63 Best Fall Appetizers for Tailgates, Holidays, and More
Dips, sliders, and chicken wings galore!
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Fall brings more than just cooler air and pretty leaves—it also brings a calendar full of get-togethers! The backyard cookouts may be winding down, but this season is packed with tailgates, book clubs, family dinners, and plenty of Halloween fun. (Plus, all the pumpkin spice lattes you can drink.) And every one of those gatherings calls for a lineup of crowd-pleasing 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!
Easy Artichoke Dip
Here's a recipe that proves artichokes belong at every gathering. The hearts bake into a creamy and cheesy mixture until the edges turn golden. Set it out with crackers or warm bread and watch it disappear in minutes!
Get Ree's Easy Artichoke Dip recipe.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Nothing says game day like a giant pan of nachos. Everything—chips, beans, cheese—melts together in the oven, then it's finished with fresh toppings. Guests can dig in right from the pan, which makes cleanup a breeze!
Get Ree's Sheet Pan Nachos recipe.
Pumpkin Dip
Pumpkin pie lovers will flip for this sweet dip. Pumpkin puree and cream cheese turn fluffy and light, with just enough spice to taste like fall. Graham crackers, pretzels, or apple slices all make great dippers.
Get the Pumpkin Dip recipe.
3-Ingredient Buffalo Dip
Buffalo dip doesn't get easier than this. Just three ingredients and a few minutes in the oven create a creamy, spicy appetizer that disappears quickly. Keep tortilla chips and celery sticks nearby for scooping!
Get Ree's 3-Ingredient Buffalo Dip recipe.
Whipped Goat Cheese
Ready in just 20 minutes, this creamy dip is topped with crispy pancetta and toasted panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Pair it with warm bread, crackers, or roasted vegetables.
Get Ree's Whipped Goat Cheese recipe.
Spinach Puffs
These little puffs are flaky, cheesy, and filled with spinach. They taste great warm or at room temperature, which makes them perfect for holiday parties or potlucks. Don't expect leftovers!
Get the Spinach Puffs recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chesnuts
This retro appetizer still earns a spot at the table! Crunchy water chestnuts wrapped in bacon bake in a sweet and savory glaze until caramelized. Every bite has that irresistible mix of salty, smoky, and crispiness.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts recipe.
Cheese Straws
Puff pastry makes these cheese straws wonderfully simple. Twists of dough with cheddar, Parmesan, and a little cayenne bake until crisp. They're just right alongside a bowl of soup or a holiday cocktail.
Get Ree's Cheese Straws recipe.
Little Smokies
Cocktail franks simmer in a tangy sauce until glazed and tender. They're the kind of slow-cooker snack that stays warm through the whole party, so people can help themselves whenever they pass by.
Get Ree's Little Smokies recipe.
Olive Tapenade
This briny olive spread instantly elevates a cheese board. A quick mix of olives, garlic, and lemon creates a savory bite that spreads beautifully on bread or crackers. It also doubles as a topping for roasted meats.
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.
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