40 Best Fall Snacks for After School, Game Day and Beyond
They're great for parties, too!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
With the return of back-to-school season comes the return of after-school snack season (although, to be honest, the hunger never really left)! And even if you aren't in school, there are countless opportunities in the fall for a midday refuel, like organizing and attending Halloween parties and all those football game day tailgates. This year, why not go beyond the latest pumpkin spice offerings lining the shelves of your local supermarket and make some homemade fall snacks instead?
These snacks are so easy to make and even easier to grab as an afternoon pick-me-up or as a movie snack for your next scary movie marathon. Think apple butter cheddar twists, roasted pumpkin seeds, homemade pumpkin dip, and puppy chow! Looking for a fall snack that doubles as a Halloween treat? Read on for tons of fall recipes that you can serve at your next spooky party. There are sweet and salty homemade pretzel turtles, pumpkin spice cereal treats and concession stand crackers that are great for using up leftover candy.
Prefer something a little heartier? Try making a big batch of buffalo chicken dip or the pepperoni pizza rolls for a game day snack that both kids and adults will love to eat. And don't forget a few while planning out your Thanksgiving menu! Whether you opt for pumpkin recipes, apple recipes or simply a comfort food treat, this list will remind you why it's the season of snacking.
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
Crunchy, satisfying, and healthy, pumpkin seeds are arguably the best reason to carve a pumpkin this year. Adding cinnamon and sugar gives them a warm and sweet twist that the kids will love.
Get the Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds recipe.
Potato Chip Rice Krispie Treats
Why choose between sweet and salty when you can get them both in one bite? And combining two of the best snacks ever into one treat is sure to be a winner.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Pumpkin-flavored anything is fair game come fall. And whoopie pies are just so fun. They're like a perfect snack hybrid of a cake and a cookie, so why not (pumpkin) spice them up?
Get Ree's Pumpkin Whoopie Pies recipe.
Morning Glory Muffins
Packed with apples, raisins, carrots, coconut, pecans, and whole wheat flour, these muffins are a delicious start to any day. Of course, you can have one any time of the day, too. Hello, afternoon coffee break!
Get the Morning Glory Muffins recipe.
Spicy Chex Mix
To be honest, Chex mix is a great snack all year long. Why not kick your fall up a notch by making it spicy? This mix has hot sauce, Worcestershire, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and thyme mixed in.
Get the Spicy Chex Mix recipe.
Homemade Potato Chips
Potato chips are the quintessential snack. Can you picture watching a football game without them? Nope! Try making them yourself and you'll be amazed how much better they are.
Get Ree's Homemade Potato Chips recipe.
Queso Totchos
Tator tots: excellent snack. Nachos: excellent snack. Now combine them and what do you get? The ultimate game day snack, especially when topped with spicy queso.
Get Ree's Queso Totchos recipe.
Turkey Cheese Ball
Who wouldn't love this little guy as a snack? And you don't have to wait for Thanksgiving, because the savory blend of cream cheese, shredded gouda, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and pecans is perfect all season.
Get the Turkey Cheese Ball recipe.
Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread
Apples might get more of the spotlight, but don't sleep on pears this fall! They (ahem) pair so wonderfully with savory ingredients like blue cheese for a more sophisticated snack.
Get Ree's Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread recipe.
Pumpkin Bread
A moist slice of pumpkin bread makes for the perfect fall breakfast, snack, dessert, and everything in between! This recipe is suitable for all tastes, as one loaf features a crunchy pumpkin seed coating, and the other is studded with chocolate chips.
Get the Pumpkin Bread recipe.
Rotel Dip
Sure, you could just munch on some chips. But did you know you're just 20 minutes away from making a cheesy, beefy, slightly spicy and totally scrumptious dip to go with them?
Get Ree's Rotel Dip recipe.
Apple Butter Cheese Twists
These puff pastry twists taste just as fun as their swirled pattern suggests! They're savory, sweet, and munchable. Dunk them in your favorite dip, or enjoy them plain for an afternoon snack!
Get the Apple Butter Cheese Twists recipe.
Fancy Roasted Cocktail Nuts
This isn't your average bowl of nuts! They're coated in maple syrup, orange zest, rosemary, cayenne, and sea salt before being roasted to crunchy perfection.
Get the Fancy Roasted Cocktail Nuts recipe.
Pepitas
After carving your pumpkins, make sure to rinse and save the seeds to make pepitas! This crunchy snack is made by coating the pumpkin seeds in olive oil and your choice of spices and then roasting them until they're light golden brown.
Get Ree's Pepitas recipe.
Homemade Applesauce
What better way to use up all those apples from your orchard excursion than making a batch of homemade applesauce? It's so simple to make by cooking and blending apples, apple cider, brown sugar, and spices. Store it in a few mini mason jars for an on-the-go snack!
Get Ree's Homemade Applesauce recipe.
Pumpkin Bars
These snack-sized bars combine a spice cake, a blondie, and a pumpkin spice latte into one dense treat! As if they couldn't get any more irresistible, they're topped with a layer of fluffy, pumpkin-spiced cream cheese frosting.
Get the Pumpkin Bars recipe.
Pumpkin Dip
This creamy, sweet dip will satisfy your craving for a pumpkin cheesecake in just 10 minutes flat! It's a fluffy delight that you can scoop up with apple slices or even pretzels.
Get the Pumpkin Dip recipe.
Halloween Chex Mix
If you're a fan of sweet and salty snacks, then you'll have to give this Chex mix a try. Along with salty pretzels and cashews, you'll get pops of sweetness from the candy corn, peanut butter candies, and chocolate chips.
Get the Halloween Chex Mix recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies
You can make this snack year-round, but it's a great choice for munching on while you watch your favorite team get a touchdown! Let's just say, it's a winner for game day!
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies recipe.
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Our classic sugar cookie gets a seasonal twist by adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the dough. Not to mention there's a pumpkin icing to really give it that seasonal spiced flavor.
Get the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies recipe.
Try Pumpkin in Savory Recipes This Season
The Top Nail Colors Defining Fall 2025
Watch Netflix's Newest Romance Drama ASAP
Shop These Pumpkin Spice Snacks Right Now
