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Serve up some spooky fun with these Halloween recipe ideas to make your party go off with a bang! From savory dishes, food for kids and adults, and some tasty desserts, there’s something for the whole family! I’ll also share some of my ideas on how to create a Halloween menu for a hauntingly good party.

Halloween is one of our favorite times of the year, it’s a great holiday for kids and adults! Whether you plan on hosting a party, or celebrate with family only, these fun recipe ideas are a delight everyone!

Stick to traditional Halloween foods or expand to new flavors and ideas. You’ll have sweets, treats, and even savory options to consider when planning your Halloween party menu.

WHAT ARE POPULAR HALLOWEEN FOODS?

• Candy: Skip past the candy corn and head right for what’s popular: Starburst, Reese’s, chocolate bars like Hershey’s and Twix, and M&M’s top the list year after year for kid’s favorites (and parents, too). Have more fun making your own candy bark with googly eyes and candy pieces incorporated or make homemade candy bars.
• Treats: Popcorn, caramel apples, chocolate-covered pretzels, marshmallows decorated as ghosts and monsters, or a trail mix with nuts, dried fruits, and candy pieces. Want a healthy snack option? Carve the skin off an apple to look like a mummy or pumpkin, or make banana mummy pops.
• Sweets: Dessert bars, cupcakes, no-bake desserts, cookies, ice cream, and pies. There are plenty of options to make some tasty treats.
• Savory Foods: Having a Halloween-themed meal is so much fun, and you can really get creative. Make savory pumpkin pasta, spider pizzas, hearty chili, or stuffed peppers that complement the holiday flavors.

TIPS FOR MAKING HALLOWEEN FOOD

1. Plan ahead. Whether you are planning a bigger party, or just celebrating with your immediate family, planning ahead will make it a lot less stressful. A lot of these recipes can even be made ahead of time so you can enjoy the day.
2. Use seasonal foods and flavors. Pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice is perfect to incorporate into your Halloween spread. But don’t forget about other squashes too!
3. Turn your favorite meals into Halloween-themed dishes. Revision your favorite recipes or try new recipes to get a handle on a spooky feast. Use a pumpkin to serve chili or soup out of, and make breadsticks into creepy witch fingers.
4. Add some color. Halloween is such a fun time for kids, so don’t be afraid to add some color to your foods! Greens, oranges, and blacks are perfect to include! You can make a green monster from mashed avocados or pumpkin smoothies from carrots, for example.
5. Get your kids to help! Halloween is a great time to get the kids into the kitchen! These fun recipes are easy to make, and little hands will love to help decorate!
6. Choose a balance of sweet and savory foods. Plan for foods that will offer your guests a variety of easy-to-make recipes. You can also minimize having too many sweets by including fresh and healthy menu items.
7. Use fun containers, serving dishes, and props. An easy way to elevate a recipe into a killer Halloween dish is to choose food-safe containers and dishes to serve them in. Such as a cauldron for soups, stews, or beverages, or maybe a creepy hand holding a serving bowl filled with chips, pretzels, and popcorn.
8. Create a grazing table of fun and eerie appetizers. A table with various appetizers and other foods for guests to snack on such as pinwheel roll-ups, sandwiches, veggie sticks with dips, and small pickers like olives and pickles.

HOW TO PLAN A MENU FOR AN ADULT HALLOWEEN PARTY

• Make a drink table. This is so fun, and you can have different spooky drinks to really set the atmosphere. Carve a jack-o-lantern and fill it with a refreshing pumpkin spice drink, and a cauldron of witches brew.
• Have a theme. Having a themed Halloween party allows you to hone in on decorations, what foods to make, and what drinks to serve. It could be supernatural, horror/slasher film derived, or choosing a favorite show or movie to mimic.
• Arrange a tablescape for finger foods. For a more casual menu, make a spread of appetizers and small handhelds for guests to enjoy throughout the party.
• Dinner party. Plan a Halloween dinner party by focusing your menu around the main course. Then, choose sides and beverages that match. You can still include an appetizer spread to keep the party alive.

