Gather ’round, ghouls and goblins, as we delve into the stomach-bubbling realm of Halloween appetizers. These delectable morsels are not your ordinary party snacks. They’re spooky, savory creations designed to send shivers down your guests’ spines. Planning a hair-raising Halloween bash? A ghostly kids’ party? Or a Practical Magic-themed dinner to summon your inner witch or warlock? These eerie edibles will leave your crowd howling for more. From classy seasonal dishes to whimsical bites, our lineup caters to all ages. Prepare these sinister snacks in advance to ensure you are party-ready. Or simply pop them in the oven as your guests arrive to serve them piping hot.
But the frightful fun doesn’t end there. Our sinister snacks aren’t just perfect for parties; they also make great additions to your little monsters’ school lunchboxes. These devilish delights are sure to make your kids the coolest creatures in the cafeteria.Looking to add an extra dose of eerie elegance to your spooky snacks? Check out Ross Dress 4 Less, Spirit Halloween and Target for all kinds of spooky and fun serveware items. It’s time to elevate your gathering to the next level. Brace yourself for a mouthwatering journey into the heart of Halloween horror, where every bite is an adventure!
Take The First Bite
From the depths of our haunted kitchen cauldron, we conjure bewitching appetizers and snacks fit for any sinister soiree. Sink your fangs into devilish delights like crispy Anubis Warrior Mummy Dogs. Where flaky pie curst “bandages” enrobe savory Hebrew Nations. Or dare to taste our eerie, spider-shaped cheesy sliders, where creepy crawlers have never tasted so delicious. For those who crave a touch of elegance in their ghoulish gatherings, we offer up Pumpkinhead chowder. A creamy concoction that captures the essence of fall. Stuffed acorn squash, where tender squash boats brim with savory goodness. And for the little trick-or-treaters, we have Sam-o-lantern sandwiches that combine the fun of Trick ‘r Treating with savory flavor. These chilling creations, both savory and sweet, will surely enchant the taste buds of all who dare to dine in the realm of Halloween horror.
Pumpkinhead Chowder
In the spirit of Pumpkinhead, our chowder simmers with a haunting blend of flavors. Seek revenge with this striking mix of rich, savory ingredients that comes complete with a twist. As you savor its hearty warmth, you’ll discover a bond of tastes that might leave you questioning your own culinary choices. Is this dish a monstrous creation or a delectable masterpiece? You’ll have to sip slowly it to uncover the answer. But be warned, like the struggle to end Pumpkinhead’s rampage, resisting the temptation for seconds may prove quite the challenge.
- 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 leeks
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 2 medium bell peppers
- 2 1/4 lb. pumpkin
- 1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh majoram
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/4 c. frozen corn
- 6 c. vegetable broth
Directions:
In a sinister cauldron, drizzle olive oil, then conjure the chilling flames of a large pot over medium heat. Toss in those unsuspecting leeks, letting them wither and soften, around 5 minutes of their torment. Now, add the minced garlic, and let its sinister aroma haunt your senses for approximately 2 minutes.
But beware, we’re not done yet. It’s time to lure those green peppers into our bubbling brew. Reduce the heat to a treacherous medium-low, and let them simmer, letting their defenses crumble for about 8 more minutes.
Now, it’s time for the pièce de résistance. Summon the remaining ingredients into this cauldron of culinary chaos. As you stir and simmer, the pumpkin, like a helpless victim, will soften and succumb to the dark forces at play. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a concoction that’s tender, but be warned – its flavor may linger long after the meal is done, haunting your taste buds with each chilling bite.
Anubis Warrior Mummy Dogs
Behold, the legendary Anubis Warrior Mummy Dogs! These canine conquerors were once summoned by the mighty god Anubis and the Scorpion King. All set to launch an epic invasion of Thebes. Alas, their plans crumbled faster than pie crust dough when the king’s bracelet slipped off! Fast forward a few millennia, and these ferocious franks have risen once more. This time, they’re not battling for dominion, but for a spot on your dinner table. Wrapped snugly in golden pie crust dough, these mummy dogs are ready to wage a taste bud war. Summon your inner culinary hero and let these savory warriors duke it out with your hunger. They’ve come back from the ages to engage in an epic flavor battle – this time against your Medjai-sized appetite!
