Christopher Michel has been the Senior Food and Gardens Editor at Country Living Magazine since March of 2021. Chris has over ten years of experience writing and editing for national magazines and websites, mostly in the food space, such as Cooking Light, The Kitchn, Rodale’s Organic Life, and Bon Appetit. Prior to that, Chris worked in a variety of food spaces in New York City. In 2022, Chris completed the Alabama Master Gardener’s Program hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
\nChris lives in Birmingham, AL, where he enjoys running, reading, and cooking for his wife and two girls.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/4ee90ba8-a422-457b-8971-34d2096febf7_1623953979.jpg"},"@context":"http://schema.org","about":{"@type":"ItemList","numberOfItems":36,"itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Hot Dog Rattlesnake Bites","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-1","description":"Whether you make this easy finger food as an hors d'oeuvre for your party, or part of a pre-trick-or-treat halloween dinner for the kids, it'll be sure to please! Get the recipe for Hot Dog Rattlesnake Bites. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-hot-dog-rattlesnake-snake-64c7e41fb60bb.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Scarecrow Cheese Ball","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-2","description":"We love a good cheese ball at any party or gathering, but this fun scarecrow-themed one is possibly our favorite! Woven wheat crackers, like Triscuits, complete the effect. Get the recipe for Scarecrow Cheese Ball.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-scarecrow-cheese-ball-64c7e4b566bcd.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Bagel Pizza Mummies","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-3","description":"These easy mummies take minutes to make, and they're sure to go fast, as they taste great. They'll keep little tummies full before the candy fest begins.Get the recipe for Halloween Bagel Pizza Mummies.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-pizza-mummy-64c7e5214345c.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"A Goulish Rib Platter","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-4","description":"One of our favorite ways to embrace the festivities is to arrange baby back ribs in the shape of a rib cage, then slather with your favorite barbecue sauce. You can make them yourself, or buy store-bought.Get the recipe for Sweet Heat Cheerwine Baby Back Ribs. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-ribs-1662470240.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Batty Chicken Wings","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-5","description":"Haunt taste buds with extra spicy chicken wings. Just take a regular recipe (or store-bought), sprinkle with red pepper flakes and serve with super spicy wing sauce.Get the recipe for Spicy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-chicken-wings-1662470780.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Smokey Pumpkin Deviled Eggs","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-6","description":"All you need to make classic deviled eggs seasonal is a fork and some tiny cornichon pickles. Get the recipe for Smokey Pumpkin Deviled Eggs.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-pumpkin-deviled-eggs-1662473040.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":7,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Meatballs","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-7","description":"This make-ahead meal is great for grazing on before or after trick or treating, and requires just 20 minutes of hands-on time, which means you’ll have more freedom to, say, sew on a last-minute superhero cape. A flavorful blend of sausage, beef, and spinach means these meatballs don’t need much else. Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Meatballs.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/super-bowl-food-spinach-meatballs-1638830531.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":8,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Garlic Bread ","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-8","description":"Garlic bread is perfect for dunking in straight-from-the-jar sauce. (Bonus: It wards off vampires.) Get the recipe for Garlic Bread. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-meatball-feast-1662060457.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":9,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":" Broiled Broccolini","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-9","description":"Tangy Broccolini and capers round out the meal with a hit of green.Get the recipe for Broiled Broccolini.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-recipes-broccolini-1662049430.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":10,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Spiced Pumpkin-Molasses Cake","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-10","description":"This smart spice cake is packed with seasonal flavors, but elegant enough adults. Get the recipe for Spiced Pumpkin-Molasses Cake.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-cake-mummy-pies-1662474935.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":11,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Mummy Pumpkin Hand Pies","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-11","description":"Fun and light, these snackable pies make tasty after dinner treats with a cup of coffee.Get the recipe for Mummy Pumpkin Hand Pies.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-cake-mummy-pies-1662474935.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":12,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Apple Cider-Glazed Wings","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-12","description":"Much more treat than trick, these sweet, mildly kicky wings are a perfect fall-season alternative to Buffalo, and great for parties!Get the recipe for Apple Cider-Glazed Wings.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-apple-cider-wings-1665416117.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":13,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Beef Tacos","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-13","description":"Low-key and easy, tacos are a feed-a-crowd meal that practically make themselves. And they're filling enough to balance out the candy feast that's coming.Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Tacos.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-slow-cooker-beef-tacos-1665416238.