21 Halloween Food Ideas and Recipes for Your Tastiest October Yet (2024)

16 Deliciously Spooky Halloween co*cktail Recipes

Pumpkin Spice Bread

The perfect blend of pumpkin and strong ginger, cinnamon, and clove spices—aka pumpkin spice—this bread is sure to be a hit at your Halloween party or during your October 31 snack time. The pepitas on top are the kicker and will have everyone coming back for more. This Halloween recipe makes three loaves, so you can freeze one, eat one immediately, and give one as a gift. No matter how you divide it, this Halloween snack will be the most popular thing on the table this year.

Pumpkin Muffins

A classically spiced pumpkin treat suitable for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this pumpkin muffin is undeniably Halloween-y. Vegetable oil (instead of butter) keeps these extra moist.

Sweet and Salty Pumpkin Seeds

For a sweeter take on the classic roasted pumpkin seeds, add sugar and cinnamon. This recipe might be unexpected if you're used to savory pumpkin seeds, but you'll get over it quickly—and you'll be desperate to make more of these tasty seeds as soon as the last one is munched.

Pumpkin Cheese Balls

Turn a classic snack into a Halloween-ready hors d'oeuvre by adding a celery stick to resemble a pumpkin stem. This one's for those who don't want anything too kitschy—this Halloween snack is basically just a delicious cheese ball, with a small nod to Halloween iconography.

Spicy Deviled Eggs

This Halloween party classic is prepared the same way you know and love, but the addition of pimento, cheddar cheese, and cayenne pepper gives the snack a devilish hint of spice for the holiday. To ensure the treat looks polished and party-worthy, use a piping bag to pipe the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.

Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins

Make your go-to pumpkin muffin recipe and stir in one cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate (or chips) before baking the muffins. If you're feeling really fancy, sprinkle the muffins with a tablespoon or two of cacao nibs in addition to the sugar. This adaptation adds a little sweetness to the classic pumpkin muffin, but this is still a great Halloween snack for morning, day, or night.

Crispy Pita Cats

Forget the store-bought variety: Crispy pita chips are a cinch to prepare at home. Use a cat-shaped cookie cutter to cut pita bread, top with a zesty mixture of parmesan and spices, and bake until golden brown and crispy. Serve at your Halloween party or put a handful into the kids' lunches for a seasonal surprise.

Pumpkin Bread

This egg-free Halloween food is rich and dense, perfect for enjoying on cool fall mornings or as an afternoon snack. Make a loaf to give as a gift, or slice and display ahead of time as a party food: With a pumpkin bread this good, the opportunities are endless.

Skull Cucumber Pickles

Use a paring knife to carefully carve cucumbers into skull-shaped bites. Then, create a pickling mixture with vinegar, chiles, sugar, salt and warm water. Add the skulls and a medley of other tasty vegetables. To save time on party prep, you can make this spooky appetizer up to one month in advance.

Spiced Nuts and Pepitas

This irresistible sweet and spicy nut mixture takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Simply combine maple syrup, sugar, and butter over the stovetop and then add the pepitas, pecans, walnuts, cayenne, and salt. Pour the sticky mixture on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake. Break into clumps and watch as it quickly disappears.

Pumpkin Muffins With Streusel Topping

A streusel topping is the perfect way to dress up muffins without adding too much extra sugar or sweetness. Start with your favorite pumpkin muffin recipe. Mix together ⅓ cup flour, ¼ cup each softened butter and brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon each kosher salt and cinnamon. Mix with your fingers until mixture holds together in clumps. Sprinkle evenly over muffins before baking.

Green Olive Pizza Balls

This finger food looks fancy, but only requires 15 minutes of hands-on prep time. To make your own, top pieces of store-bought pizza dough with parmesan and green olives, wrap, and then press tightly to seal shut. Brush each bite with egg wash to achieve that golden fresh-from-the-pizza-parlor crust.

Pumpkin Grilled Cheese

Sandwich grated Gruyere cheese and pumpkin puree between two pieces of pumpernickel bread (stick with white bread for picky eaters) and toast in a butter-filled skillet to create a gooey grilled cheese both kids and adults will crave. For an extra-festive touch, use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut sandwiches into shapes for the ultimate Halloween food.

Pumpkin Muffins With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Dress up your go-to pumpkin muffin recipe: Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1 stick softened butter with an electric mixer until evenly combined. Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon each ground cinnamon and kosher salt and 3½ cups powdered sugar; beat on low until smooth and combined. Let muffins cool completely before frosting (and just try not to eat a spoonful of this creamy stuff while you wait).

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Who doesn't love pumpkin seeds? You can make this easy Halloween snack from the pumpkins you carve—save and wash the seeds, then bake them with some seasoning for a savory Halloween treat you can nibble on all October long.

Popcorn Balls

Give popcorn balls a sweet-and-salty twist with chocolate-covered peanuts and pretzels. The salty taste is enough to land this in Halloween food territory instead of Halloween dessert, but don't let that scare you off—this snack is a total treat at any occasion.

Pumpkin Muffins With Chopped Apple or Pear

Give your pumpkin muffins a little fruity kick by folding one medium peeled chopped apple or pear into batter before baking. Lay a few thin slices fruit on top of muffins and sprinkle with sugar before baking.

Devils' Eggs

What makes these eggs devilish? A drop of sriracha on top—and an unexpected zing from a sprinkle of lime zest. This is the perfect Halloween party food if you don't have many guests, or if you just want an elevated treat for your small gathering.

Caramel Apples

Is anything more Halloween than a caramel apple? Bobbing for apples may not be the popular activity it once was, but you can still enjoy that perfectly autumnal taste with this simple caramel apple recipe. For this recipe, you'll make your own caramel dipping sauce and do the bobbing yourself, so you can make sure every apple is appropriately covered (or, for a less sugary snack, uncovered).

Pumpkin Muffin Dirt Bombs

For the sweetest take on a standard pumpkin muffin, brush warm muffins all over with melted butter and toss them in cinnamon sugar. Serve them as a sweet breakfast treat or a midday Halloween snack—either way, they'll be the bomb.

Chocolate Bar Fondue

Get the party (even if it's just your household) going with a little fondue. Everyone loves chocolate dipped-everything, so brainstorm clever Halloween snacks to dip and enjoy the sweet, warm chocolate with every bite.