45 Fall Appetizers for Your Next Family Gathering or Holiday Feast
Fall is the time of year when you'll want to have plenty of warm, cozy dishes ready to go. Whether you're planning your Thanksgiving appetizers, Halloween appetizers, or just want to mix up your dinner weeknight menu, we've got the best fall appetizers right this way. From creamy dips to party-worthy finger food bites to globally-inspired snacks, there's sure to be an autumnal appetizer here you'll want to bookmark.
Many of these appetizers make the most of seasonal produce like butternut squash, brussels sprouts, pumpkin, or cauliflower. Some of them come together in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, meaning you can leave your oven and stove free for mains, desserts, and everything else that goes into a big family meal. Others can be made ahead of time to save you a little stress on the big day. We've even included some recipes that are vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan if you happen to be cooking for folks with these dietary restrictions. Even the pickiest eaters are sure to enjoy these easy and healthy appetizers.
If you need even more fall menu inspiration, be sure to check out our roundups of Thanksgiving side dishes, fall soups, fall desserts, and Halloween dinners to find more soon-to-be favorites.
Mini Cheese Popovers
These fluffy appetizer bites made with chives and Cheddar or Gruyère cheese will be gone before you know it.
Get the Mini Cheese Popovers recipe.
Hot Double-Onion Cheese Dip
Nothing says "cozy" like this savory, cheesy dip. It's the perfect thing to serve guests when the temperatures outside start to drop.
Get the Hot Double-Onion Cheese Dip recipe.
Ham and Brie Quesadilla
Here's a party snack kids and adults alike will love: A quesadilla stuffed with ham and melty brie and slathered with mustard. It also takes just a few minutes to make.
Get the Ham and Brie Quesadilla recipe.
Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Croutons
This creamy soup makes the most of fall ingredients like sweet potato and carrots. If you're having a sit-down dinner, you can serve it as a first course. If you're having more of a mingling function, put some small paper cups or bowls out so your guests can serve themselves.
Get the Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Croutons recipe.
Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs
Serve a plate of these saucy meatballs with toothpicks for easy snacking. Your vegetarian guests can even get in on the fun, since these bites are made with ground eggplant rather than meat.
Get the Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs recipe.
Lentil Hummus
This is far better than any store-bought hummus. Serve it with warm bread or veggie sticks for an easy appetizer.
Get the Lentil Hummus recipe.
Tomatillo Salsa
This flavorful homemade salsa only requires three ingredients. Make sure you have plenty of chips on hand!
Get the Tomatillo Salsa recipe.
Zesty Mini Crab Cakes
If you ask us, there's never a wrong time to whip up a plate of these flavorful mini crab cakes. Serve them with a homemade aioli for an appetizer everyone will rave about.
Get the Zesty Mini Crab Cakes recipe.
Hawaiian Pork Pull-Apart Rolls
Cook up some pulled pork and pineapple in the Instant Pot for these mini sandwiches. If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can also make this in a slow cooker.
Get the Hawaiian Pork Pull-Apart Rolls recipe.
Roasted Broccoli–Artichoke Dip
Nothing says fall like roasted veggies. This recipe makes the most of roasted broccoli, artichoke hearts, and parmesan in one creamy, delicious dip.
Get the Roasted Broccoli–Artichoke Dip recipe.
Spicy Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer for a reason! These ones take things up a notch with a little bit of hot sauce.
Get the Spicy Deviled Eggs recipe.
Sausage and Sage-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Squash makes for the perfect vessel for sweet and tart cranberries, sausage, and herbs.
Get the Sausage and Sage-Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
Warm Pimiento Cheese Dip
Pull this gooey dip out of the oven right before guests arrive for an appetizer that'll keep them happy until it's time for dinner.
Get the Warm Pimiento Cheese Dip recipe.
Beet Crostini
If you ask us, beets are totally underrated. And these toasts topped with horseradish-infused crème fraîche are proof.
Get the Beet Crostini recipe.
Smoky Red Pepper Hash Browns
The only thing better than crispy hash browns are bite-size crispy hash browns that you can pop into your mouth in one swift motion.
Get the Smoky Red Pepper Hash Browns recipe.
Thyme Popovers With Ginger-Pear Butter
Ginger and pear aren't your typical combination. But when spread on these thyme popovers, the complimentary flavors are undeniable.
Get the Thyme Popovers With Ginger-Pear Butter recipe.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
This is the fall appetizer you've been dreaming of. Seasonal sprouts are wrapped in crispy bacon and covered with a brown sugar glaze. Plus, it comes together in the air fryer!
Get the Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts recipe from Spend With Pennies.
Insanely Delicious Whipped Ricotta
This dreamy dip is sure to steal the show. It's made with extra-virgin olive oil, lemon, fresh thyme, and honey.
Get the Insanely Delicious Whipped Ricotta recipe from Alexandra's Kitchen.
Crispy Marinated Tofu
If you love Chinese food, you'll want to add this appetizer to the menu at your next gathering. Tofu is marinated in a flavorful mixture and then pan-fried until it's perfectly crispy.
Get the Crispy Marinated Tofu recipe from Omnivore's Cookbook.
Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a Blanket are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. This recipe calls for gluten-free puff pastry, but you can use regular if you prefer.
Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe from A Pumpkin and A Princess.
Sweet Potato Tacos
Get creative with your roasted sweet potatoes by serving them in a taco. You could even have a DIY taco bar with plenty of salsa, fresh veggies, and anything else you want.
