together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Mini Pretzel Pumpkins

Folks are sure to share some tricks in order to get some of these pleasing pumpkin-shaped treats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Hot Dog Mummies with Honey Mustard Dip

These flaky mummy sandwiches are instant party hits! The accompanying mustard dip adds just the right kick.

Bewitched Chili

One pot and thirty minutes—yes, please. Kids and grown-ups love this warm-you-up chili for Halloween. —Janice Westmoreland, Brooksville, Florida

Party Franks

These tiny, tangy appetizers have such broad appeal. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They're convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead, then just reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon

Spooky Spider Snacks

These kooky critters feature bodies made of creamy peanut butter simply sandwiched between round butter crackers. Chow mein noodles are ideal as the crunchy legs, and plump raisins act as eyes. They are a great treat for Halloween.—Andrea Chapman, Helena, Oklahoma

Jack-o'-Lantern Cake

I pieced two fluted tube pan cakes together to make this gap-toothed grinner that will make the best-ever centerpiece at your Halloween party. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota

Broccoli Boo Salad

There's nothing scary about the recipe for this popular salad—it's delightfully easy to put together. The mandarin oranges also look nice with the colors in other foods and decorations for my theme.—Vicki Schlechter, Davis, California

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Take these extra special cupcakes to your next event and watch how quickly they disappear! With a caramel topping and spice cake base, they're the perfect mix of two fall-favorite treats. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Baked Pumpkin Goat Cheese Alfredo with Bacon

This is a unique and delicious pasta, perfect for fall. I made this for my girlfriends, and everyone asked for the recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Snakewich with Venom Sauce

Our Halloween party is so big, I hold it in the street. This sandwich shaped like a snake is tasty and a scary good centerpiece. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona

Frankenguac

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

Creamy Sourdough Snack

This bread bowl dip was a big hit at my mom's 50th birthday party! —Darelyn Payes, Hayward, California

Pumpkin Pie Dip

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

Creepy-Crawly Pasta Salad

A sweet-and-sour dressing tops off this easy pasta salad that's actually good for you! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Scary Eyeballs

Kids will squeal with delight at the sight of these eyeball treats. But the peanut butter flavor is the best part! —Shannon Blatchley, Ludlow, Massachusetts

Cauldron Dip

This witch's cauldron doesn't hold a spooky brew--just a Halloween snack that's frightfully fun! Our Test Kitchen formed a pot by toasting a slice of rye bread, then filled it with a creamy dip that's perfect with the pretzel "logs" and sweet pepper "flames" that are placed underneath.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

My mom makes this hot chocolate with pumpkin, spices and white chocolate. We usually drink it on Halloween, but it’s delish at Christmas too. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California

Witch's Caviar

I like to serve this dip with triangle-shaped tortilla chips because they look like pointy witch hats. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Kiss from a Vampire Cookies

Raspberry jam eerily oozes from these soft butter cookies. One bite, and you'll have a hard time stopping! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ham 'n' Cheese Spiders

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

Crazy Halloween Blondies

I have a real sweet tooth, so Halloween is my favorite holiday. I came up with these bars for my kids, but I think I like them even more than they do! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Haunted Antipasto Salad

Even grown-up salads can be dressed up for Halloween night. Spookify each serving with ghost-shaped cheese slices and all your dishes will have that festive flair. —Cynthia M. Bent, Newark, Delaware

Purple People Eater Punch

This colorful Halloween punch tastes just like grape sparkling wine. Watch it disappear from your next spooky buffet.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Jack-o'-Lantern Pizzas

Set out a variety of toppings and let the kids decorate their pumpkin-head pizzas. It will be so much fun that they won't realize that they're eating their veggies! —Rachel DeVault, Grove City, Ohio

Festive Pumpkin Dip

Pumpkin adds a sweet element to savory cream cheese dip. It's a chunky, satisfying snack for fall. —Evelyn Kennell, Roanoke, Illinois

Pumpkin Pie Shots

Grown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Yummy Mummy Calzones

Family favorite pizza toppings are the not-so-spooky surprise inside these clever calzones from our Test Kitchen. If you serve these on wood "coffins" like we did, be sure to line the surface with plastic wrap or waxed paper. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Vampire Mouths

