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65 Best Fall Appetizers for a Fun Autumnal Party
From tailgates to Thanksgiving, it’s the season to celebrate!
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Cool air and changing leaves can only mean one thing: Fall is near—and there are so many reasons to celebrate. For starters, it’s tailgate season, not to mention there will be Halloween parties galore and a Thanksgiving feast towards the end of the season. And with all these parties to host (or attend), you’ll likely want to have a few seasonal fall appetizers up your sleeve. Whether you’re looking to bring a big fall salad to a back-to-school potluck or prepare a few finger foods for Friday Night Lights, this list of fall recipes is perfect for any occasion.
For these fall appetizer recipes, you can start by featuring harvest produce, like squash, Brussels sprouts, and apple recipes. Then again, everyone will be thrilled to fend off the colder weather with a few warming comfort foods and cheesy delights. Try the ooey-gooey melty baked brie or the cheese-stuffed jalapeño poppers to name a few. We've even included some seasonal fall soups, like the butternut squash soup with bacon or Ree Drummond's pumpkin soup that’s perfect for your Halloween menu. Whatever you choose, you really can't go wrong serving these easy fall appetizers at your next cozy gathering!
Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
We don't need an excuse to enjoy this creamy buffalo chicken dip—but if we did, then back-to-school season and football season sure does help.
Get the Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Arancini
If you've never heard of this Italian specialty before, it's basically a cheesy rice ball that's breaded and fried. Serve it up with marinara sauce and get ready for the ultimate cheese pull.
Get the Arancini recipe.
Couscous Salad
Put your end-of-summer produce to good use in this hearty grain salad. It's perfect for potlucks, and we love the touch of fall sweetness from the pomegranate seeds.
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
Blooming Onion
This crispy, golden treat is so much fun to make. Plus, it's just like the kind you might find at a restaurant so it will definitely impress your guests.
Get the Blooming Onion recipe.
Pizza Dip
This ooey-gooey dip is loaded with cheese, but it also has marinara sauce, pepperoni, black olives, and green bell peppers. Serve it up with toasted baguette slices for dipping.
Get the Pizza Dip recipe.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Bite-sized sandwiches are the perfect way to welcome friends and family into your home—especially when they're piled high with melty cheese, ham, mustard, and pickled jalapeños.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.
Halloween Chex Mix
Not just for Halloween, this snack mix is a delicious treat for the entire season! It's sweet, salty, crunchy, and kind of addicting.
Get the Halloween Chex Mix recipe.
Caramelized Onion Dip
There's just something about the sweet and savory flavor of caramelized onions that makes this dip extra luxurious. It's great for making ahead and serving with a simple bag of potato chips for dipping.
Get the Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.
Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies are basically small bites of fried cornbread—what’s not to love? The Southern comfort food is great for Thanksgiving or even a weeknight dinner party.
Get the Hushpuppies recipe.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Just like a slaw, this shaved Brussels sprouts salad can be prepared up to 4 hours before serving, so it's great for easy entertaining. Plus, it'll make your meal feel so seasonal.
Get the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.
Sausage Rolls
Similar to pigs in a blanket but with even more smoky, salty flavor, these sausage rolls will really up your appetizer game. It’ll be hard to eat just one!
Get the Sausage Rolls recipe.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
No tailgate or game day party would be complete without some kind of buffalo chicken recipe. This dip version is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball
This retro appetizer is made of three types of cheese (cream cheese, cheddar, and gorgonzola); plus, sweet dried cranberries and pecans for crunch.
Get Ree's Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball recipe.
Jalapeño Poppers
To take this classic finger food up a notch, we’ve added two crunchy elements that makes them oh-so good. First is a panko topping, then comes the crispy bacon!
Get the Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
Cranberry Brie Bites
The combination of soft, creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce makes this bite-sized snack perfect for any fall occasion—thanksgiving included!
Get the Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.
Pumpkin Soup
This soup recipe is creamy, colorful, and full of fall flavors. The toasted pumpkin seeds on top make it feel extra-special for the season.
Get Ree’s Pumpkin Soup recipe.
Easy Baked Brie
Whether you serve it on a bigger cheese plate or simply on its own with a few crackers for dipping, you can’t go wrong with a melty brie cheese. This easy app is always a hit.
Get the Easy Baked Brie recipe.
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
The key to these crunchy and totally addicting mac and cheese bites is all in the cheese. Use a combination cheeses that are both flavorful and easy to melt, like cheddar and Monterey jack.
Get the Fried Mac and Cheese Balls recipe.
Jalapeño Popper Dip
This warm football-ready dip is inspired by another fall appetizer favorite: jalapeño poppers! It has the same spicy and cheesy flavor, but without the effort of stuffing the peppers.
Get the Jalapeño Popper Dip recipe.
Zucchni Fritters with Chipotle-Lime Crema
There's something so comforting about a crispy fried snack, and these zucchini fritters are no exception. Serve them with a side of spiced-up crema that has a warming kick.
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