HOW TO PLAN A MENU FOR A KIDS HALLOWEEN PARTY

• Choose a theme and decorations. This is the fun part! Get the kids involved in planning the theme for your party that can incorporate seamlessly with the menu.
• Keep it simple but fun. Find foods that are easy to make and can be transformed into Halloween tidbits. Mac and cheese bites shaped like pumpkins, witch’s fingers, mummy pizzas, or burger sliders with a jack o lantern face carved in the cheese.
• Have a Spooktacular Movie Night. Play a movie in the background of a party, OR focus the party around Halloween movies. Create a Halloween menu around the movie playing, such as popcorn, pizza bites, fruit cups, and mac-n-cheese in a mug.
• Treats and desserts, of course. Have a variety of tasty treats like pumpkin donuts, chocolate-covered fruit and pretzels, worm pudding cups, and some really fun sweets. Some healthy options are peanut butter apple slices with marshmallow teeth.

BEST HALLOWEEN RECIPES FOR KIDS & ADULTS

Once it’s been decided what kind of Halloween party you’re throwing, start choosing your menu. Consider who will be attending, whether it’s a kid party, an adult party, or a combination of both. To help you create a spooktacular spread, check out some of my favorite Halloween recipes that will be a hit with people of all ages!

Halloween Appetizer Recipes

• Halloween Chex Mix – Enjoy the magic of Halloween Chex Mix aka Monster Munch – a wickedly delicious blend of sweet and salty surprises, all in one spooktacular snack!
• Halloween Deviled Eggs – These three deviled egg recipes make for a great party tray food with different flavors for each of your guests. You can decorate them to be fun and festive, or just fill them up and gobble them down.
• Frankenguac – This is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. And the best part is you don’t need to be super crafty or need a lot of ingredients!
• Epic Cheese Board – This guide will help you make a Monster of a cheese board that you can get creative with. Be sure to include some Halloween decor throughout.
• Cheesy Meatballs – Stuff with feta and baked to perfection. Add these meatballs to your appetizer table. Or toss them with wide noodles and red spaghetti sauce for “intestines” if you can stomach it.
• Chicken Taco Wonton Cups – Full of juicy chicken, fresh salsa, and melty cheese, these little bites are perfect for an appetizer, and you can add olive slices for the eyes!
• Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip – It’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with the perfect balance of shredded chicken and cheese. This simple dip recipe is perfect for gathering with friends. Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, or veggie sticks.
• Mac and Cheese Bites – Made in mini muffin tins, they’re a cheesy, simple & fun appetizer idea that kids and adults love! Blend spinach into the sauce for a green, ooey-gooey bite.
• Cheesy Bean Quesadillas – Made with mini tortillas, these small bites are ready in less than 10 minutes and are a tasty addition to an appetizer table for the kiddos.

SAVORY HALLOWEEN RECIPES

• Sweet Potato Chili – This Sweet Potato Chili is basic in ingredients but sophisticated in flavor – it has a sweet, smoky flavor, and you can switch out the potatoes for pumpkin.
• Sheet Pan Pizza – Easy to make, this crispy sheet pan pizza is loaded with fresh and flavorful toppings. An effortless way to enjoy a homemade pizza! Use this opportunity to decorate with your toppings.
• Pumpkin Risotto – This simple recipe is perfect to serve up this fall for a quick, comforting dish full of creamy pumpkin flavor.
• Vegan Pumpkin Pasta – This vegan pasta is a savory fall-inspired recipe made with a dairy-free sauce. It will be a tasty addition to your Halloween party.
• Pumpkin Soup – Made with roasted pumpkin and seasoned with cinnamon, sage, cayenne, and maple syrup, it’s a perfect recipe to get cozy with!
• Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl – Sub out chunks of pumpkin for the sweet potato in this quinoa bowl filled with a delicious medley of vegetables. Add a pinch of pumpkin spice for fall flavor.
• Beef Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers are stuffed with a tasty ground beef and rice mixture for a filling main course. Carve those peppers for a really fun meal.
• Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl – The freshness of the ingredients used in this breakfast bowl with greens gives you a savory and crunchy bite with loads of flavor. Swap the potatoes for pumpkin or butternut squash.
• Ground Beef Casserole – This easy casserole dish is perfect for accommodating a large crowd, and the cozy and familiar flavors will satisfy everyone.
• Almond Crusted Chicken – If you love crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside chicken, this one hits the mark. With a tasty crust of almonds, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, it’s a perfect addition to any holiday table.