- 1 Pack Hebrew National Hot Dogs
- 1 Box Jiffy Pie Curst Mix
Directions:
Prepare to summon your inner mummy master! Gently shroud those hot dogs in strips of pie crust dough. Allow ample space for those edible eyes to find their eerie abode. To achieve that perfect mummified golden-brown hue, I’d recommend baking your Anubis Warrior Mummy Dogs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Keep a watchful eye, as cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. You’ll know they’re ready when they emerge from the oven with a sinister charm and a delightful crispness. Enjoy!
Cheesy Arachnophobia Spider Sliders
Get entangled in cheesy spider sliders that’ll creep onto your plate with chow mein legs. Just like a town besieged by eight-legged freaks when an unfortunate coffin delivers a venomous surprise to rural California. As panic webs its way through your party, an arachnophobe doctor and a no-nonsense exterminator will surely confront their deepest fears to halt the deadly infestation. By eating them all! Sink your bloody fangs into these creepy treats, if you dare!
- 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1 16-oz package shredded cheese
- 1 bottle Black paste food coloring
- 1 3.5-oz package round rice crunch crackers (or 24 of any round cracker)
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
Directions:
Begin by mixing 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese with eerie black food coloring. Once it’s as dark as the night, spoon this sinister concoction into a resealable bag and set it aside. In a chilling twist, beat the remaining cream cheese with all but 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Do this until it becomes a sinister, cheesy blend. Shape this mixture into 1 1⁄4-inch balls of delicious dread.
Take the remaining shredded cheese, as if it holds the secrets of the underworld, and place in a shallow bowl. Roll the cheese balls in this dark abyss to coat them. Now, the real horror begins. Place one cheese ball on a cracker, and here comes the terrifying transformation…Insert 8 chow mein noodles into each ball, turning them into the spindly legs of gruesome spiders. Finally, with your heart pounding, snip a very small corner from the bag with the black cream cheese. Then pipe sinister eyes on each spider. Your frightful feast is ready to send shivers down your spine!
Sam-O-Lantern Trick ‘r Treat Sandwiches
Prepare to enter a deliciously dark world where Sam, the enforcer of Halloween’s rules, meets scrumptious snacks! Just like Sam’s vigilance in ‘Trick ‘r Treat,’ crafting Sam-O-Lantern Trick ‘r Treat Sandwiches is a treat itself. No need for pumpkin carving here; instead, summon the spirit of the season with ease. Begin by wielding a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter on store-bought pie crusts. Carve out hauntingly cute pumpkin shapes, and the frightful fun begins.
Layer these pumpkin pie crusts with slices of ham and cheese. Creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s as tempting as the forbidden Halloween rules Sam enforces. Bake these wicked delights until they’re golden and crisp. As you indulge, remember the rules of Halloween. 1. Hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. 2. Don a costume. 3. Never blow out a jack o’lantern before midnight. These Sam-O-Lantern Trick ‘r Treat Sandwiches are the perfect homage to the spirit of Halloween!
- 1 box refrigerated pie crusts
- 8 oz. thinly sliced Black Forest or Virginia ham
- 8 oz. thinly sliced Cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 bottle of Ketchup
Directions:
Your journey begins as you heat your oven to a sinister 425°F. Making sure your baking sheet wears a shroud of nonstick foil. Unroll the pie crusts, revealing their secrets. With a malevolent precision, wield a 3-in. pumpkin cookie cutter to carve out 24 pumpkin shapes. The spirits of Halloween guide your hand as you summon triangular cookie cutters. Or a sharp knife. Etch eyes and a nose into 12 of these hapless pumpkins. From the ethereal depths of sliced ham and Cheddar, conjure 24 rounds of each using a 2-in. round cutter. As though you’re calling upon the spirits themselves.