Get the Sweet Potato Tacos recipe from Spend With Pennies.
Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls
It'd be all too easy to fill up on these garlicky, buttery, cheesy homemade rolls before the entrees even hit the table. See if anyone can resist.
Get the Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls recipe from Butter Be Ready.
Fried Sweet Plantain Slices
Add a sweet appetizer to the fall menu with these delicious fried sweet plantains. They cook up in just a few minutes and are a warm, cozy dish that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Get the Fried Sweet Plantain Slices recipe from My Dominican Kitchen.
Mexican Corn Dip
This warm, gooey dip is made with canned corn, cream cheese, sour cream, onions, and jalapeños. Serve it with tortilla chips or warm bread for a showstopping appetizer.
Get the Mexican Corn Dip recipe from Isabel Eats.
Salt and Pepper Pork Chops
Sure, you could have just one or two of these flavorful, crispy pork chops as an appetizer. Or you can cook up some rice and serve it with these for a filling main. You truly can't go wrong.
Get the Salt and Pepper Pork Chops recipe from Omnivore's Cookbook.
Everything Bagel Cauliflower Tots
These delicious bites are made with cauliflower, which is easy to find in the fall and winter months. They're mixed with garlic powder and everything bagel seasoning for a finger food you won't be able to stop eating.
Get the Everything Bagel Cauliflower Tots recipe from Nosh With Micah.
Fluffy Pumpkin Dip
Cheesy, savory dips are a common party appetizer. Why not mix things up with this sweet pumpkin dip? It's perfect for fall, thanks to the pumpkin pie spices.
Get the Fluffy Pumpkin Dip recipe from Spend With Pennies.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Guava BBQ Meatballs
We love an appetizer that comes together in the slow cooker, leaving your oven and stovetop open for the main event. These delicious meatballs require just five ingredients, making them an easy fall appetizer for any meal.
Get the 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Guava BBQ Meatballs recipe from Butter Be Ready.
Jalapeño Popper Dip
Warning: Once you make this savory, spicy, crunchy cheese dip, your friends and family will beg you to make it for every gathering for the rest of your life.
Get the Jalapeño Popper Dip recipe from Isabel Eats.
Apple Hand Pies
If you ask us, apple pie is the best thing about fall. Serve these handheld pies for a sweet appetizer everyone will enjoy.
Get the Apple Hand Pies recipe from Spend With Pennies.
Mini Chorizo Chili Bowls
There's nothing more enjoyable then a bowl of thick and hearty chili in on a brisk, fall day. When family comes over for dinner, serve bite-size scoops in mini bread bowls.
Get the Mini Chorizo Chili Bowls recipe from A Spicy Perspective.
Tipsy Cheese and Cherry Crostinis
When prepping these crostinis, go heavy on the merlot-soaked cheese for an appetizer to remember or slice more thinly for a subtle starter.
Get the Tipsy Cheese and Cherry Crostinis recipe from A Pretty Life.
Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread
For guests with a sweet tooth, this appetizer will not disappoint. Set up a spreading station with apples, pretzels, and pears, and your job is done.
Get the Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread recipe from She Wears Many Hats.
Mac and Cheese Bites
Mac and cheese is a staple side dish at any family gathering. Move it up on the dinner menu by turning it into an appetizer.
Get the Mac and Cheese Bites recipe from Chef in Training.
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
A dash of maple syrup does wonders for this sweet and lean appetizer.
Get the Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs recipe from Jo Cooks.
Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese
Add sweet taste and crunchy texture to these potato rounds with candied walnuts and a dash of brown sugar.
Get the Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese recipe from Ciao Florentina.
Spicy Cranberry Meatballs
Give everyone's favorite appetizer a sweet and spicy makeover with this homemade sauce.
Get the Spicy Cranberry Meatballs recipe from Yellow Bliss Road.
Chipotle Pumpkin Hummus
Hummus receives a spicy fall upgrade with pumpkin puree, chipotle chiles, and roasted pumpkin seeds.
Get the Chipotle Pumpkin Hummus recipe from Host the Toast.
Pomegranate Cheeseball
Roll pomegranate gems onto this appetizing ball packed with cream cheese, mascarpone, and white cheddar cheese.
Get the Pomegranate Cheeseball recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Pear, Brie, and Caramelized Onions Quesadillas
Drizzled with a balsamic glaze, these quesadillas will become your go-to fall snack.
Get the Pear, Brie, and Caramelized Onions Quesadillas recipe from Jessica in the Kitchen.
Butternut Squash Apple Bruschetta
These festive foods create the best topping combination ever.
Get the Butternut Squash Apple Bruschetta recipe from Whitney Bond.
Maple Caramel Bacon Crack
This easy four-ingredient recipe uses store-bought crescent roll dough to ensure prep work is quick.
Get the recipe at Maple Caramel Bacon Crack recipe from The Domestic Rebel.
Cranberry and Brie Bites
You better double the recipe for this elegant cheesy appetizer, which is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Cranberry and Brie Bites recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary.
Baked Figs with Goat Cheese
Take advantage of fig season by baking these open-faced bites with cheese, walnuts, honey, and sage.
Get the Baked Figs with Goat Cheese recipe from Happy Kitchen.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs
Use your favorite apple cider drink to add autumn flavor to these meatballs.
Get the Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs recipe from Mom on Timeout.
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