HALLOWEEN FOOD IDEAS FOR ADULTS

• Fall Harvest Salad – This festive, nutritious and delicious salad is full of many colors, textures, and flavors. It is a fantastic addition to include as part of a large holiday spread.
• Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – A lighter version of the recipe with added servings of vegetables and less cheese – it’s creamy and comforting!
• Hearty Beef Stew – For a dinner party, serve up this rich beefy stew with big chunks of carrots, celery, and potatoes.
• Wild Rice Mushroom Soup – Soup season is here, and this vegan wild rice mushroom soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out! Rich, earthy and full of flavor, you can carve little skull faces into your mushrooms for a haunting appearance.
• Lemon Rosemary Whole Chicken – An all-time favorite, a good roast chicken is a hit with everyone. This one is bursting with flavors from fresh rosemary, lemon, garlic, and shallots.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Save yourself from the fuss and enjoy this flavorful yet simple side dish that’s sure to bewitch your guests.
• Smashed Sweet Potatoes – Oven-roasted to crispy perfection, these taters have a perfect blend of Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and fresh garlic mixed with butter, topped with savory Parmesan cheese.
• Roasted Acorn Squash – Discover the rich flavors of Halloween with slices of acorn squash sprinkled with brown sugar, cumin, and cinnamon for a simple yet delicious side dish.
• Autumn Pear Salad – This seasonally-inspired salad weaves a tapestry of colors, textures, and flavors. A perfect pairing for your Halloween spread.
• Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Salad – Another veggie-loaded, nutritious delight, that’s effortlessly made and serves as a perfect dish with your favorite Halloween food.

Halloween food ideas for kids

• Halloween Fruit Kabobs – Bite into Halloween fun with our spooky Fruit Kabobs: cantaloupe pumpkins, grapes with googly eyes, and mysterious blackberries!
• Mummy Pizza – Add some fun to your table with a spooky mummy pizza! These handheld pizzas are made with ciabatta bread and are easy to make with just 5 ingredients. These will be a sure hit with your kids.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Children love this classic. What’s not to love about the gooey, cheesy center nestled between perfectly toasted bread? It’s pure comfort that’s great for a quick Halloween lunch or surprise dinner.
• Spaghetti and Meatballs – The meatballs are tender, juicy, and flavorful and made with simple ingredients, then tossed in a marinara sauce and spaghetti.
• Ravioli Soup – Very similar to Lasagna Soup, this kid-friendly soup is a hearty and comforting recipe that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
• Dirt Pudding Cups – Made with Oreos and a creamy peanut butter chocolate pudding, they’re topped with gummy worms and are perfect for the spooky season and your Halloween menu.
• Chocolate Covered Bananas – An easy and fun kid-friendly ghoulish treat is to dip bananas in chocolate and add googly eyes. Or, you can make them look like mummies!
• Pumpkin Pancakes – Quick and easy to make and seasoned with pumpkin spice, this is one delicious breakfast! Use the batter and make mini pancakes for a fun treat for the kids.
• Fruit Popsicles – Make frozen fresh fruit popsicles for the kids to enjoy. You can really get creative with a combination of fruit purees and add some fun, spooky decor to them.
• Fruit Leather – Roll up these thin fruit chews and add little googly eyes to them for a fun snack that kids will love.

HALLOWEEN TREATS

• Monster Rice Krispie Treats – Meet our Halloween Monster Rice Krispie Treats: spooky marshmallow creations with candy eyes and monstrous charm. Join the delicious monster mash!
• Sweet Potato Bites – It’s like sweet potato casserole, but make it bite-size. Tender rounds of sweet potatoes are topped with gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans for that perfect finger food treat.
• No-Bake Pumpkin Balls – This treat is a great way to welcome fall and all things pumpkin! Shape into pumpkins for a fun dessert idea. 
• Dark Chocolate Halloween Cookies – A dark chocolate lovers’ Halloween dream! Crisp on the outside with a soft, chewy center packed with chocolate chips and fun orange Halloween-inspired chocolate candies.
• Cranberry Apple Mini Pies – A tasty balance of tart cranberries with sweet cinnamon apples in a buttery, golden, rich pie crust. And since they’re mini, you can showcase many of these on the dessert table.
• Almond Joy Bars – Quick and simple to make, they are a great homemade version made with only five ingredients. Enjoy these bewitching bars at your next ghostly gathering or as a homemade treat for trick-or-treaters.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – These cookies are easy to make and ready in 15 minutes. Another delicious combination of pumpkin and chocolate.
• Apple Chips –  A perfect healthy snack that’s easy to dehydrate in the oven or air fryer. Seasoned with cinnamon, they are naturally sweet with no added sugar.
• Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies – Cast a delicious Halloween spell with these treats. They come together in just one bowl and deliver a soft and chewy texture that will delight all the goblins in your life.
• Carrot Cake Cookies – These cookies bring together the cakey goodness of your favorite classic spiced dessert and a rich cream cheese glaze into a handheld treat.
• Date Snickers – Sink your fangs into these spooktacular snickers that make the perfect treat when your sweet tooth wants a candy bar with a healthier twist.

