1/47
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.
These flaky mummy sandwiches are instant party hits. The accompanying mustard dip adds just the right kick.
2/47
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
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.
It looks professional, but it’s actually so easy to design this monster of Frankenstein. Form the guacamole into a rectangle, then pipe refried black beans into a scar and mouth. Dollops of sour cream and sliced olives make the eyes. And blue corn chips really make the hair stand out.
3/47
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 empanada: 137 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Ever get tired of having only Halloween-themed desserts? These cute pumpkin empanadas can make a great snack or side. Not only do they look the part but they taste it too! With a pumpkin filling, they’re savory with a hint of sweetness.
4/47
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel: 173 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
These soft pretzels will warm you to the bone. Serve them with all kinds of hot dip recipes like chili cheese dip, cowboy queso or pizza dip.
5/47
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.
Who knew deviled eggs could get even more devilish? You can add Sriracha to these bites to add a bit more spice and create a bloody effect.
6/47
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't need a cauldron to conjure these frightening fingers. They're a sweet-and-salty treat that's spookily easy to make. —Beth Tomkiw, Chief Content Officer, Taste of Home
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel half: 155 calories, 7g fat (7g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
These sweet and salty treats are made with just three ingredients. To give your witches’ fingers a manicure, choose your favorite colored jelly bean.
7/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Top peanut buttery cupcakes with your favorite frosting and spirited faces to make these frightfully ghostly treats. They’ll vanish into thin air before you know it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cone: 172 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
No muffin tins at home? No problem! Peanut butter cupcake batter bakes right into ice cream cones. Pipe on a white-hued frosting and use black sprinkles for facial features.
8/47
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.
This spooky baked Brie makes a wonderful centerpiece for your next charBOOterie board. With apple slices and dried cranberries for the eyes, it’s tasty and cute!
9/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Even my adult children love these Halloween cupcakes! We serve them every year at our pumpkin-carving party. You can also make them with the fudge stripes on their wings facing up for variety. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 284 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Fudge-striped cookies and chocolate kisses form these adorable Halloween cupcakes. Instead of frosting for the eyes, find edible eye decorations in the baking aisle.
10/47
From the Recipe Creator:
The Taste of Home Test Kitchen turned cute meringue cookies into these whimsical kisses, perfect for Halloween. With just 15 calories, each little treat can be enjoyed guilt-free! —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 meringue: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
A bit of orange food coloring makes these cookies go from adorable to festive. The low-calorie treats are a fun new way to spruce up meringue.
11/47
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.
Homemade sweet potato fries make these creepy crawlers all the more tasty! Break out a bag of Hawaiian rolls to keep things easy, or go the extra mile and make dinner rolls from scratch.
12/47
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll hear shrieks of delight when these not-so-spooky pumpkin custards appear for dessert. These ghosts will be gobbled up in no time! —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 189 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
Lift your spirits with this simple dessert. The custard treat tastes like a pumpkin pie without the crust.
13/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids of all ages can help prepare these easy-to-make treats. With just three ingredients that I often keep on hand, they can be put together at a moment's notice. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 137 calories, 6g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Kids can help bring these treats back from the dead. The no-bake recipe is ready in 20 minutes—just let an adult melt the candy coating.
14/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and entertaining is one of my favorite things to do. My entire family, especially my kids, love these cute apps, which makes the recipe extra-special. —Rachel Ruiz, Hurlburt, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 151 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
With pizza crust instead of a tortilla, these boo-ritos are a lot easier to shape than it normally would be. You can even shave off some time by using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter. They are cheesy and pack a bit of heat depending on what type of salsa you use.
15/47
From the Recipe Creator:
My brother loves Rice Krispies squares, and my mom loves sugar cookies. I came up with a cute treat they'd both like. —Jill Wright, Dixon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 treat: 358 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
This cute snack combines two Halloween favorites: cookies and Rice Krispies treats. Use frosting to write your own spooky personalized messages from beyond the grave.
16/47
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Colored sugar gives you the option to make your very own martian marshmallows. It’s a great way for kids to get creative, and you get a fun gooey treat!
17/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken makes these burritos super kid-friendly, and it doesn't get a lot simpler than putting them together. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito (calculated without toppings): 396 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 1118mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
Spinach tortillas are a sneaky way to get some veggies in and make a face only a mother (or doctor?) could love. These chicken burritos are made special with Spanish rice and pasta.
18/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Customize these cake balls to your liking with the flavors of your choice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cake ball: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Ever want a Starbucks cake pop from the comfort of your own home? Customize these cake pops to look like scary monsters or eyeballs.
19/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Kick off your night of trick-or-treating by making this hauntingly delicious recipe. It’s just like having grilled cheese and tomato soup. We eat it every year on Halloween. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
I love this play on the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup, especially for the cold weather. French bread makes the “croutons” crispy.
