When you think of Halloween food, your mind probably jumps straight to candy, caramel apples, and themed desserts.
While those sweet treats are a huge part of the fun, a truly memorable Halloween party needs more than just sugar.
It needs a delicious, spooky, and satisfying spread of savory bites. That’s where amazing Halloween side dishes come in, transforming your get-together from a simple candy grab into a full-fledged feast.
Whether you’re hosting a big monster mash, a cozy family dinner before trick-or-treating, or bringing a dish to a potluck, having a few go-to spooky side dish recipes is a game-changer.
These dishes are the perfect supporting cast for your main course, whether it’s a hearty chili, spooky spaghetti, or festive sandwiches.
They fill out the table, satisfy your guests’ hunger, and add that extra layer of creative, ghoulish fun that makes Halloween so special.
This guide is packed with 15 spooktacular Halloween side dishes that are easy to make, fun to look at, and absolutely delicious.
We’ve got everything from creepy-crawly creations to elegant autumnal bites. Get ready to make your Halloween celebration the most delicious one yet!
Essential Tools for Your Spooky Kitchen
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s make sure your kitchen is equipped for the task. Having the right tools can make creating these festive dishes much easier and more enjoyable. Here are a few essentials that will help you bring your ghoulish culinary creations to life.
- For Perfect Baking: A reliable baking sheet is a must-have for so many of these recipes. The Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Half Sheet from OXO is fantastic because its non-stick surface ensures your spooky creations don’t get stuck, and it heats evenly for perfect results every time.
- For Mixing and Prepping: You’ll need a good set of mixing bowls. The Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids by Cuisinart are a game-changer. They come in various sizes, are easy to clean, and the lids are perfect for prepping ingredients ahead of time or storing leftovers.
- For Shaping and Cutting: Many of these recipes involve cutting dough or pastries into fun shapes. A Multi-Shape Mini Cookie Cutter Set from Ateco is incredibly useful, not just for cookies, but for creating shapes out of cheese, bread, or pastry dough for your side dishes. Look for a set with circles, stars, and other basic shapes.
- For Spooky Details: To add those fine, creepy details like spiderwebs or monster faces, a set of Decorating Squeeze Bottles from Wilton is invaluable. They are much easier to control than a piping bag for simple tasks like drizzling sour cream or drawing with sauces.
- For Serving with Style: Present your creepy creations on a platter that matches the theme. A simple Black Slate Serving Board by Dofira can make any dish look instantly more dramatic and spooky. The dark background makes colors pop and adds a touch of gothic elegance to your Halloween table.
Now that your kitchen is ready for some spooky action, let’s get to the recipes!
15 Spooktacular Halloween Side Dishes
Here are 15 creative, easy, and delicious side dishes that will have your Halloween guests screaming with delight.
1. Mummy Jalapeño Poppers
These spicy, cheesy poppers are a party classic with a spooky twist. The “mummy” wrappings make them an adorable and festive Halloween side dish.
What You’ll Need:
- 12 large jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Candy eyeballs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
- Unroll the crescent dough and cut it into thin strips.
- Wrap the dough strips around each filled jalapeño half to look like mummy bandages, leaving a small space for the eyes.
- Place the poppers on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before pressing two candy eyeballs onto each popper.
2. Graveyard Taco Dip
A spooky seven-layer dip that looks like a creepy cemetery. This is one of the most popular and easy Halloween side dishes for a crowd.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup sour cream mixed with 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped black olives
- Tortilla chips, some cut into “tombstone” shapes
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for “grass”
Instructions:
- Spread the refried beans in an even layer on the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass dish.
- Carefully layer the guacamole, seasoned sour cream, and salsa on top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese and black olives over the top layer.
- Stick the tombstone-shaped tortilla chips into the dip to look like graves.
- Add small sprigs of cilantro or parsley in front of the “tombstones” for a grassy effect.
- Serve with the remaining tortilla chips.
3. Stuffed Mushroom Eyeballs
These savory stuffed mushrooms are transformed into gruesome, bloodshot eyeballs. They look incredibly creepy but taste absolutely divine.
