12 Halloween Party Appetizers to bake in less than 30 minutes

Mummy hot dogs are a perfect Halloween appetizer that brings both fun and flavor to the party. They're a hit for both kids and adults, offering a delicious, warm bite that's easy to prepare and serve. The golden, flaky dough wraps around the juicy hot dogs, and with just a bit of mustard for decoration, they’re ready to be devoured. 

Estimated Baking time : 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• Mini hot dogs (cocktail-sized or regular, depending on preference)
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough
• Mustard (for eyes)
• Optional: Ketchup for dipping

Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the crescent dough and cut it into thin strips about ¼ inch wide.
3. Take each mini hot dog and wrap the dough strips around it, leaving a small space at the top for the face.
4. Place the wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake until the dough turns golden brown.
6. Once cooled, dot mustard on the uncovered part of the hot dog to create eyes.
7. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

Estimated Baking time : 10-12 minutes

Mini Skull Pepperoni Pizza Bites are a fun and eerie twist on traditional pizza, perfect for a Halloween party. Shaped like skulls, these bite-sized snacks capture the spooky spirit of the season while offering a delicious mix of cheese and pepperoni in every bite. Their skull shape adds a creepy yet playful touch, making them a great centerpiece for your appetizer table. These pizza bites are an ideal finger food, easy to eat while mingling, and they pack all the flavors of classic pizza into a ghoulishly creative form, making them both a visual and culinary hit at any gathering.

Ingredients:

• Pre-made pizza dough
• Pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Pepperoni slices (mini size or cut to fit)
• Olive oil (optional, for brushing)

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into skull shapes using a skull-shaped mold or a sharp knife.
3. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on half of the skull-shaped dough pieces.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and place mini pepperoni slices on top.
5. Cover each with another skull-shaped dough piece, pressing the edges to seal.
6. Optionally, brush the tops with olive oil for a golden finish.
7. Bake until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve hot with extra pizza sauce for dipping if desired.

Estimated Baking time : 12-15 minutes

The Spider Taco Ring is a creative and spooky take on classic tacos, shaped like a giant spider to fit the Halloween theme. This crowd-pleasing appetizer involves crescent rolls arranged in a circular pattern, filled with a seasoned taco meat mixture, and baked to golden perfection. The finished ring not only resembles a spider's body but is also fun to pull apart and eat, making it both an interactive and delicious centerpiece for your Halloween gathering. With a side of dipping sauce as the "head" and creatively shaped legs, it’s a fun addition to any Halloween spread, perfect for taco lovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Black olives (optional, for decoration)
• Sour cream and salsa (for serving)

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until browned. Drain excess fat and add the taco seasoning along with water according to the packet instructions. Cook until the sauce thickens.
3. Unroll the crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet, overlapping the edges slightly to form a ring.
4. Spoon the taco meat onto the wide ends of the crescent dough triangles and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
5. Fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling and tuck them under to secure.
6. Bake until the dough is golden brown.
7. Optional: Use black olives to create "eyes" and arrange cut-up vegetables or bread sticks as "legs" to complete the spider look.
8. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Estimated Baking time : 20-25 minutes

Witches' Brooms are a whimsical and spooky Halloween appetizer, perfect for adding a playful touch to your party spread. These no-bake treats resemble tiny broomsticks, offering a fun, bite-sized snack that’s both light and savory. The idea is to combine a pretzel stick for the broom handle with string cheese for the bristles, creating an adorable and themed finger food. These mini brooms are a great option for a quick and easy snack that doesn’t require much prep or cooking time, making them ideal for last-minute party additions or for setting up a charming witches’ corner on your table.

Ingredients:

• String cheese sticks
• Pretzel sticks
• Fresh chives (optional, for tying)

Recipe:

1. Cut each string cheese stick into thirds to make the "broom bristles."
2. Use a knife to carefully slice the bottom of each cheese piece into thin strands, resembling broom bristles.
3. Insert a pretzel stick into the uncut top of each cheese piece to form the handle.
4. Pro tip: Tie a fresh chive around the top of the cheese to complete the broom look.

Estimated Baking time : No baking required

Apple Cheddar Bundles are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in a flaky pastry, making them an elegant yet easy-to-prepare appetizer for Halloween. The sweetness of the apples pairs beautifully with the sharpness of cheddar, creating a warm, gooey center encased in golden pastry. These bundles are perfect for fall-themed parties, adding a subtle touch of Halloween without being overly spooky. Their bite-sized format makes them great finger food, and the buttery pastry adds a comforting, festive element to your appetizer spread, blending seasonal flavors with a simple yet delicious presentation.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Honey or maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 9 equal squares.
3. Place a few slices of apple and a pinch of shredded cheddar cheese in the center of each square.
4. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a bundle and pinch to seal.
5. Brush each bundle with the beaten egg to ensure a golden finish.
6. Bake until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
7. Pro Tip: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Estimated Baking time : 15-18 minutes

Chicken Pumpkins are a savory and fun Halloween appetizer, where flavorful chicken fillings are wrapped in dough and baked to resemble miniature pumpkins. These bite-sized treats are shaped to bring a festive touch to your party table, combining tender, seasoned chicken with a golden, pumpkin-shaped pastry exterior. They’re not only delicious but also visually amazing for the season, adding a cute and autumnal flair to your Halloween spread. Chicken Pumpkins are great for both kids and adults, offering a warm and hearty bite that’s perfect for the cooler fall weather and a charming nod to Halloween festivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
• Egg wash (1 egg, beaten)
• Small strips of green bell pepper (for pumpkin stems)

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Add the taco seasoning and a small amount of water, cooking until the sauce thickens.
3. Flatten each biscuit dough round and spoon a small amount of the chicken mixture into the center, adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
4. Pinch the edges of the dough together and form into a round, pumpkin-like shape. Use a knife to score lines on the dough to resemble pumpkin ridges.
5. Brush each bundle with egg wash and place a small strip of green bell pepper on top to act as the pumpkin stem.
6. Bake until the dough is golden brown.

