20 Halloween Appetizer Ideas to Spook and Delight Your Guests

Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and whip up some spooky, fun, and delicious appetizers for your guests. Whether you’re hosting a full-blown costume party or just having a few friends over for a scary movie marathon, these 20 Halloween appetizer ideas are sure to impress. From creepy-crawly critters to ghoulishly good dips, there’s something here for every taste and skill level.

Wrapped and Spooky

These appetizers are all about the element of surprise, with delicious fillings wrapped up in spooky disguises.

1. Mummy Jalapeño Poppers

Give classic jalapeño poppers a Halloween makeover by turning them into adorable mummies. These are surprisingly easy to make and are always a crowd-pleaser. Simply halve and de-seed your jalapeños, fill them with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and spices, then wrap them in thin strips of crescent roll dough to create the mummy bandages. A couple of candy eyeballs are the perfect finishing touch. Bake until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. The result is a creamy, spicy, and savory bite that’s perfect for a Halloween party.

2. Mummy Pigs in a Blanket

Another fun twist on a classic, these mummy pigs in a blanket are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Use your favorite cocktail sausages or hot dogs and wrap them in strips of puff pastry or crescent roll dough, leaving a small gap for the “face.” Once baked, add two dots of mustard or ketchup for the eyes. These are simple to make, can be prepared in advance, and are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.

3. Witches’ Brooms

For a simple, no-cook appetizer that’s both cute and clever, look no further than these witches’ brooms. All you need are pretzel sticks, string cheese, and fresh chives. Cut the string cheese into thirds and fringe the bottom of each piece with a knife to create the broom bristles. Then, carefully insert a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese piece and tie a chive around the top to secure it. These are a great option for a last-minute party snack and are a fun and healthy choice for kids.

4. Witch Finger Breadsticks

These eerie breadsticks are sure to send a shiver down your guests’ spines. Made from store-bought pizza dough, they are surprisingly easy to shape. Roll the dough into long, thin ropes and create a “knuckle” in the middle by pinching and slightly bending the dough. Press a sliced almond onto the tip of each finger to create a gnarled “fingernail.” Brush with a garlic butter and herb mixture before baking for a savory and spooky treat. These are best served warm from the oven.

Ghostly Goodies

These ghostly treats are more cute than creepy, and they’re sure to disappear in a flash.

5. Caprese Crostini Ghosts

These adorable ghost-shaped crostini are a fun and festive way to serve a classic Caprese salad. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut fresh mozzarella slices into spooky shapes. Layer them on top of toasted baguette slices with fresh basil and a slice of tomato. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness. These are a light and refreshing option that will balance out some of the richer Halloween treats.

6. Ghost Hand Pies

These savory hand pies are filled with a delicious mixture of cheese and onions, making them a perfect warm and comforting appetizer. Use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry and cut it into ghost shapes. Fill each one with the cheese and onion mixture, then bake until golden brown. Serve with a side of honey Dijon dipping sauce for a sweet and tangy accompaniment.

7. Ghostly Strawberries

For a sweet and simple treat, these ghostly strawberries are a must-try. Dip fresh strawberries in melted white chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Before the chocolate sets, add two mini chocolate chips for the eyes. Let them set completely before serving. These are a fun and healthy dessert option that both kids and adults will love.

Pumpkin-Palooza

Embrace the flavors of the season with these pumpkin-themed appetizers.

8. Cheesy Pumpkin Puffs

These adorable jack-o’-lantern puffs are a savory and cheesy delight. They are made with a pumpkin and cheese filling, wrapped in puff pastry, and baked until golden brown. You can use a small knife to carve a jack-o’-lantern face into the top of each puff before baking for a festive touch. These are a great way to incorporate the flavor of pumpkin into a savory appetizer.

9. Chicken Pumpkins

These creative chicken nuggets are a fun and spooky treat for all ages. The chicken is soaked in buttermilk, coated in Cheddar-cracker breadcrumbs, and stuffed with mozzarella cheese. The secret to their pumpkin shape is a few strategic knife cuts before baking. These are a fun and interactive appetizer that kids will love to help make.