HALLOWEEN DESSERT IDEAS

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – A classic fall baking recipe that’s lightly spiced, moist, sweet, and easy to make with staple ingredients and pumpkin puree.
• Cinnamon Baked Apples – These individual apple cobblers are perfect for kids and topped with toasted pecans to give them a nice crunch.
• Easy Pumpkin Bars – If you’re looking for an easy, no-fail pumpkin treat for a crowd this fall, then these moist and tender bars with light pumpkin-y flavor will do the trick.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip – This is the perfect party food made with only five ingredients in just 5 minutes. It’s easy, healthy, and great for dipping fruits and pretzels in.
• Easy Apple Crisp – For a quick and cozy treat, try this easy and delicious fruit dessert recipe made with juicy apples and sweet, crisp topping.
• Vegan Pumpkin Pie – Embrace the flavors of the fall season with this classic. Halloween is the perfect holiday to kick off the pumpkin pie eating.
• Cranberry Cake – Make this simple yet tasty dessert for your thrilling Halloween gathering. The perfect texture, delicious flavors, and ease of preparation will leave you bewitched.

Halloween drinks

• Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte – It takes just 5 minutes to make and is perfect for pumpkin spice season and a Halloween menu.
• Hot Cocoa Bombs – Gather your favorite goblins for a spooktacular Halloween activity. These DIY hot cocoa bombs are perfect for a fun and delicious time at your Halloween party.
• Pumpkin Pie Smoothie – This easy pumpkin smoothie is not only quick to make but also packed with protein for a healthy breakfast or afternoon drink that will charm any pumpkin spice fan.
• Mixed Berry Smoothie – A superfood-packed smoothie that is easy to make and will nourish your body with fiber, antioxidants, protein, and vitamins.
• Pumpkin Cold Brew – Step into fall with this delicious Starbucks pumpkin cold brew recipe. Simple to make at home to enjoy all the warm spices and pumpkin-y flavors.
• Ginger Turmeric Tea – Packed with health benefits, this delicious tea can be enjoyed warm or iced, making it a perfect pick-me-up so you can keep up with all the festivities.

HOW TO KEEP FOOD WARM

• Oven: As long as you’re not cooking anything in the oven, you can set it to 200°F and store dishes in there to keep them warm.
• Aluminum Foil: If your oven is not free, you can simply use aluminum foil, which has reflective properties that protect the food from light and oxygen. The foil reflects the thermal energy back to the food, which maintains moisture, flavor, and texture.
• Crock Pots and Instant Pots: Think of recipes that can be made in your crock pot or instant pot that will keep food warm during the party. You can even use them to keep foods warm even if you don’t cook in them.
• Insulated coolers: You can use a cooler to keep food hot as well as cold. The insulation technology that keeps out the heat to maintain cold foods also works to trap heat in and keep food hot for hours at a time. You can even line the cooler with aluminum foil for even better results.

HOW TO STORE ALL THE LEFTOVERS

• Have goodie bags for the kids and adults to fill up with sweets, treats, and desserts. You can also have to-go containers available for guests to take some leftovers, too.
• Use food-safe storage containers suitable for each food, such as air-tight tubs or zip-top bags. Store most foods in the refrigerator.
• Transfer food to the refrigerator after being out at room temperature for more than two hours to eliminate the possibility of them going bad. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Store nuts, chips, candies, and such in bags or another air-tight container.
• Wrap up desserts and sweet loaves of bread with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get creative and plan a party full of good food and a hauntingly good time with these 60 Halloween recipe ideas for appetizers, desserts, and dishes for kids and adults alike. Even witches, ghosts, and goblins need to eat, so dive into the Halloween food and let the festivities begin!

Full List of recipes for Halloween

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: 3 Easy Halloween Snacks, 10 Halloween Recipes, 4 Banana Halloween Themed Food, How to Carve a Pumpkin, and Easy Halloween Party Tips.

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