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":14,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Sausage-and-Wild Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-14","description":"Looking for a slightly more elegant seasonal dinner? These single-serving stuffed squashes are the perfect Halloween party dinner main!Get the recipe for Sausage-and-Wild Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-sausage-stuffed-acorn-squash-1665416355.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":15,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pumpkin & Pesto Crostini","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-15","description":"Hors d'oeuvres are what turn \"having a few friends over\" into \"dinner party.\" These seasonal, elegant snacks are both fun and tasty.Get the recipe for Pumpkin & Pesto Crostini.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-pumpkin-deviled-eggs-crostini-1662472795.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":16,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-16","description":"Just because it's getting cooler doesn't mean salad season is over! This rich dish is ideal for nibbling on and for sit-down dinners alike.Get the recipe for Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-acorn-squash-salad-1665416621.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":17,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pumpkin-Chorizo Pizza","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-17","description":"For an unexpected twist, cut your rectangular pizza into long slivers instead of the usual square shape.Get the recipe for Pumpkin-Chorizo Pizza.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-pumpkin-chorizo-pizza-1662473203.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":18,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pumpkin Spice White Russian","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-18","description":"If it's a cocktail kind of evening, consider this smart riff on the classic White Russians, which adds a little seasonal spice.Get the recipe for Pumpkin Spice White Russian.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-pumpkin-spice-white-russian-1662474707.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":19,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Liquid Web Cocktails","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-19","description":"Want to make it even more Halloween-y? This combo of liqueurs, whipped cream, and milk is like candy for adults!Get the recipe for Liquid Web Cocktails.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-cocktail-1662474809.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":20,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Not-So-Warm Welcome Wreath","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-20","description":"Greet your guests as soon as they approach your door with this festive DIY decor. To create this wicked craft, start with a grapevine wreath and spray-paint it black. Use black wire to secure cardboard crows and hang with black gingham ribbon.RELATED: 46 DIY Halloween Wreaths to Keep Things Scarily Sophisticated. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-wreath-1561471001.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":21,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Witch's Broom Chandelier","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-21","description":"To set the mood for the evening, make this spooky, suspended chandelier. Start with a plain broom, then fill Mason jars with black sand and black battery-operated tea light candles. Attach the jars to the broom with black twine. Balance it all out with a faux black cat. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-chandelier-1561471660.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":22,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pomegranate-Rum Punch","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-22","description":"If you're hosting a large dinner party, serve a Halloween punch to ensure every guest gets a glass. This fruity concoction is nice and refreshing thanks to a bottle of Prosecco.Get the recipe for Pomegranate-Rum Punch. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-1561470316.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":23,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Black-Bottom Brownies","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-23","description":"Skip the boxed stuff and whip up your own Halloween dessert. A cheesecake topping adds more ooey, gooey goodness to these soft brownies.Get the recipe for Black-Bottom Brownies. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-brownies-1561470814.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":24,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Boarded-Up Window Caramel Nut Tart","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-24","description":"Trick and treat your guests to this spooky, but delicious, tart. It's the perfect ending to a frighteningly good dinner.Get the recipe for Boarded-Up Window Caramel Nut Tart.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-boarded-window-tart-1662061700.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":25,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Marshmallow Ghost Brownies","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-25","description":"These brownies are scary good. After all, they're topped with marshmallow ghosts!Get the recipe for Marshmallow Ghost Brownies. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-menu-ideas-ghost-brownies-1570216971.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":26,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Outdoor Halloween Dinner","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-26","description":"Autumn evenings can be the most gorgeous of the entire year. If the weather is nice, throw a checkered tablecloth over a picnic table, and add some hay bales for extra seating. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-table-ideas-1531423782.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":27,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Halloween Dinner Centerpiece","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-27","description":"There's no need to over complicate your centerpiece. Simply fill a wooden tray with squash, hydrangeas, and fall fruits for an easy, festive addition to your table. Read more: 31 Spectacular Halloween Centerpieces You Can Easily DIY","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-centerpiece-1531423731.