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Halloween Appetizers

Halloween Appetizers

October 01, 2012

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Instead of filling up on candy, enjoy these devilishly delicious appetizers on the spookiest night of the year. If you are hosting a party or just a guest bringing food, let your slow cooker do the work for you. Set up a chili bar with toppings or lay out a spread complete with pumpkin hummus, butternut squash queso, and sweet potato tots. We love soup as an easy appetizer or light dinner on Halloween because hosts can focus on their costume as the soup simmers on the stove and guests can help themselves throughout the night. Most of these healthy Halloween appetizers can be made ahead of time, too, and served right before the first trick-or-treater rings the doorbell.

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Healthy Halloween Appetizers

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: White Bean and Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips

Why should the trick-or-treaters have all the fun? With these appetizer recipes you'll have a Halloween spread fit for all your spooky (and not-so-spooky) visitors. Many of these recipes can be made ahead so you won't be rushing around the kitchen between dashes to the front door with the candy bowl.

First up, White Bean and Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips. This lightly sweet and smoky take on hummus is the perfect snack or a fitting starter for any autumn gathering.

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Sweet and Spicy Pumpkinseeds

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Pumpkinseeds

Once you've carved out your Jack-o-Lantern, don't even consider throwing out those seeds, as they can be roasted for a delicious Halloween treat. This crunchy snack packs a ton of heat and flavor that's the perfect solution to your strongest savory craving. If you're serving it to a crowd that's shy on spice, scale back on the red pepper for a salty toasted seed that everybody can enjoy. For even more kick, add an extra 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper.

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Butternut Squash Queso Fundido

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Butternut Squash Queso Fundido

Butternut squash adds distinct flavor (and color) to this satisfyingly cheesy dip. To make it vegetarian, sub vegetable stock for the chicken stock. If you prefer, you can roast a halved, seeded butternut squash at 350° for 45 minutes or until soft. Scoop 10 ounces of flesh, and use in place of the puree.

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Spiralized Butternut Squash Toast with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Seeds

Photo: Rachel Johnson

View Recipe: Spiralized Butternut Squash Toast with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Seeds

Toasted bread is a great vehicle to get veggies and protein-packed ingredients, from avocado to almond butter, into your diet. Spiralizing butternut squash makes it easy to top toast, and paired with creamy goat cheese and fresh pomegranate seeds, it makes for a supreme salty-sweet combination. Feel free to substitute whole grain bread or sprouted breads for another option.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Get the chili started in the morning and keep warm in the slow cooker while you're out. Calling for a mixture of beans and hominy, this recipe boasts bold, rich flavor, something that can often be dulled in a slow cooker. Whirring some of the beans in a food processor thickens the soup, lending a heartier texture to the dish. We suggest serving the soup with green onions, cheese, cilantro, peppers, and plain yogurt, a great substitute for sour cream.

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Sweet Potato Tots

Sara Tane

View Recipe: Sweet Potato Tots

Take a break from sweet potato fries and try out tots instead. Oven-baked until they're brown and crispy, these tots will satisfy your wildest savory cravings without overloading you with calories and fat. Served with a zippy jalapeño ranch dipping sauce that's loaded with protein and fresh herbs, these cute sweet potato tots make for the perfect appetizer or mid-afternoon snack that your kids will devour.

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Butternut Squash, Kale, and Black Bean Quesadillas

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Butternut Squash, Kale, and Black Bean Quesadillas

Mashing half of the beans provides creamy texture and helps to seal the quesadillas.

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Chicken Tamales with Ranchero Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Chicken Tamales with Ranchero Sauce

Use your go-to convenience appliance in unexpected—dare we say brilliant—ways to turn out fuss-free, fabulous fare for entertaining's busiest season. Cook tamales without any need to check or adjust the temperature or water level. It's a worry-free method that dials down the maintenance for this Halloween night favorite.

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Gingered Sweet Potato Soup with Toasted Coconut and Pumpkinseeds

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Gingered Sweet Potato Soup with Toasted Coconut and Pumpkinseeds

Pureed sweet potatoes are topped with coconut and pumpkinseed kernels making this soup perfect for fall.

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Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

Look for sweet chili sauce on the ethnic aisle at most supermarkets, or in Asian grocery stores. Dark sesame oil and lower-sodium soy sauce deliver tremendous flavor with less sodium and saturated fat.

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Sweet Potato Fries

Photo: Jen Causey

1 bag frozen sweet potato fries (such as Alexia Sweet Potato Fries with Sea Salt)

Bake according to package directions. Makes up to 6 servings (serving size: 3 ounces or 12 pieces)

140 Calories

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Brown Sugar-Spiced Nut Mix

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Brown Sugar-Spiced Nut Mix

Achieve a bronze-like patina on these candied nuts by keeping a close watch near the end of their roasting time. Too long and they'll overdarken and take on a bitter flavor.

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Roasted Beet Hummus

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Roasted Beet Hummus

The beet flavor (if not the color) in this dip is very subtle, with a nutty edge from walnuts and walnut oil and concentrated sources of fat and flavor. Pair with crunchy crudités.

