60 Best Fall Appetizers to Feed a Whole Cozy Crowd
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Fall: the season of pumpkin spice lattes, changing leaves, and returning to a more scheduled routine. But it's also a season that's full of activity! Sure, you might have hosted your last backyard cookout of the year, but autumn is when your calendar gets booked up with fall parties of every kind: tailgating, book club meetings, and the annual Halloween celebrations. For those upcoming occasions, browse through these favored fall appetizers.
Whether you're looking for buffalo chicken recipes to serve up on game day or a charcuterie board that's perfect to display for Thanksgiving, this list has something for every autumn occasion. Everyone will be thrilled to fend off the colder weather with a few warming comfort foods and cheesy delights. Try the ooey gooey arancini or the cheese-stuffed jalapeño poppers, to name a few. Or feature harvest produce like squash, Brussels sprouts, and apple recipes.
You'll even find some seasonal fall soups like the butternut squash soup with bacon that's a perfect starter for an elegant sit-down celebration. Of course, you can also try a few creepy twists on classics for your Halloween menu. Break out those slow cookers and air fryers to make life easier, or choose one of the many ideas that you can prep ahead to save time entertaining guests. Whatever you make, you really can't go wrong serving these easy fall appetizer recipes at your next cozy gathering!
Whipped Goat Cheese
Ready in just 20 minutes, this creamy dip is topped with crispy pancetta and toasted panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Perfect for gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with vegetables, crackers, or crusty bread.
Get Ree's Whipped Goat Cheese recipe.
Spinach Puffs
Packed with vibrant flavors reminiscent of spanakopita, these little delights are a hit for celebrations. They're super simple to make as well. You can serve them warm or at room temperature—they'll disappear either way!
Get the Spinach Puffs recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chesnuts
The perfect vintage fall appetizer for a comforting mix of savory and sweet flavors! Wrap crisp water chestnuts in smoky bacon and bake them in a caramelized sauce of chili, brown sugar, and Worcestershire.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts recipe.
Cheese Straws
These handheld snacks pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack during holiday parties or cozy evenings. They're made with store-bought puff pastry, sharp cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of cayenne pepper.
Get Ree's Cheese Straws recipe.
Little Smokies
Made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, these cocktail franks are coated in a flavorful sauce with just the right smoky kick. They’re quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy hosts.
Get Ree's Little Smokies recipe.
Olive Tapenade
Elevate any autumnal gathering in just then minutes when you make this Provencal olive-based spread. It’s ideal for charcuterie boards, cheese platters, or even as a topping for meats and pasta.
Get the Olive Tapenade recipe.
Air Fryer Ravioli
Since you'll just grab a package of ravioli from the refrigerated section at the grocery store to make these, they're exceptionally easy! Just don't forget to dip them in marinara sauce for even more flavor.
Get Ree's Air Fryer Ravioli recipe.
Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Here's a scrumptious autumn appetizer perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes. Mix them with cheese, parsley, and other seasonings, roll in breadcrumbs and fry to golden perfection.
Get Ree's Fried Mashed Potato Balls recipe.
Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers
Festive, flavorful, and so great for fall, these crispy, cheese-based crackers are infused with sharp cheddar, pimentos, and spices. Topped with sweet pepper jelly, they offer a delightful savory-sweet balance.
Chili Cheese Dip
As comforting and cozy as can be, this rich and creamy cheese dip features a homemade beef chili. Top it with fresh pico de gallo for a burst of brightness, then serve it with tortilla chips.
Get Ree's Chili Cheese Dip recipe.
Sheet Pan Nachos
This is an endlessly flexible recipe, allowing you to customize it with as many or as few toppings as you'd like. Plus, you can serve it straight from the sheet pan, saving you the hassle of extra cleanup!
Get Ree's Sheet Pan Nachos recipe.
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
Serve in individual cups for game day or in a large bowl for any occasion—because who can resist the irresistible combination of three crowd-favorite ingredients stacked on potato chips?
Get Ree's Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip recipe.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Hot, crispy mozzarella sticks coming right up! Thanks to your air fryer, you can enjoy these cheesy treats without the mess or hassle of splattering hot oil.
Get the Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Picture these spicy little meatballs served with toothpicks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing—or both! For a more elegant option, pair them with a refreshing cucumber salad. Either way, they're a crowd-pleaser.
Get Ree's Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe.
Pepper Jack Queso
Ree describes queso as "an essential part of every get-together." And when it’s infused with green chilis and jalapeños, it’s simply irresistible! You can easily prepare it on the stovetop or in your slow cooker.
Get Ree's Pepper Jack Queso recipe.
Gougères
Gougères sound fancy and taste just as fancy, but really they're just tasty cheese puffs. They're made just like cream puffs and freeze beautifully if you want to make them in advance.
Get the Gougères recipe.
Sausage Balls
With just a 15 minutes of prep, you'll have a tray full of salty, cheesy sausage balls on the table for everyone to enjoy. Serve with honey mustard dipping sauce and watch them disappear!
Get the Sausage Balls recipe.
Apple Butter Cheese Twists
Part sweet, part savory and entirely delicious, these elegant party snacks are super simple to make thanks to frozen puff pastry dough. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Get the Apple Butter Cheese Twists recipe.
Shrimp Dip
Shrimp dip is an easy appetizer to make in advance and a classic worth making again and again. This version is extra tasty because it uses fresh shrimp and lots of fresh herbs. Top with cocktail sauce just before serving!
Get the Shrimp Dip recipe.
Fall Charcuterie Board
Assembling a charcuterie board makes appetizers easy and appealing. Artfully arranged ahead of time, a selection of seasonal meats, cheeses, and dips will have them satisfied without you having to run back and forth to the kitchen.
Get the Fall Charcuterie Board recipe.
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