20/47
From the Recipe Creator:
As soon as they see these pumpkin pops, your little ghouls’ and goblins’ faces will light right up. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 310 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 385mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Draw some funny faces on these popsicle stick treats. This recipe has all the fun and portability of cake pops with all the ease of making a batch of Rice Krispies treats.
21/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Pair these edible mini brooms with Witches’ Brew for a spellbinding combination. The only ingredients you need here are pretzel rods and licorice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 broom: 106 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
These licorice snacks take only 30 minutes to make and are a great favor for your next Halloween party. You can use black and green licorice, or try out some other colors.
22/47
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.
These homemade tortilla chips are made special with cookie cutters. You can try any Halloween shapes you like.
23/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Like a zombie, you'll be desperate for more of these bone-shaped cookies with dip. Fight nicely over them—no biting! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie with 2 teaspoons sauce: 78 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
We have a bone to pick with whoever withheld this Halloween recipe from us for so long. The chocolate strawberry sauce is simple but thick enough to resemble blood.
24/47
From the Recipe Creator:
When I think of Frankenstein's monster, I think of Halloween. Give this guy a try this year; these rolls are the cutest! They are so fun to make and even more tasty. 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 your guests. —Tina Coopman, Toronto, Ontario
This veggie-friendly dish is as adorable as it is healthy. Experiment with funny facial expressions and your favorite sushi fillings.
25/47
From the Recipe Creator:
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
You better keep an eye on these peanut butter treats—they’ll be gone before you know it! These foolproof snacks are great for your next party.
26/47
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a cute and tasty version of a caramel apple. It's perfect for a Halloween party. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
You’ll never guess what makes up the hair on these scary caramel apples. It’s chow mein noodles! They’re cinnamon-coated for a crunchy and sweet add-on.
27/47
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.
Your lunch has never looked scarier. Ham, onion, cheese and mustard make up these creepy-crawly calzones.
28/47
From the Recipe Creator:
This friendly ghost pizza won’t scare folks away from your dinner table. My family loves Halloween, so we like creating fun new recipes like this one. Fill it with whatever pizza toppings you like best. —Francine Boecher, Queensbury, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 440 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
This stuffed pizza will make your oven smell like a dream. But its shape is your worst nightmare!
29/47
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm absolutely petrified of real spiders. But I can make an exception for these cute ones made from chocolate. They make perfect Halloween treats. —Ali Ebright, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 367 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
Chow mein noodles and candy eyeballs make these brownies go from cute to creepy. Ready in under an hour, they’re a great last-minute treat for your Halloween party.
30/47
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 that 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.
Crescent rolls are already divided into triangles, so it doesn’t take much to form them into witches hats. With a sun-dried tomato filling, they’re bewitchingly good.
31/47
From the Recipe Creator:
I saw these cute cakes at a local grocery store and decided to make my own version at home. They’re a hit at any fall gathering. —Jennifer Dorff, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 813 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 481mg sodium, 152g carbohydrate (127g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
Put your Bundt pan to work! These maple-glazed Bundt cakes look as if they’re straight off the bakery shelves.
32/47
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.
You won’t find these chips at the store. They’re made from pita bread cut with a cookie cutter and baked until very crispy. These nachos are topped with bacon, black beans and cheddar cheese.
33/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Set out this unique spider instead of biscuits or rolls, and you'll definitely make an impression. Start with from-scratch dough and shape it as directed. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spider bread, spider bread, does whatever a spider bread can! Wow guests with this elaborate homemade savory bread.
34/47
From the Recipe Creator:
If Bigfoot pays a visit this Halloween, treat him to a larger-than-life meal. This “feet loaf” tastes just like your favorite home-style meat loaf. It will have enormous appeal with believers and nonbelievers alike. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
This meat loaf is sure to put some spring in your step. Carrot toenails make this meal toe-tally creepy!
35/47
From the Recipe Creator:
This unique treatment for meringue travels well! You will certainly get requests for the recipe, and folks will be surprised at how simple it is. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 35 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Bone appétit! These simple meringues are so easy to make and can be flavored with just about anything.
36/47
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.
You’ll be dying to try these mummified jalapeno poppers. Don’t be too precious with the wrapping. Varying shapes and crossing patterns look more realistic.
37/47
From the Recipe Creator:
These cute spider cookies are so easy. They'll be the star at your next Halloween party! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 138 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
These cookies give Reese’s peanut butter cups a spooky new look. You can find edible candy eyes in the baking aisle of the grocery store or craft store.
38/47
From the Recipe Creator:
One pot and thirty minutes—yes, please. Kids and grown-ups love this warm-you-up chili for Halloween. —Janice Westmoreland, Brooksville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 230 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 744mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
This super easy chili comes with a bewitching decoration. I love making chili recipes for a crowd because they’re easy to configure to different diets and can cater to all guests.