A sinister spell is cast. Place 2 slices of Cheddar in the dark heart of each of the 12 solid pumpkins. Crowning them with 2 slices of ham. With the precision of a sorcerer, you brush a beaten egg around the edges. Sealing the fate of these devilish delights. Top with the remaining pumpkins, each bearing a cut-out face, and press their edges firmly together.
The ritual is almost complete. Place your creations on the prepared baking sheet, and with a final, malevolent touch, brush their tops with beaten egg. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching as they turn a bewitching shade of light gold. Let them cool on a spectral rack for 5 minutes before serving. Your Sam-O-Lantern Trick ‘r Treat Sandwiches are ready to sate your darkest cravings! Now, don’t forget to top with a little bit of ketchup.
Freddy Fingers With Green & Red Sweater Dip
Terrify your guests with Freddy Fingers! These nightmarish delights will haunt your dreams, just like the infamous Freddy Krueger and his sinister knife glove. To summon this culinary nightmare, start with these easy-to-make finger carrots. Which will serve as the perfect vessel for the delicious edamame dip. With each crispy bite, you’ll feel like you’re in the presence of the Elm Street slasher himself. So, gather your courage and take a dip into the world of horror-inspired snacks.
- 2 c. frozen shelled edamame
- 3/4 c. fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 c. garlic-herb cheese spread (like Boursin)
- 1/2 c. light sour cream
- 3 tbsp. tahini (sesame paste)
- 3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 12 Taco Bell Hot Sauce Packets
Directions:
Boil edamame in 6 cups of lightly salted water for 4 to 6 minutes until they surrender to tenderness. Drain them and then give them a shocking cold bath under icy water. Drain them once more, as if they’ve seen a ghostly apparition. Now, unleash your food processor’s dark powers. Puree those edamame with the rest of the sinister spread ingredients until they blend into a smooth, otherworldly concoction. If needed, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to reach a thickness suitable for dipping.
Transfer this eerie elixir to a bowl, ready to bewitch your unsuspecting victims—err, I mean guests. Then squeeze your Taco Bell packets on top of the dip. Striping it Red and Green, just like Freddy’s sweater. You can even prepare this dip in advance, hide it away in the chilling depths of your refrigerator, and keep it under wraps for up to 2 days. Serve it alongside an array of veggies to complete your chilling culinary séance.
Poltergeist Pizza
Unlock the eerie secrets of Poltergeist Pizza with cheese that will haunt your taste buds. The key here is cutting the cheese into ghost shapes. Just like those lost souls from the chilling tale of a peaceful suburban home turned spectral nightmare. You can either free-hand it, crafting your ghostly apparitions with a steady hand. Or employ a ghost cookie cutter for precision.
These ethereal cheese specters will adorn your pizza like the spirits that once plagued that unfortunate family. As you indulge, ponder the unsettling question of why these restless souls took a little girl into their twilight world. In a culinary séance, you’ll summon the flavors of Poltergeist Pizza. Keep an eye out for paranormal experts who might help you decipher the mysteries behind this haunted dish.
- 1 lb. pizza dough, left at room temperature for 1 hour
- 1/2 c. pizza or marinara sauce
- 1 can Large pitted olives
- 8 to 10 deli slices of provolone or mozzarella
Directions:
Position your rack in the sinister bottom third of the oven, then heat it to a blazing 425°F. To ensure your pizza doesn’t stick to its final resting place? Lightly brush a large baking sheet with a touch of oil. Summon your pizza dough onto a surface lightly dusted with flour. Shape it into an ominous, elongated oval, and place it on the prepared sacrificial sheet. Begin the incantation by spreading pizza sauce atop the dough. Be mindful to leave a treacherous half-inch border all around. For the spirits of this pizza must have room to breathe. Then, bake this eerie canvas until it puffs and takes on a golden hue at its sinister edges. This ritual shall take approximately 15 minutes.
