It may be warm, but signs of Halloween season are starting to appear. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is back, decorations are popping up on Amazon and grocery stores are starting to put the good candy out.
There’s just something so fun about Halloween. Though the holiday has been celebrated since the middle ages, it never gets tiring to dress up in fun costumes, trick out the house, watch a scary movie or two, and of course eat all the candy.
And in the spirit of all things spooky, it’s also fun to trick out the dinner menu with some spooktacular recipes! Nothing gives your family the thrills and chills (or giggles of delight) like mummy pizzas or pumpkin-shaped deviled eggs for dinner. And nothing makes the Halloween party more fun than spooky cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in fun shapes and flavors!
Don’t worry: You won’t find anything overly creepy or off-putting in our list. Plenty of Halloween “food” ideas on the internet can cross the line, and get a little gross. We’re here to make sure the party stays elegant, festive, kid-friendly, and fun.
So, whether you’re designing a holiday menu to entertain adults at a grown-up Halloween party, or to fill kids’ bellies before the trick-or-treating (and candy feasting) begin in earnest, we have plenty of Halloween menu ideas that will delight and satisfy.
Ian PalmerHot Dog Rattlesnake Bites
Whether you make this easy finger food as an hors d’oeuvre for your party, or part of a pre-trick-or-treat halloween dinner for the kids, it’ll be sure to please!
Get the recipe for Hot Dog Rattlesnake Bites.
Ian PalmerScarecrow Cheese Ball
We love a good cheese ball at any party or gathering, but this fun scarecrow-themed one is possibly our favorite! Woven wheat crackers, like Triscuits, complete the effect.
Get the recipe for Scarecrow Cheese Ball.
Ian PalmerBagel Pizza Mummies
These easy mummies take minutes to make, and they’re sure to go fast, as they taste great. They’ll keep little tummies full before the candy fest begins.
Get the recipe for Halloween Bagel Pizza Mummies.
Brian WoodcockA Goulish Rib Platter
One of our favorite ways to embrace the festivities is to arrange baby back ribs in the shape of a rib cage, then slather with your favorite barbecue sauce. You can make them yourself, or buy store-bought.
Get the recipe for Sweet Heat Cheerwine Baby Back Ribs.
Brian WoodcockBatty Chicken Wings
Haunt taste buds with extra spicy chicken wings. Just take a regular recipe (or store-bought), sprinkle with red pepper flakes and serve with super spicy wing sauce.
Get the recipe for Spicy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings.
Ren FullerSmokey Pumpkin Deviled Eggs
All you need to make classic deviled eggs seasonal is a fork and some tiny cornichon pickles.
Get the recipe for Smokey Pumpkin Deviled Eggs.
Ren FullerSlow Cooker Meatballs
This make-ahead meal is great for grazing on before or after trick or treating, and requires just 20 minutes of hands-on time, which means you’ll have more freedom to, say, sew on a last-minute superhero cape.
A flavorful blend of sausage, beef, and spinach means these meatballs don’t need much else.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Meatballs.
Brian WoodcockGarlic Bread
Garlic bread is perfect for dunking in straight-from-the-jar sauce. (Bonus: It wards off vampires.)
Get the recipe for Garlic Bread.
Ren FullerBroiled Broccolini
Tangy Broccolini and capers round out the meal with a hit of green.
Get the recipe for Broiled Broccolini.
Ren FullerSpiced Pumpkin-Molasses Cake
This smart spice cake is packed with seasonal flavors, but elegant enough adults.
Get the recipe for Spiced Pumpkin-Molasses Cake.
Ren FullerMummy Pumpkin Hand Pies
Fun and light, these snackable pies make tasty after dinner treats with a cup of coffee.
Get the recipe for Mummy Pumpkin Hand Pies.
Becky Luigart-StaynerApple Cider-Glazed Wings
Much more treat than trick, these sweet, mildly kicky wings are a perfect fall-season alternative to Buffalo, and great for parties!
Get the recipe for Apple Cider-Glazed Wings.
Becky Luigart-StaynerSlow Cooker Beef Tacos
Low-key and easy, tacos are a feed-a-crowd meal that practically make themselves. And they’re filling enough to balance out the candy feast that’s coming.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Tacos.
Becky Luigart-StaynerSausage-and-Wild Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Looking for a slightly more elegant seasonal dinner? These single-serving stuffed squashes are the perfect Halloween party dinner main!
Get the recipe for Sausage-and-Wild Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash.
Ren FullerPumpkin & Pesto Crostini
Hors d’oeuvres are what turn “having a few friends over” into “dinner party.” These seasonal, elegant snacks are both fun and tasty.
Get the recipe for Pumpkin & Pesto Crostini.
Becky Luigart-StaynerAcorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette
Just because it’s getting cooler doesn’t mean salad season is over! This rich dish is ideal for nibbling on and for sit-down dinners alike.
Get the recipe for Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette.
Ren FullerPumpkin-Chorizo Pizza
For an unexpected twist, cut your rectangular pizza into long slivers instead of the usual square shape.
Get the recipe for Pumpkin-Chorizo Pizza.
Ren FullerPumpkin Spice White Russian
If it’s a cocktail kind of evening, consider this smart riff on the classic White Russians, which adds a little seasonal spice.
Get the recipe for Pumpkin Spice White Russian.
Evin KrehbielLiquid Web Cocktails
Want to make it even more Halloween-y? This combo of liqueurs, whipped cream, and milk is like candy for adults!
Get the recipe for Liquid Web Cocktails.
Brian WoodcockNot-So-Warm Welcome Wreath
Greet your guests as soon as they approach your door with this festive DIY decor. To create this wicked craft, start with a grapevine wreath and spray-paint it black. Use black wire to secure cardboard crows and hang with black gingham ribbon.
