Wondering what appetizers to make in the fall for your next dinner party? You're in the right place! We are sharing over 40 of the best fall appetizers to snack on, including comforting warm dips, baked bites, finger foods, and easy-to-assemble platters that everyone will love.
There's something for everyone - from healthy and vegetarian to gluten-free and kid-friendly options. Whether you're preparing appetizers for a family dinner party, an autumn birthday celebration, or hosting a holiday gathering for Thanksgiving, you'll find a fall recipe here that's perfect for the occasion.
Fall is the season for cozy flavors and easy entertaining, and these appetizer recipes celebrate everything we love about it. From warm, melty cheeses and golden puff pastry to fresh harvest ingredients like apples, pumpkin, and squash - these dishes are guaranteed to impress your guests and set the tone for a delicious meal ahead.
Why You'll Love These Fall Appetizers
- Easy to assemble. Each recipe is approachable, beginner-friendly, and made with simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store.
- Seasonal flavors. These appetizers highlight fall favorites like pumpkin, squash, apples, cranberries, and sweet potatoes - warm, cozy, and impossible to resist.
- Perfect for entertaining. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, game night, or casual get-together, these fall appetizers make any gathering feel special.
- Make-ahead friendly. Many of these recipes can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving - perfect for stress-free entertaining.
- Variety for everyone. From healthy and vegetarian to gluten-free and kid-approved, there's something on this list for every taste and dietary need.
Best Fall Appetizers
These are our favorite fall appetizers to kick off any meal - cozy, comforting, and full of seasonal flavor. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving, planning a casual fall dinner party, or need something quick and festive, there's an appetizer here for you.
Charcuterie Board
This easy charcuterie board is the perfect appetizer to impress with minimal effort - made with cheese, cured meats, crackers, dips, olives, fruit, and nuts.
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Bacon wrapped brussels sprouts are the sweet, savory, and salty appetizer that you need at your next holiday gathering this fall. Simple and easy to make.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Freshly baked from the oven, these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are warm and tender with gooey melty cheese and sweet ham. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Caprese Skewers
Caprese Skewers are a quick and fresh appetizer made with bite-sized mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil leaves with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Baked Spinach Dip
Warm, rich, creamy baked spinach dip is a delicious and easy appetizer that is baked until warm and melty. Easy to make ahead and a total crowd pleaser.
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Fried mac and cheese balls are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and have the perfect crunch. Best way to use leftover mac and cheese.
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms are a delicious, flavorful, healthy, and nutritious appetizer. Plus, quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes including prep!
Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket from scratch are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack to make for your next party or gathering - juicy, cheesy, flaky, and buttery.
Pumpkin Hummus
Make creamy pumpkin hummus in under 5 minutes with a few pantry staples including canned pumpkin. It's the best healthy and delicious fall snack or appy.
Cheese Board
This easy Cheese Board is a popular and classic appetizer arranged with an assortment of cheese, bread and crackers, fresh fruit, and nuts. It's the perfect addition to a fall holiday spread.
Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are the perfect appetizer - spicy, crispy, cheesy, and creamy, toasted to golden brown perfection. Plus easy to make ahead and freeze well.
Pretzel Bites
These tender, chewy homemade Pretzel Bites taste professionally made but are a beginner-friendly recipe you can easily make in the comfort of your own home.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Aioli
Indulge in these crispy and flavorful baked sweet potato fries, served with a creamy garlic aioli for the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball
Bacon cheddar cheese ball is an easy to make appetizer and delicious showstopper at holiday parties or game day. It's creamy, cheesy, and nutty.
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Easy pepperoni pizza rolls are crispy on the bottom, tender and chewy inside, packed with pepperoni and cheese, and baked until bubbly. A total crowd pleaser!
Patatas Bravas
Skip the tapas bar and make Patatas Bravas at home with crispy, roasted potatoes smothered in a homemade sweet and spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli.
Apple Nachos
Apple Nachos are a quick, healthy snack made with crisp apples, nut butter, cinnamon, and toppings. Fun, customizable, and ready in minutes!
Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
Air fryer cauliflower bites have a crispy breaded coating outside, yet tender and light inside. They are bite-sized, flavorful, easy to make, and healthy.
Baked Ricotta
Baked ricotta is creamy, smooth, and flavorful. This delicious warm dip is packed with Parmesan and seasoned with dried herbs for the ultimate cheesy dip.
Antipasto Platter
This Antipasto Platter is a show-stopping appetizer made with a variety of marinated veggies, olives, cheeses, breads, cured meats, and fresh vegetables.
Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
Tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze is an easy Italian appetizer topped with tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil and olive oil. Delicious, fresh and simple.
Sweet Chili Chicken Bites
Sticky crispy baked sweet chili chicken bites is so much better than takeout and so easy to make healthier at home. An easy weeknight dinner or game day appy.
Mashed Potato Cakes
Mashed potato cakes are light and fluffy inside, crispy golden outside, and so delicious and flavorful. The best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes!
Cranberry Baked Brie
Cranberry baked brie is a sweet and savory appetizer you need to try this holiday season. It's quick and easy, melty and gooey, and so delicious.
Green Bean Fries
Baked green bean fries are flavorful, crispy, and nutritious. These veggies are quick and easy to make as a healthy appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Pizza Dip
Pepperoni pizza dip is creamy, rich, comforting, and delicious. This appetizer is easy to make, easy to prepare ahead of time, and easy to eat.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Marinated mozzarella balls is a delicious and simple yet stunning appetizer, made with fresh bocconcini soaked in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Homemade Taquitos
Homemade Taquitos are crispy, delicious and flavorful. These rolled tacos are filled with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese - and can be fried or baked!
Sweet Potato Croquettes
Sweet Potato Croquettes are delicious, flavorful, savory balls of mashed sweet potatoes, cheese, and seasoning. These sweet potato bites are crisp outside and soft and tender inside.
Veggie Tray
This homemade veggie tray is a quick, easy, and healthy snack or appetizer to make for your next party, with a variety of colorful vegetables and delicious dips.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites are quick and easy to make with flaky puff pastry, gooey melty brie, and sweet cranberry sauce. The perfect holiday appetizer.
Butternut Squash Galette
This butternut squash galette (free-form tart) is the perfect meal any time of day! Serve it with a fried egg for breakfast or alongside a big salad for lunch or dinner.
Shrimp Egg Rolls
Better than takeout, shrimp egg rolls are a delicious, flavourful and easy appetizer to make. They can be deep fried, baked or air fried.
Spinach Cheese Rolls
Spinach cheese rolls are an easy appetizer that's creamy, cheesy, comforting, and delicious. Serve as an appy at parties, for a school lunch, or snack.
Olive Tapenade
Olive tapenade is a delicious, flavorful, easy dip that comes together in minutes, made with the perfect combination of sharp, tangy, salty, and savory.
Fried Goat Cheese Balls
Fried Goat Cheese Balls are flavorful, delicious, and easy to make. With creamy, melty cheese oozing out of a crunchy, golden crust in every bite.
Candied Pecans
Candied pecans are a delicious, crunchy, and sweet snack during the holidays or great topped on salads and more. Made with five pantry staple in 10 minutes.
Miso Garlic Chicken Wings
Baked miso garlic chicken wings are crispy, delicious, and easy to make. They're marinated in a savoury Asian marinade, and cooked in the oven or air fryer.
Homemade Tater Tots with Bacon
Homemade tater tots with bacon are golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender inside. They're packed with flavour and a total family favourite.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and topped with delicious savory garlic herbed butter that will have you begging for more.
Mashed Potato Balls
Mashed potato balls are a delicious appetizer that is crisp on the outside and soft, tender, and cheesy inside. Best way to use leftover mashed potatoes!
Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs are a simple, easy, and healthy appetizer to make when you need something quick for brunch, picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or Easter.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a cheesy appetizer that's crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They're baked instead of fried for a lighter twist.
Pesto Hummus
Smooth and creamy pesto hummus is a healthy, delicious and flavourful dip that is easy to make in just 5 minutes. It's keto and gluten-free.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy inside, spicy, and wrapped in bacon. Easy to make in the air fryer or oven.
Whipped Feta
Whipped feta dip is light, airy, and fluffy. It's an easy yet impressive recipe that takes only 5 minutes to make in a blender with 3 simple ingredients.
Tips for Hosting a Fall Gathering
Hosting in the fall is all about creating a warm, cozy atmosphere and keeping things stress-free. With a little planning, you can enjoy your own dinner party just as much as your guests do.
- Plan your menu ahead of time. Decide what you want to serve a few days before your fall dinner party so you're not scrambling at the last minute. Many of these fall appetizers (from savory bites to crowd-pleasing dips) can be prepared in advance. Some can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge for a few days, and others can even be frozen according to recipe directions.
- Prep your ingredients early. Once you've chosen your dishes, prepare as much as you can in advance. Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and even assemble some recipes ahead of time so they're ready to bake or serve when guests arrive. Every little bit of prep makes hosting smoother and less stressful.