10. Candy Corn Cheese Tower

This impressive cheese tower is a work of art that’s also delicious to eat. It’s made with three different kinds of cheese—Cheddar, goat cheese, and a red wine and paprika-brushed Monterey Jack—to create the iconic candy corn colors. Serve with a variety of crackers and let your guests dig in. This is a great centerpiece for your Halloween appetizer table.

Creepy Crawlers

These appetizers are designed to look like creepy crawly creatures, but they’re so delicious your guests won’t be able to resist.

11. Spider Web Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs are a spooky twist on a classic party appetizer. The spiderweb effect is created by boiling the eggs in water with black food coloring, then gently cracking the shells before letting them cool. This allows the color to seep into the cracks, creating a web-like pattern on the egg whites. Fill them with your favorite deviled egg filling and top with a plastic spider for a truly creepy effect.

12. Stuffed Mushroom Eyeballs

These stuffed mushrooms are a spooky and savory treat that will be the star of your Halloween party. The mushrooms are filled with a garlic and cream cheese mixture, then topped with a slice of black olive and a sun-dried tomato strip to create a realistic-looking eyeball. These are a great vegetarian option that can be prepared in advance.

13. Sausage Worms

These sausage “worms” are a fun and slightly gruesome appetizer that’s perfect for a Halloween-themed brunch or party. Sliced chicken sausages are cooked until the ends curl up, making them look like worms. A light glaze of butter, vinegar, and sugar adds a touch of sweetness and caramelization. Serve them in a bowl of “dirt” (crumbled dark bread or crackers) for a truly spooky presentation.

14. Spider-Topped Guacamole

This is a simple but effective way to add a spooky touch to your favorite guacamole recipe. Prepare your guacamole as usual and spread it in a shallow dish. Then, use sour cream or a light-colored dip to create a spiderweb design on top. A large black olive can be used to create the spider’s body, with smaller olive pieces for the legs. Serve with blue corn tortilla chips for a dark and spooky contrast.

Dips and Spreads of Doom

No party is complete without a selection of delicious dips and spreads. These Halloween-themed versions are sure to be a hit.

15. Taco Graveyard Dip

This layered taco dip is a spooky and delicious centerpiece for your Halloween party. It’s made with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and all your favorite taco toppings. The “graveyard” is created by using various flavored tortillas cut into tombstone, ghost, and other spooky shapes. This is a fun and interactive appetizer that your guests will love to dig into.

16. Black Bean Swamp Dip

This dark and mysterious “swamp” dip gets its color from black beans and charred vegetables. It’s a healthy and flavorful option that’s perfect for serving with a variety of dippers, such as tortilla chips, pita bread, and fresh vegetables. You can even add a few gummy worms or other creepy crawlies to the top for a truly spooky effect.

17. Pumpkin Pie Dip

For a sweet and creamy dip that tastes just like pumpkin pie, this recipe is a must-try. It’s made with pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and warm spices, and it’s perfect for serving with apple slices, graham crackers, and ginger snaps. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a fun and shareable format.

Other Spooky & Fun Ideas

Here are a few more creative ideas to round out your Halloween appetizer menu.

18. Mini Skull Pepperoni Pizza Bites

These savory pizza bites are made in a skull-shaped mold, making them a perfectly spooky and delicious appetizer. The batter is simple to make, and you can customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings. These are a great option for a more substantial appetizer and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

19. Bloody Berry Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is a spooky and refreshing addition to any Halloween party. The “bloody” effect is created with a raspberry jam glaze that coats the mixed fruits. For an extra spooky touch, let the salad sit for a few hours to allow the lychees to absorb the red glaze. This is a healthy and delicious option that will balance out some of the richer Halloween treats.

20. Bloody Mary Tea Sandwiches

Inspired by the classic cocktail, these tea sandwiches are a sophisticated and spooky appetizer. They are filled with tomato, arugula, and an olive-celery cream cheese, and the “bloody” effect is created with a drizzle of tomato juice or a bloody mary mix. These are a great option for a more grown-up Halloween party.

With these 20 Halloween appetizer ideas, you’re sure to have a spooky and delicious spread that will impress your guests. Happy Halloween!