What You’ll Need:
- 12 large white button mushrooms
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced in half
- Red food coloring or sriracha for “veins”
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Clean the mushrooms and carefully remove the stems. Finely chop the stems.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the shallot and chopped mushroom stems until softened. Add garlic and cook for one more minute.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked mushroom stem mixture with cream cheese, Parmesan, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fill each mushroom cap with the mixture, smoothing the top.
- Place a sliced olive half in the center of each, pimento-side up, to create the pupil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
- For the final touch, use a toothpick dipped in red food coloring or sriracha to draw thin “bloodshot” veins radiating from the olive.
4. Spiderweb Spinach Dip Bread Bowl
A classic spinach dip gets a Halloween makeover when served in a dark bread bowl with a sour cream spiderweb on top. It’s a perfect party centerpiece.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 round loaf of pumpernickel or rye bread
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 container (16 oz) sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 package (1.4 oz) vegetable recipe mix
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Extra sour cream in a squeeze bottle for the web
- A plastic spider for decoration
Instructions:
- Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving a 1-inch thick wall. Cube the removed bread for dipping.
- In a medium bowl, combine the spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, vegetable recipe mix, water chestnuts, and green onions. Mix well.
- Spoon the dip into the hollowed-out bread bowl.
- Use the squeeze bottle of sour cream to draw concentric circles on top of the dip.
- Drag a toothpick from the center to the edge of the dip to create a spiderweb effect.
- Place a plastic spider in the middle or on the side. Serve with the bread cubes and other dippers like carrots and bell peppers.
5. Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball
This adorable and festive cheese ball is a showstopper. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing Halloween side dish that requires no baking.
What You’ll Need:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Paprika or crushed Doritos for coating
- The stem of a bell pepper for the pumpkin stem
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the shredded cheddar, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scrape the cheese mixture into the center.
- Pull the corners of the plastic wrap together and twist to form a ball.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once firm, unwrap the cheese ball. Use rubber bands or kitchen twine to press vertical lines into the ball to create pumpkin-like ridges.
- Roll the cheese ball in paprika or finely crushed Doritos until it’s completely coated in orange.
- Remove the rubber bands and press the bell pepper stem into the top. Serve with crackers.
6. Witch Finger Breadsticks
These eerie breadsticks look just like gnarled witch fingers. They are surprisingly easy to make and are perfect for dipping in marinara “blood” sauce.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 can (11 oz) refrigerated breadstick dough
- Melted butter
- Coarse sea salt
- Sliced or whole almonds for “fingernails”
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Separate the breadstick dough. Roll and stretch each piece to be long and thin, like a finger.
- Use your fingers to pinch the dough in two places to create “knuckles.” Use a knife to lightly score a few lines on the knuckles.
- Press an almond slice firmly onto the tip of each breadstick to create a fingernail.
- Place the “fingers” on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce.
7. Spooky Black Bean Pasta Salad
A pasta salad that’s naturally spooky! Using black bean pasta gives this dish a dark, eerie look, while the orange and green veggies add a pop of festive color.
What You’ll Need:
- 8 oz black bean pasta
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- For the dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, juice of 1 lime, 1 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the black bean pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, orange bell pepper, corn, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4tou. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine. - Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Deviled Egg Spiders
A spooky twist on a party favorite. These deviled eggs are topped with “spiders” made from black olives, making them a fun and creepy addition to your table.
What You’ll Need:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for sprinkling
- 1 can (4 oz) whole black olives
Instructions:
- Remove the yolks from the hard-boiled egg whites and place them in a bowl.
- Mash the yolks with a fork. Mix in the mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg white halves. Sprinkle with paprika.
- To make the spiders: Cut a few black olives in half lengthwise. Place one half in the center of a deviled egg for the spider’s body.
- Slice the remaining olive halves into thin, crescent-shaped pieces for the legs. Arrange four “legs” on each side of the “body.”
- Repeat for all deviled eggs.
9. Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers
These adorable and healthy stuffed peppers look just like mini jack-o’-lanterns. They’re a fantastic, hearty Halloween side dish or even a light main.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 orange bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus more for topping
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Use a small paring knife to carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into one side of each pepper.
- In a skillet, cook the ground meat and onion until the meat is browned. Drain any fat.
- Stir in the cooked rice, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff the mixture into the carved peppers.
- Place the peppers in a baking dish. Top with a little more marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
7t. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot.