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Spiced Apple Two-Bite Tarts

Photo: Andrew Purcell

View Recipe: Spiced Apple Two-Bite Tarts

The nutty pastry is absolutely delicious, like pecan shortbread. You can make the tart shells and filling the day before and assemble just before serving: Place the shells in an airtight container and chill the filling, bringing it to room temperature before placing it in the shells so it's not ice-cold. The crème fraîche dollop is more than just a pretty garnish; its rich, tangy flavor makes these sublime.

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Butternut Squash Pizza with White Sauce, Spinach, and Goat Cheese

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Butternut Squash with White Sauce, Spinach, and Goat Cheese

Try swapping out the goat cheese for feta or Gorgonzola to switch up the flavor profile.

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Carrot Hummus With Cumin and Almonds

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Carrot Hummus With Cumin and Almonds

Bright, beautiful carrots give this dip its gorgeous hue, while a pinch of paprika adds a slight kick of spice.

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Baked Mozzarella Bites

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Baked Mozzarella Bites

A healthier alternative to traditional fried cheesesticks, these bite-size snacks are perfect for dipping.

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Spicy Red Pepper Hummus

Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Spicy Red Pepper Hummus

Prepare and refrigerate hummus a day ahead, and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving with homemade pita chips.

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Artichoke-Spinach Dip

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Artichoke-Spinach Dip

Order this warm, creamy, and cheesy dish in most American chain restaurants and you could be looking at nearly a day’s worth of calories! Not so here; my version has fewer than 150 per serving. Assemble the dish up to two days ahead and bake just before serving. Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, or sliced baguette.

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Black Bean Hummus

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Black Bean Hummus

This hummus recipe has a southwestern kick that everyone will love. We recommend serving with pita chips but you can also serve with assorted crudités.

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Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

View Recipe: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Dip the pretzels, and store in the fridge on a parchment-lined tray up to five days ahead. Set out shortly before serving, but not too far ahead, as the chocolate may melt.

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Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

Just enough butter for caramel goodness. Peanut butter for heart-healthy richness.

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Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus with Prosciutto

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

View Recipe: Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus with Prosciutto

Crunchy phyllo-wrapped asparagus makes great pick-up bites for a party. You can also chop the prosciutto and sprinkle it on the phyllo if you want.

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Caramelized Onion, Gruyère, and Bacon Spread

Caramelized Onion, Gruyere, and Bacon Spread

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Caramelized Onion, Gruyère, and Bacon Spread

Serve with crackers or bread slices. If you can't find Gruyère, substitute raclette, fontina, or Swiss cheese.

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Baked Feta with Romesco and Olive Tapenade

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Baked Feta with Romesco and Olive Tapenade

Make the romesco sauce and tapenade up to three days ahead, and keep them chilled separately.

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Thai Cashew Brittle

Photo: Romulo Yanes

View Recipe: Thai Cashew Brittle

Sharp shards of crisp Thai Cashew Brittle combine salty cashews and hot chile paste.

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Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball

Photo: Jonny Valiant

View Recipe: Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball

Prepare this retro-chic snack up to two days ahead, and serve with crackers, bread, or veggies. Rolled in minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, this cheese ball is festive enough for the most discerning party guests.

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Pumpkin Dip

Photo: Lee Harrelson

View Recipe: Pumpkin Dip

Bring out the best of fall's flavors with this super-easy pumpkin dip, perfect for enjoying with fresh apple slices.

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Spicy Almond-Pumpkinseed Snack Mix

Photo: Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Spicy Almond-Pumpkinseed Snack Mix

This snack mix is a great choice for an office pick-me-up. It stores well for up to a week in an airtight container.

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Sloppy Joe Sliders

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Sloppy Joe Sliders

An already kid-friendly classic just got kicked up a notch. All your Halloween guests will love these pint-sized sliders.

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Pumpkin Hummus

Photo: Lee Harrelson

View Recipe: Pumpkin Hummus

This appetizer recipe offers a fall-style twist on the traditional Middle Eastern spread. You can find pumpkinseeds—also called pepitas—in groceries and Mexican markets. Prepare this pumpkin hummus recipe up to a day ahead, and refrigerate.

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Chili-Spiced Almonds

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Chili-Spiced Almonds

These flavorful nuts make a convenient party snack. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.

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Halloween Appetizers

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Healthy Halloween Appetizers

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Sweet and Spicy Pumpkinseeds

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Butternut Squash Queso Fundido

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Spiralized Butternut Squash Toast with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Seeds

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Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

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Sweet Potato Tots

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Butternut Squash, Kale, and Black Bean Quesadillas

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Chicken Tamales with Ranchero Sauce

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Gingered Sweet Potato Soup with Toasted Coconut and Pumpkinseeds

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Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

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Sweet Potato Fries

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Brown Sugar-Spiced Nut Mix

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Roasted Beet Hummus

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Spiced Apple Two-Bite Tarts

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Butternut Squash Pizza with White Sauce, Spinach, and Goat Cheese

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Carrot Hummus With Cumin and Almonds

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Baked Mozzarella Bites

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Spicy Red Pepper Hummus

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Artichoke-Spinach Dip

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Black Bean Hummus

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Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

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Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

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Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus with Prosciutto

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Caramelized Onion, Gruyère, and Bacon Spread

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Baked Feta with Romesco and Olive Tapenade

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Thai Cashew Brittle

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