While your pizza undergoes its transformation, prepare the spectral apparitions that will haunt your creation. Slice olives in half and, from one half of each olive, conjure eight slices. Next, craft cheese into ghostly forms, adding small pieces of olive for their malevolent eyes. As your pizza emerges from the depths of the oven, assemble your cheese phantoms on top. Place the uncut olive halves strategically between these ethereal beings, Using sliced olives to bestow each spider with its eight eerie legs.
Return your pizza to the oven, and bake until the cheese just starts to melt. This step, the climax of the ceremony, should take between 30 to 60 seconds. This bewitched recipe shall conjure forth a pizza that is both delightful and frightful. A true feast for the ghoulish occasion.
Jigsaw’s Stuffed Eyeballs
Are you ready to play a game? Inspired by the movie ‘Saw’ from 2006, get a taste of Jigsaw’s Stuffed Eyeballs. Much like the victims in the gripping tale. Where two strangers awaken in a room with no memory of how they got there. These stuffed eyeballs are a macabre twist that will challenge your senses and leave you questioning your culinary choices. So, will you dare to indulge in this twisted treat, or will you become another pawn in this deadly gastronomic game?
- 3 packs Thinly-sliced, cured meat of your choice (such as prosciutto or salami)
- 2 packs fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 jar green olives (pitted)
- 2 Red bell peppers (for stuffing the olives)
- 1 jar Toothpicks (for assembling the eyeballs)
Directions:
Begin by rolling up your choice of thinly-sliced, cured meat, embracing its sinister potential. Nestled within this mysterious cocoon of meat, place a hauntingly delicious mozzarella ball. A surprise awaiting those who dare to partake. But the true horror lies within. A green olive, stuffed with red pepper, concealed within the mozzarella, creating a sinister “eyeball” worthy of Jigsaw himself.
Batty Butter and Blood Jelly Sandwiches
Sink your teeth into the sinister delight of Batty Butter and Blood Jelly Sandwiches. Just like the classic peanut butter and jelly, these bat-shaped treats are adored by kids and adults alike. But beware, like the bats in Gallup, Texas, these bites might just leave you craving more. Or seeking refuge from their eerie charm.
- Two boxes of Smucker’s Strawberry Crustable Sandwiches
- 1 Bat-Shaped Cookie Cutter
Directions:
Summoning a satisfying snack for your little goblins is frightfully easy! Offer their beloved sandwiches, but twist them into eerie shapes. With a bat-shaped cookie cutter, imprint these sinister figures onto ready-made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Procured from the frosty abyss of the freezer section. The perfect blend of fun and flavor!
Sanderson’s Cauldron Dip
Elevate your Fall gathering with a tongue-tingling dip, for what is a Halloween party without a sinister spread? Crafted from wholesome edamame and low-fat ricotta cheese. This dip takes center stage within the hollowed depths of an acorn squash. It’s perched upon a “fire” of crudité and breadsticks, casting a bewitching charm over your celebration. Just like the resurrection of three 17th-century witches in modern-day Salem. This dip will conjure delightfully wicked flavors your guests won’t resist.
- 1 large acorn squash
- 1 bag frozen shelled edamame beans (3 cups)
- 1/2 c. part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 c. prepared basil pesto
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon (1 tsp zest; 3 Tbsp juice)
- 2 clove garlic
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. Freshly ground pepper
- Serve with: breadsticks, vegetable dippers (carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, jicama and celery sticks)
Directions:
Begin your mystical culinary journey by preheating your oven to a bewitching 350°F. Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil. And then, with a hint of enchantment, slice off the top third of the squash. Reserve this piece for a decorative lid. Use a spoon to scoop out and banish the seeds and fibers from the squash’s core. Lay the squash cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet, baking it until the flesh becomes enticingly firm-tender. When a skewer delicately punctures the squash and meets just a bit of resistance, it’s time. This process should take around 30 minutes. Allow the squash to cool completely. When it’s ready, trim the pointed end to ensure it stands upright with majestic poise.