Estimated Baking time : 15-18 minutes

Avocado Hummus is a creamy, green dip that combines the rich texture of ripe avocados with the smooth, nutty flavor of traditional hummus. This Halloween appetizer is a healthier option for your party spread, but its vibrant green hue gives it a slightly eerie and spooky appearance, making it perfect for a themed event. Whether served with pita chips, vegetable sticks, or crackers, this dip is as delicious as it is festive. The avocado adds a velvety texture and fresh flavor, while still keeping the classic chickpea-based hummus foundation, making it a hit for guests who love both guacamole and hummus.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe:

1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, avocados, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately with pita chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

Estimated Baking time : No baking required

Ghost Hand Pies with Honey Dijon are a spooky and savory Halloween appetizer, shaped like little ghosts to fit the festive mood. These hand pies are filled with a delicious meat or cheese mixture, then baked until golden and flaky. Their ghostly shape makes them perfect for the Halloween table, and the accompanying honey Dijon dipping sauce adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory filling. These bite-sized pies are easy to grab and enjoy, making them a fun, crowd-pleasing option for both kids and adults, while bringing a touch of playful spookiness to the party spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or ground beef
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Black olives (for ghost eyes)
• Honey Dijon sauce (1 part honey, 2 parts Dijon mustard)

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken (or beef), shredded cheddar, and cream cheese until combined.
3. Roll out the puff pastry and use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out ghost forms.
4. Place a small spoonful of the filling onto half of the ghost cutouts.
5. Cover with another ghost cutout and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges if needed.
6. Place two small pieces of black olive on each ghost for eyes.
7. Brush the tops with egg wash.
8. Bake until golden brown and puffed.
9. Serve with honey Dijon dipping sauce on the side.

Estimated Baking time : 12-15 minutes

Halloween Tortilla Chips are a simple yet festive snack that adds a spooky touch to your appetizer table. Using Halloween-themed cookie cutters, you can transform regular tortillas into fun shapes like bats, ghosts, and pumpkins. Once baked, these crispy chips become a perfect canvas for serving with dips like salsa, guacamole, or queso. They are easy to make & also bring a creative and homemade feel to your party spread, offering guests a crunchy, spooky treat.

Ingredients:

• Flour or corn tortillas
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt
• Optional: Chili powder or paprika (for added flavor)

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Use Halloween-themed cookie cutters (like bats, ghosts, or pumpkins) to cut shapes out of the tortillas.
3. Brush each tortilla shape lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt (or optional spices like chili powder or paprika).
4. Arrange the tortilla shapes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake until the chips are golden brown and crispy.

Estimated Baking time : 8-10 minutes

These savory bites are perfect for a Halloween or fall-themed appetizer, combining the delicious flavors of traditional deviled eggs with a fun, seasonal presentation. The filling is shaped and scored to look like pumpkins, and a small piece of green onion or chive is used to mimic the pumpkin stem. These eggs are easy to prepare and make a cute, elegant addition to any Halloween party spread, adding a touch of sophistication to the spooky season.

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika (for color)
• Small pieces of chives or green onions (for pumpkin stems)

Recipe:

1. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and place them in a bowl.
2. Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add a small pinch of paprika to tint the yolk mixture orange.
4. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites.
5. Use a toothpick to gently score lines in the filling to resemble pumpkin ridges.
6. Place a small piece of chive or green onion in the center of each egg to act as the pumpkin stem.
7.  Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

Estimated Baking time : No baking required

Monster Halloween Popcorn is a fun, colorful treat perfect for addition  to your Halloween party snacks. This sweet and salty popcorn mix is drizzled with melted candy or colored chocolate and topped with googly candy eyes, sprinkles, and other edible decorations to resemble a monstrous creation. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a combination of crunchy popcorn with festive, sweet toppings. The vibrant colors and edible monster faces make it an eye-catching addition to your Halloween spread, adding a touch of creativity and fun to your party.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts (colored orange or green)
• Candy eyes
• Halloween-themed sprinkles
• Mini marshmallows (optional)

Recipe:

1. Spread the popped popcorn on a large, lined baking sheet.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts according to package instructions.
3. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle candy eyes, Halloween sprinkles, and mini marshmallows over the popcorn.
5. Let the popcorn set until the chocolate hardens.
6. Break into clusters and serve.

Estimated Baking time : 8-10 minutes

Sausage Worms are a creepy, yet delicious Halloween appetizer designed to look like wriggling worms on your party table. Using simple sausage links or hot dogs, these "worms" are cut and shaped to give them a curled, worm-like appearance, then cooked to resemble spooky creatures perfect for a Halloween-themed snack. 

Ingredients:

• 6 sausage links or hot dogs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Ketchup or marinara sauce (for dipping)

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the sausage links or hot dogs lengthwise into thin strips.
3. Gently twist or curl each strip to give it a worm-like shape.
4. Arrange the sausage strips on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until lightly browned and slightly crisp.
5. Serve with a side of ketchup or marinara sauce for dipping.

Estimated Baking time : 10-12 minutes