39/47
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Make this once and the rest will be hissstory. Despite its intimidating size, it’s actually quite easy to assemble the snake. Don’t forget to save a piece of red bell pepper for the tongue.
40/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Transform this pizza-flavored pasta sauce into something spooky by adding some black food coloring to the pasta water. —Robert Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada
I think this spirited spaghetti is so creative! It’s the perfect dish to fix following an afternoon of trick-or-treating. For something a little more natural than black food coloring, try squid ink pasta.
41/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Creepy creatures have completely taken over this Halloween meal! Since you can create a different design for each square, it's easy to cater to every diner's individual preferences. —Marie Louise Ludwig, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces (calculated without optional toppings): 413 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 1193mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
These monster slices ensure that everyone gets a piece of what they like. You can use toppings like asparagus, sweet peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and even pineapple!
42/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Some may guess that this make-ahead pumpkin cheese ball has pumpkin in it. The subtle ingredient lends the 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.
While it might be obvious that there’s pumpkin in this cheese ball, it might be less obvious that there’s pineapple. The subtle sweetness is perfect for the holidays.
43/47
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.
If you’re looking for something dead easy, these ghost strawberries are just as simple to whip up as classic chocolate-covered strawberries. Keep the leaves on so the strawberries are easier to hold when dipping and eating.
44/47
From the Recipe Creator:
Underneath the tasty tombstones, ghosts, pumpkins, worms and soil that make this dessert a conversation piece, you'll find a delectable chocolate cake made from scratch in a few simple steps. It's a recipe I use year-round with different frostings. —Vicki Schlechter, Davis, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 483 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 423mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
This cemetery cake might look intricate, but it’s as simple as baking a sheet cake, adding frosting and decorating with grocery store treats. If it’s too scary for the kids, go the pumpkin patch route. Randomly arrange the pumpkins all over the “soil,” and pipe vines and leaves with green frosting. You could use a dirt cake base instead too.
45/47
From the Recipe Creator:
I had 10 neighborhood kids stop by to help me make these ghost cupcakes for a bake sale, though I have no doubt that most of the treats never made it that far! —Mysie Sabin, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 441 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 84g carbohydrate (68g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
While our recipe makes fondant from scratch, you can totally make these spooky ghosts and pumpkins with store-bought fondant. It’ll definitely save a bit of prep time.
46/47
From the Recipe Creator:
These jack-o'-lanterns may look spooky on the outside, but inside is a creamy, sweet treat. The classic flavor of pumpkin pie spice will have all your ghosts and goblins screaming for more! —Karalee Helminak, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cream puff: 152 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
A little bit of tinted frosting turns classic cream puffs into adorable jack-o’-lanterns that are perfect for a party. Make the shells ahead of time, but wait to fill and frost them until just before serving so they stay nice and crispy.
47/47
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making these Halloween sugar cookies for about 40 years—first for my children, and now my grandchildren and all their friends. I make about 20 trays a year to give away to trick-or-treaters. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 182 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Why do Christmas cookies get to have all the fun? These Halloween sugar cookies trade in the usual Christmas tree and snowflake cutters for Halloween shapes. Put on a Halloween movie or playlist in the background and make it a cookie-decorating party!
Halloween Food Ideas FAQ
How do I make Halloween treats kid-friendly?
Make Halloween treats kid-friendly by keeping the ingredients simple and the design cute and creative rather than spooky and scary. The best recipes in this list that kids would love (and not be scared of!) are the make-a-monster pizza, ghostly chicken and pepper pizza, martian marshmallows, scary hairy caramel apples, jack-o’-lantern sandwiches, bat cupcakes and spider cookies. Save the spookier ones—like the bones & blood and scary eyeballs—for an adult-only Halloween party.
Can any of the recipes for these Halloween food ideas be made ahead of time?
Yes, most of these Halloween food ideas can be made ahead of time. The ones that should not be made ahead of time are Halloween guacamole, spider sliders, spiderweb taco dip, gourd-geous Halloween nachos and the jack-o’-lantern cream puffs. For any recipes that use puff pastry, crescent dough or pizza dough, you can make them ahead of time by fully assembling the recipe and storing it unbaked in the fridge. Be sure to cover it tightly with storage wrap so the dough doesn’t dry out. Remove the wrapping and bake just before serving.
What are the best drinks to pair with Halloween snacks?
The best drinks to pair with Halloween snacks are fall drinks, of course! From nonalcoholic options, like Crockpot apple cider and pumpkin pie smoothies, to boozy options, like a maple old-fashioned or a brandy Alexander, beverages that prioritize fall spices, apples, pears or pumpkin are excellent choices for Halloween snacks. Even if you’re hosting a party that’s for adults only, make sure to have a few nonalcoholic party drinks for anyone abstaining.