Now, like a true sorcerer in the kitchen, cook the edamame per the package’s mystical instructions. Once they’re cooked to perfection, drain them, rinse them under the cool embrace of water, and drain them once more. Transfer these emerald gems to your trusty food processor. Alongside the enigmatic ricotta, flavorful pesto, a dash of olive oil, tantalizing lemon zest, and the essence of lemon juice. To this concoction, add garlic, salt, and pepper, then let your food processor work its enchantment. Blend these elements until they coalesce into a spellbinding dip of medium-thick consistency. If needed, add a touch of water to achieve the desired enchanting texture.
The time has come to unveil your culinary masterpiece. Place your squash cauldron on a serving platter, poised to conjure delight. Fill this mystical vessel with the bewitching dip you’ve created. Then lean the squash lid against its side, an ornate decoration for this enchanting culinary creation. Finally, arrange breadsticks and vegetable dippers around the cauldron. Like the flickering flames of a fire over which your cauldron of flavors presides, ready to enchant all who dare to partake in its magic.
Jaws’ Chompers
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in for more snacks, these bite-sized seafood delights swim out of the black sea to attack your tongue. Paying homage to the iconic shark, these treats blend the flavors of the ocean with a dash of suspense. Here’s how to create this toothsome sensation.
- 20 jumbo shrimp (1 per Chomper)
- 2-3 tablespoons of garlic butter
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup of lump crab meat
- Zest from 1 lemon
- A small handful of fresh parsley leaves
- 20 toothpicks
- 1 cup of cocktail sauce
Details:
Prepare the Shrimp. Begin your journey into the depths of culinary terror by peeling and deveining the jumbo shrimp. Leave those tails intact for an impressive visual effect that will send shivers down your spine. Give them a quick rinse and a gentle pat dry with a paper towel. Craft the Crab Filling. In a sinister bowl, concoct the lump crab meat with a mesmerizing garlic butter sauce. This eldritch blend infuses a rich, savory flavor that will haunt your guests’ taste buds, ensuring they return for more.
Stuffed Shrimp Transformation. Now, gently butterfly each shrimp, making a shallow incision along the back. This unholy act creates a sinister pocket for the crab filling. Stuff each shrimp generously, allowing the delicious darkness to spill out slightly. Toothpick Magic? Secure your Chompers with toothpicks, positioning them just so. To ensure the “jaws” remain menacingly open, ready to reveal the delectable abyss within.
Bake or Grill? The Choice is Yours. Depending on your culinary preferences? You can either cast these dark delights into the fiery depths of the oven. Wait until they turn a menacing shade of pink and slightly golden. Or subject them to the grill’s smoky, charred embrace. Garnish and Serve. To add a touch of freshness to your sinister creation? Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest and chopped parsley over the Chompers. Serve them piping hot, accompanied by a side of zesty cocktail sauce for dipping. And watch your guests dive in with jaws wide open, ready for a taste of terror!
Let the Party Begin!
Prepare yourself for a Halloween party like no other. Where mouth watering thrills and eerie appetizers collide in a symphony of horror. Your guests will be delighted and frightened in equal measure as they embark on a culinary journey. One filled with macabre twists inspired by the darkest corners of cinema.
From the sinister depths of the sea with Jaws’ Chompers to the menacing traps of Jigsaw’s Stuffed Eyeballs. These appetizers are more than mere snacks; they are an invitation to indulge in the twisted delights of Halloween. So gather your brave souls. For this party promises a night of unforgettable frights. Culinary wonders. And memories that will haunt you until the next Halloween moon rises. It’s time to embrace the screams and savor the flavors of a Halloween gathering. One that will be talked about for years to come.
Happy Halloween, and may your party be the stuff of nightmares (or stuffed with nightmares)!