10. Mashed Potato Ghosts
Simple, creamy mashed potatoes piped into the shape of friendly ghosts. This is a super fun and easy way to dress up a classic comfort food.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Black peppercorns or black sesame seeds for eyes
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes until tender. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Make sure they are stiff enough to hold their shape.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes into a piping bag with a large round tip (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off).
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, pipe the potatoes into ghost-like mounds.
- Use two peppercorns or sesame seeds for the eyes on each ghost.
- You can serve them as is, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to warm them through before serving.
11. Vomiting Watermelon Guacamole
Gross in the best way possible! This centerpiece is all about presentation. A watermelon carved to look like it’s spewing guacamole is a guaranteed conversation starter.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 small, round seedless watermelon
- Your favorite guacamole recipe (or store-bought)
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions:
- Cut the watermelon in half. Scoop out the fruit from one half (save it for another use!).
- On the rind of the hollowed-out half, carve a face with a large, open mouth, looking like it’s sick.
- Place the carved watermelon “head” on a large platter, propping it up slightly at the back.
- Fill the watermelon cavity with guacamole, letting it spill out of the carved mouth and onto the platter.
- Arrange tortilla chips all around the “vomit” for dipping.
12. Cheesy Monster Fingers
These are similar to the witch fingers but made with cheesy pizza dough, making them a gooey, savory treat that kids and adults will love.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Melted garlic butter
- Green bell pepper slices or black olives for “fingernails”
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into long, finger-shaped strips.
- Sprinkle a line of mozzarella cheese down the center of each strip.
- Pinch the dough closed around the cheese to seal it.
- Shape the dough to look like a finger, adding “knuckle” marks with a knife.
- Press a piece of green bell pepper or a sliced olive onto the tip for a monstrous nail.
- Brush with garlic butter and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
13. Roasted Root Vegetable Medley
For a healthier and more elegant option, a roasted vegetable medley with autumnal colors is a perfect choice. The orange, purple, and white vegetables are naturally festive.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 large sweet potato, cubed
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1 purple sweet potato or a few small purple potatoes, cubed
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a large baking sheet, toss all the vegetables with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them in a single layer.
- Roast for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
14 Mummy Sausage Rolls
These little mummified sausages are a guaranteed hit, especially with younger guests. They are one of the simplest yet most effective Halloween side dishes.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 package of cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Ketchup or mustard for dipping
- Edible candy eyeballs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the sausages dry with a paper towel.
- Unroll the crescent dough and cut it into very thin strips.
4t. Wrap a few strips of dough around each sausage, leaving a small gap at one end for the face. - Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the dough is golden.
- Let them cool for a minute, then use a dab of ketchup or mustard to stick two candy eyeballs on each sausage. Serve with more sauce for dipping.
15. Spiderweb Seven-Layer Dip Cups
For a more COVID-friendly or portion-controlled option, serve your seven-layer dip in individual clear plastic cups. It’s the same great taste as the graveyard dip, just in a different format.
What You’ll Need:
- Same ingredients as the Graveyard Taco Dip
- Clear plastic cups
Instructions:
- In each cup, create individual layers of refried beans, guacamole, seasoned sour cream, and salsa.
- Top with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of black olives.
- Use a small squeeze bottle of sour cream to draw a spiderweb on top of each cup.
- Chill until ready to serve. This is a fantastic grab-and-go Halloween side dish.
Quick-Reference Product Table
| Product Name | Brand | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Half Sheet | OXO | Baking Mummy Poppers, Witch Fingers |
| Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids | Cuisinart | Mixing dips, cheese balls, salads |
| Multi-Shape Mini Cookie Cutter Set | Ateco | Shaping spooky details on various dishes |
| Decorating Squeeze Bottles | Wilton | Drawing spiderwebs and bloodshot veins |
| Black Slate Serving Board | Dofira | Serving appetizers with a spooky vibe |
Make Your Halloween Feast Unforgettable
Creating a memorable Halloween party is all about the details, and your food is a huge part of that.
These 15 Halloween side dishes offer a range of options, from a creepy-crawly theme to just a subtle nod to the season. They prove that side dishes don’t have to be an afterthought—they can be a highlight of your celebration.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on these ideas. The most important thing is to have fun with it.
Let these recipes inspire you to get into the kitchen and cook up some ghoulishly good food for your friends and family. Happy Halloween!
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