Sink your teeth into handheld pies that take on a menacing persona. Using refrigerated pie pastry speeds up prep so you'll have time to carve your pumpkins, too. If you can't find walnut butter, try using natural peanut butter instead. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Creamy Pumpkin Hummus

I love to serve this pumpkin hummus with sliced apples, pears and pita chips. Top it with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of pumpkin oil and even fried sage leaves. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

Goblin Bites

Use vegetable scraps to create ghoulish monster faces on each wonton dip cup. Cut leftover wontons into fun Halloween shapes with small cutters and bake until lightly browned. —Betty Huddleston, Liberty, Indiana

Witch-in-the-Moonlight Cheesecake

Make this ominous cheesecake the highlight of your Halloween buffet. Guests will love what is hidden inside: a fudgy filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Spider Sliders

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

Martian Marshmallows

Wrap leftovers in cellophane and hand them out as favors-if they haven't all disappeared by the end of the party.—Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Cute Halloween Sandwiches

I make these for my grandchildren. You can change the cutter shape and food coloring to suit any occasion, but this is a surefire trick-or-treat winner! —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

Creepy Candied Corn

I couldn't stop eating this popcorn when I first tried it at a friend's party. My generous pal offered the recipe, and now I bring it to gatherings often. Color your corn an eerie green hue to add a spooky effect at Halloween. —Courtney D Wilson, Fresno, California

Boo-rito Bites

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and entertaining is one of my favorite things to do. My entire family loves these cute apps, especially my kids, which makes the recipe extra-special. —Rachel Ruiz, Hurlburt Fld, Florida

Slithering Hummus Bites

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

Scary Hairy Caramel Apples

This is a cute and tasty version of a caramel apple. It's perfect for a Halloween party. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan

Hearty Slow-Cooker Chili

When it’s time to build my zesty chili, I combine everything the night before. In the morning, I load the slow cooker and let it do the work. —Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio

Halloween Punch

My bright orange sipper fits right in with October fun. To serve it in a festive way, I often put the punch bowl inside a hollowed-out-pumpkin. —Sue Thomas, Casa Grande, Arizona

Gruesome Greek Dip

Guests will help themselves to seconds of this savory dip that features shrimp, feta cheese and Greek seasoning. The orange color is fun for Halloween, too. —Gina Wilson, Austin, Texas

Jack-o'-Lantern Cupcakes

Carve out a little time to decorate these Halloween pumpkins with Jack-'o-lantern faces. They're a fun treat to make and share!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Eyeball Taco Salad

Topped with creepy peepers, this tasty taco salad is packed with beef, cheese, tomato and satisfying southwestern flavor to make everyone in your freaky family happy. —Jolene Young, Union, Illinois

Goblin's Orange Popcorn

Your little goblins will love to munch this tasty, colorful popcorn that features a crispy crunch and sweet flavor. Donna Higbee, Sandy, Utah

Oozy Green Eyeballs

Because it calls for frozen prepared meatballs, this unique appetizer takes mere minutes to prepare.—Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio

Eyes-Wide-Open Espresso Cookies

When the spooks come out on Halloween night, you may be afraid to go to sleep. So go ahead and munch on these coffee-laced cookies! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Turkey Sloppy Joes for a Crowd

I found this recipe in my mother's recipe box. Sometimes I serve it over vegetables such as corn or green beans, but it's equally delicious on a bun. —Julie Clemes, Adrian Michigan

Trick-or-Treat Pizza

Don’t let your leftover Halloween loot go to waste. Pile your favorite candies onto a monster-size cookie. — Kendra Bowen, Louisville, Illinois

Cranberry BBQ Pulled Pork

Cranberry sauce adds a yummy twist to pulled pork, and my family can't get enough of it! The pork cooks to tender perfection in the slow cooker, which also makes this dish conveniently portable. —Carrie Wiegand, Mount Pleasant, Iowa

Halloween Peanut Butter Cookie Pops

A miniature candy bar is hidden inside these fun pops. Colored frosting and candy faces make these addicting cookie pops the perfect Halloween treat. —Martha Hoover, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

Everyone will get a kick out of this creamy, savory spread. The zippy cheddar ball can be made a day ahead. —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia

Browned Butter Cereal Bars

Crispy rice treats were one of the first recipes I ever made as a kid. For this version, I wanted to make something similar but more special. Friends and family think using Cap'n Crunch and browned butter is genius, but I just call them delicious.—Kelly Krauss, Lebanon, New Jersey