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":28,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Spiced Warm Cider","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-28","description":"Greet each guest with a mug of warm apple cider as soon as they walk through the door.Get the recipe for Spiced Warm Cider.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-cider-1662064114.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":29,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pumpkin Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-29","description":"Kick off the meal with a starter of pumpkin soup or chowder. Sautéed leeks, garlic, and bell peppers mingle in this satisfyingly chunky pumpkin chowder.Get the recipe for Pumpkin Soup.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-pumpkin-soup-1662064156.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":30,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pumpkin Bread","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-30","description":"Try this moist bread with butter or a mild cheese—or dip it in pumpkin soup for an extra hearty experience.Get the recipe for Pumpkin Bread.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-pumpkin-bread-1662064234.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":31,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pumpkin Votives","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-31","description":"Create an autumn atmosphere with food and decor that embodies the season. For a table that's both casual and formal, use a gingham tablecloth and arrange pumpkin votives on top.See more DIY crafts.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-votive-1662064282.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":32,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Elegant Halloween Dinner Table","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-32","description":"Dark flatware and candles and muted Jarrahdale pumpkins established the color palette for this elegant Halloween dinner table. Perch faux crows on the pumpkin centerpiece and top place settings with chestnuts. Read more on decorating with pumpkins.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-table-place-setting-1531423814.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":33,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pumpkin Cannelloni with Sage Brown-Butter Sauce","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-33","description":"Hosting vegetarian guests? This is the perfect fall-worthy entrée. Plus, there's no need to make fresh pasta for these silky ricotta-pumpkin cannelloni—oven-ready lasagna sheets work just fine. Get the recipe for Pumpkin Cannelloni.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-pasta-1662064367.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":34,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-34","description":"This twist on risotto uses pearled barley instead of Arborio rice for a healthier dish. Butternut squash and Parmigiano-Reggiano add a rich flavor.Get the recipe for Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-risotto-1662065363.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":35,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Curried Pumpkin and Peas","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-35","description":"This spicy side dish featuring tender pumpkin and tomatoes with a touch of curry powder is sure to be a hit. Get the recipe for Curried Pumpkin and Peas.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-curried-pumpkin-1662470200.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":36,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Cookie Cutter Ginger Crisps","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1031/halloween-menu-ideas/#slide-36","description":"Inspired by colorful autumn leaves, these artful treats feature sugar cookie dough mixed with cinnamon and ginger.Get the recipe for Cookie Cutter Ginger Crisps.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/halloween-dinner-ideas-cookies-1662468906.jpg"}}]}}
And in the spirit of all things spooky, it's also fun to trick out the dinner menu with some spooktacular recipes! Nothing gives your family the thrills and chills (or giggles of delight) like mummy pizzas or pumpkin-shaped deviled eggs for dinner. And nothing makes the Halloween party more fun than spooky cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in fun shapes and flavors!
Don't worry: You won't find anything overly creepy or off-putting in our list. Plenty of Halloween "food" ideas on the internet can cross the line, and get a little gross. We're here to make sure the party stays elegant, festive, kid-friendly, and fun.
So, whether you're designing a holiday menu to entertain adults at a grown-up Halloween party, or to fill kids' bellies before the trick-or-treating (and candy feasting) begin in earnest, we have plenty of Halloween menu ideas that will delight and satisfy.
Whether you make this easy finger food as an hors d'oeuvre for your party, or part of a pre-trick-or-treat halloween dinner for the kids, it'll be sure to please!
We love a good cheese ball at any party or gathering, but this fun scarecrow-themed one is possibly our favorite! Woven wheat crackers, like Triscuits, complete the effect.
These easy mummies take minutes to make, and they're sure to go fast, as they taste great. They'll keep little tummies full before the candy fest begins.
One of our favorite ways to embrace the festivities is to arrange baby back ribs in the shape of a rib cage, then slather with your favorite barbecue sauce. You can make them yourself, or buy store-bought.
Haunt taste buds with extra spicy chicken wings. Just take a regular recipe (or store-bought), sprinkle with red pepper flakes and serve with super spicy wing sauce.
This make-ahead meal is great for grazing on before or after trick or treating, and requires just 20 minutes of hands-on time, which means you’ll have more freedom to, say, sew on a last-minute superhero cape.
A flavorful blend of sausage, beef, and spinach means these meatballs don’t need much else.
Low-key and easy, tacos are a feed-a-crowd meal that practically make themselves. And they're filling enough to balance out the candy feast that's coming.
Greet your guests as soon as they approach your door with this festive DIY decor. To create this wicked craft, start with a grapevine wreath and spray-paint it black. Use black wire to secure cardboard crows and hang with black gingham ribbon.