- Set the table the night before. Pull out your favorite dinnerware, flatware, glasses, and napkins, and set the table ahead of time. It's one less thing to think about on the day of your party - and it instantly makes your home feel warm and inviting.
- Include a mix of appetizers. Balance rich, savory bites with lighter options like salads, fresh fruit, or veggie trays - especially if kids are attending. Variety keeps everyone happy and ensures there's something for all ages.
- Add fall touches. Decorate with mini pumpkins, autumn leaves, or candles for a seasonal feel. Even simple details like rustic serving boards or linen napkins can make your gathering feel special.
- Serve fall drinks. Pair your appetizers with cozy beverages like mulled wine, apple cider, or a fall-inspired cocktail to tie everything together.
Make Ahead and Storage
How to Make Ahead
Many fall appetizers can be prepared a day or two in advance. Assemble dips, roll pastries, or pre-slice fruits and vegetables, then store in airtight containers in the fridge until ready to serve.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Most dips and baked appetizers reheat beautifully the next day.
How to Reheat
Warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, in the air fryer at 300°F for 5-10 minutes, or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. For fried or baked appetizers, the oven or air fryer will help keep them crisp.
Fall Appetizer Pairing Ideas
These appetizers pair perfectly with cozy fall meals and drinks:
- Pair with one of our hearty soups like Butternut Squash Lentil Soup or Vegetable Barley Soup.
- Serve before comforting main courses like Apple Cider Chicken with Butternut Squash, Baked Mac and Cheese, Homemade Hamburger Helper, or Glazed Honey Balsamic Pork Chops.
- Pair with a cozy fall cocktail like apple cider sangria or a spiced pumpkin martini.
- For dessert, follow up with something sweet like Apple Crumble or Sticky Toffee Pudding.
FAQ
A good fall appetizer highlights the flavors of the season - think warm baked brie with cranberry sauce, pumpkin hummus, whipped ricotta crostini, or butternut squash soup shooters. Anything that feels cozy and comforting is perfect for this time of year.
Try roasted chestnuts, homemade popcorn, caramel apple slices, or pumpkin muffins. These easy fall snacks are perfect for casual get-togethers, school events, or cozy movie nights.
Serve a mix of appetizers that celebrate the season - warm dips, baked bites, and finger foods with fall flavors like apple, cranberry, and sweet potato. Add a few easy make-ahead options so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with guests.
Before Thanksgiving dinner, choose light appetizers that won't fill everyone up such as stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, or a charcuterie board with cheese, nuts, and fruit. Aim for variety but keep portions small.
Baked dips, cheese balls, puff pastry bites, and crostini are all great make-ahead options. Prepare them earlier in the day or even the night before, then bake or assemble right before serving.
Choose appetizers that travel well and taste good at room temperature like savory pies, spinach cheese rolls, stuffed peppers, or potato skins. These dishes hold up beautifully during transport.
Keep warm appetizers on a low setting in the oven or use a slow cooker or warming tray. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, and rotate items periodically to keep everything evenly warm.
Bread-based sides like garlic knots, cornbread muffins, or cheesy rolls pair perfectly with soup or chili. For lighter options, try a fresh salad or roasted vegetable platter.
More Fall Recipe Collections
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Recipe
40 Best Fall Appetizers
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Looking for appetizers to make in the fall? Here's over 40 best fall appetizers including warm dips, baked appetizers, bite-sized appys, platters, and more. One of my favorites is this Charcuterie Board.
Ingredients
- 2-3 (½ cup each) dips and spreads (such as hummus, whipped feta, whipped ricotta, jam)
- ⅓ cup olives and antipasti
- 2-3 varieties of cheese (both soft cheese and hard cheese)
- assorted crackers and/or bread (such as pita chips, artisan crackers, breadsticks, mini french baguettes).
- 200 grams cured meats (such as salami, prosciutto, pepperoni)
- 1-2 fruit (such as grapes, figs, pomegranate, berries)
- ½ cup nuts
Instructions
- On a large platter, arrange the items that are in a bowl (these are your dips, jam, antipasti and olives), spacing them apart from each other in a non-symmetrical pattern.
- Arrange the cheese around the bowls, also spacing them away from each other to keep things pleasing to the eyes.
- Arrange the cured meats around the bowls and cheese. You can use your hands to roll up the meat to create an aesthetically pleasing texture.
- Arrange the crackers and bread in gaps (also keeping them apart from each other).
- Fill any large gaps with fruit, and all remaining gaps with nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: French
This recipe collection was originally published in 2022. It has since been updated with new content.
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