21 Halloween Potluck Ideas for Dishes to Serve at Your Monster Mash

Sweet-Spicy Barbecued Chicken Sliders
Photo: Andy Lyons

Heading to a Halloween bash? Choose from one of our big-batch appetizers, main dishes, or desserts. With crowd-pleasers like cheesy barbecue sliders, bacon-wrapped smokies, and even a PSL (pumpkin-spiced latte) bundt cake, these Halloween potluck ideas will make even the pickiest ghouls and goblins happy.

01 of 21

Spider Halloween Deviled Eggs

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This eerie Halloween potluck idea may look like green-tinted deviled eggs, but they're hiding a spooky surprise. Once you've boiled your eggs, gently crack them and place them into a bowl with black food coloring. The result is egg whites that look like they've been coated with spider webs!

02 of 21

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Jacob Fox

The holiday season is busy, and we could all use a make-ahead Halloween potluck recipe that comes together quickly. This pumpkin cheese ball recipe fits the bill. Create your own in just 15 minutes and chill until ready to serve.

03 of 21

Cider-Cheese Fondue

Cider-Cheese Fondue
Jacob Fox

A bottle of hard cider is the secret to this creamy cheese fondue. The light apple flavor helps cut through the richness of the cheese. One reviewer shared a must-have hack for keeping the dish warm, "This cheese is amazing. It was so creamy. The cider flavor was perfect for fall. I used my instant pot to saute and keep warm since we don't have a fondue pot."

04 of 21

Halloween Dessert Nachos

Halloween Dessert Nachos with apples and candy
Matthew Clark

Put all that Halloween candy to good use by whipping up a tray of these dessert nachos. Top sliced Granny Smith apples with melted peanut butter, jelly, and chopped chocolate candy. A sprinkle of candy eyes adds a spooky touch.

05 of 21

Marbled Chocolate-Pumpkin Brownies

Marbled Chocolate-Pumpkin Brownies
Jason Donnelly

These fudgy bars are part brownie and part cheesecake. We've topped our homemade brownie recipe with a creamy pumpkin cream cheese mixture. Spice them up with cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla. Once baked, cut them into a whopping 36 individual servings.

06 of 21

Pumpkin Spice Latte Bundt Cake with Whipped Cream

Pumpkin Spice Latte Bundt Cake with Whipped Cream
Carson Downing

For many of us, it's not Halloween. It's PSL season. Bring the flavors of your favorite fall drink home in this easy bundt cake recipe. Serve the finished cake with homemade whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice.

07 of 21

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders
Brie Passano

This big-batch recipe checks all the boxes for a delicious Halloween potluck. It serves 12, comes together in your slow cooker, and calls for inexpensive pantry ingredients. On the buffet, serve the meat on split hoagie rolls topped with shredded cheese and sliced banana peppers.

08 of 21

Classic Nachos

Classic Nachos
Blaine Moats

These nachos are a classic for a reason—everyone loves them! Layer chips, beef, beans, salsa, and cheese then bake until hot and melty. Serve straight from the pan with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and peppers.

09 of 21

Zombie Brain Cupcakes

halloween cupcakes with zombie-brain icing
Matthew Clark

These spooky Halloween cupcakes only look complicated to make. A boxed cake mix is the start of this easy dessert. Once baked, fill each cake with eerie green vanilla cream and use a piping bag to create the brains.

10 of 21

One-Pot Cuban-Style Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Cuban-Style Barbecue Pulled Pork sandwiches
Adam Albright

Put a twist on classic pulled pork by adding grainy mustard and sweet relish to the sauce. Serve the shredded meat with mayo and pickle slices.

Test Kitchen Tip: Choose how long this recipe takes with our instructions to make it in the slow cooker or pressure cooker.

11 of 21

Apple-Brown Butter Bars

Apple-Brown Butter Bars
Blaine Moats

Apples are at their peak during Halloween. If you want a sweeter tart, choose an apple like Honeycrisp. Using tart apples like Granny Smith will produce a slightly less sweet dessert. No matter what apple you choose, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is the perfect finish.

12 of 21

Roasted Pumpkin Guacamole

Roasted Pumpkin Guacamole
Reed Davis

Traditional guacamole gets a makeover for fall (and Halloween) by stirring in chopped, roasted pumpkin and toasted pumpkin seeds. It's spicy, creamy, zesty, and delicious–just what you're craving when you need a break from candy. Try using this Halloween potluck idea for work, or keep the whole batch for yourself!

13 of 21

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Caitlin Bensel

Add something lighter to your Halloween buffet. Our air-fried jalapeño poppers clock in at just 104 calories per serving. Fresh dill in the filling helps brighten up the flavor of these crispy poppers. Serve them right from your air fryer with a sprinkle of fresh green onions.

14 of 21

Sugared Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Blaine Moats

With nearly 30 5-star ratings, this easy appetizer idea is truly a fan favorite. Whip up a big batch (it serves 45!) for your Halloween potluck with just three ingredients.

Test Kitchen Tip: Make the dish up to 24 hours before serving.

15 of 21

Spooky Strawberry Pumpkin Patch

Spooky Strawberry Pumpkin Patch
Matthew Clark

Bring the pumpkin patch to your potluck! To create this easy Halloween dessert, dip fresh strawberries in orange candy coating. Plant them in a tray of homemade chocolate cookie crumbs and finish with piped green frosting vines.

16 of 21

Sweet-Spicy Barbecued Chicken Sliders

Sweet-Spicy Barbecued Chicken Sliders
Andy Lyons

A few simple shortcuts make these saucy sliders a perfect Halloween potluck idea. Stir purchased rotisserie chicken with canned pineapple, shredded cheese, and bottled barbecue sauce. Spread on sandwich rolls and bake until golden brown and melty.

Test Kitchen Tip: Assemble the sandwiches up to eight hours before the Halloween party.

17 of 21

Pimiento Cheese Dip

Easy Pimiento Cheese Dip
Blaine Moats

You're just one step away from the ultimate Halloween potluck dip. Amp up the bold flavor with smoked cheddar cheese, cayenne pepper, and diced pimientos. Arrange the dip on a platter with crackers, assorted crudites, and dill pickle chips. The tangy flavor of the pickles helps cut through the richness of the cheese.

18 of 21

Mummy Dogs

Mummy Hot Dog
Matthew Clark

Heading to a family-friendly Halloween party? Bring a tray of buttery mummy dogs. This easy potluck recipe calls for just three inexpensive ingredients. Whip up a batch and serve them with ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce.

19 of 21

Halloween Oreo Ball Ghosts

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These sweet ghosts combine crushed chocolate cookies, cream cheese, and mini marshmallows, then get a vanilla candy coating. The recipe makes 18, so it's a great Halloween potluck idea for work, a party, or a get-together with friends. Wherever you serve them, these ghosts will vanish in no time!

20 of 21

Tombstone Taco Dip

Tombstone Taco Dip
Jay Wilde

It's not really a party without chips and dip, and this recipe for taco dip will certainly bring the party to life. This Halloween potluck idea uses refried beans, salsa, chicken, and guacamole as the graveyard's base and baked tortillas to double as dippers and creepy tombstones. If you've got a large crowd coming, making a double batch is easy.

21 of 21

Coconut-Pumpkin Soup

Coconut-Pumpkin Soup
Jason Donnelly

Want to turn up the heat at your Halloween gathering? This sweet-and-spicy pumpkin recipe has coconut milk and jalapeño peppers to create a delicious blend of fresh flavors. The recipe serves 12, and it's a good Halloween potluck idea if you want to provide a savory option alongside all of the sweets.

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