For some reason, I always think of cooling autumn evenings when I want to set out a spread of small, warm, grab-and-go snacks that everyone can enjoy while they are getting snuggled up in their sweaters. These 21 appetizer recipes are the most irresistible, and they’ll make your guests want to stay in the kitchen and hang out (which is usually the case with my friends). Pick a couple appetizer recipes, pour some cider, and enjoy the festivity without having to leave the kitchen.
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1) Butternut Squash Soup Shooters
Small mugs filled with smooth squash soup feel sophisticated, but are super easy to serve.
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No recipe hunting, no messy shopping notes, no complicated chef projects. Just family dinners that fit real weeks.
Butternut Squash Soup Shooters
Ingredients
Method
- Roast the cubed squash with olive oil at 400F for 25 minutes until tender.
- Sauté the onion in a pot until soft, then add the roasted squash and broth.
- Simmer 10 minutes, then blend until completely smooth.
- Stir in the cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper and warm gently.
- Pour into shot glasses and finish each with a tiny swirl of cream.
Notes
2) Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry and Brie pastry cups will melt in your mouth.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the puff pastry into 24 squares and press into a mini muffin tin.
- Drop a cube of brie into each pastry cup.
- Top each with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce and a few chopped pecans.
- Bake at 375F for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with rosemary and serve warm.
3) Pumpkin Spice Deviled Eggs
A fall adaptation of the all-time classic that gets snatched up first every time!
Pumpkin Spice Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
Method
- Hard boil the eggs for 12 minutes, then cool and peel.
- Halve the eggs and scoop the yolks into a bowl.
- Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
- Pipe or spoon the filling back into the egg whites.
- Dust with smoked paprika and chill until serving.
Notes
4) Maple-Glazed Sausages
Cocktail sausages that call for a toothpick!
Maple-Glazed Sausages
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausages and brown on all sides.
- Stir in the maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
- Simmer 10 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the sausages.
- Season with pepper and serve warm with toothpicks.
5) Mushroom Tartlets
These little tarts have buttery, earthy flavors that could come from a high-end bistro.
Mushroom Tartlets
Ingredients
Method
- Sauté the mushrooms and garlic in butter until browned and dry, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the sour cream and half the thyme.
- Spoon the mushroom mixture into the tart shells.
- Top each with shredded gruyere.
- Bake at 375F for 12 minutes until the cheese melts, then garnish with thyme.
Notes
6) Stuffed Mini Peppers
These are simple to make and will guarantee to impress.
Stuffed Mini Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the cream cheese with crumbled bacon and chives.
- Spoon the filling into each pepper half.
- Top with shredded cheddar.
- Bake at 375F for 15 minutes until the peppers soften and the cheese melts.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
7) Caramel Apple Cheddar Skewers
The surprising flavor combination of sweetness and saltiness, with a hint of sharpness, all packed in one small stick, is an amazing treat for the evening.
Caramel Apple Cheddar Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Thread alternating apple chunks and cheddar cubes onto each skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly until pourable.
- Drizzle the caramel over the skewers.
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and serve right away.
Notes
8) Sweet Potato Rounds with Avocado
Roasted rounds are always a winner but paired with creamy avocado, that is a fun combination!
Sweet Potato Rounds with Avocado
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil and salt.
- Roast at 425F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and crisp at the edges.
- Mash the avocados with lime juice and salt.
- Top each warm round with a spoonful of smashed avocado.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and serve.
9) Apple Cider Meatballs
Cider-glazed meatballs smell like autumn and will cozy up your whole home.
Apple Cider Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, and egg, then roll into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the apple cider, brown sugar, and vinegar and simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir the cornstarch with a splash of water and add to thicken the glaze.
- Toss the meatballs in the glaze and serve warm with toothpicks.
Notes
10) Baked Brie with Fig Jam
Watch this dish disappear in front of your eyes! Brie layered with fig jam is bound to be a hit at your gatherings.
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Baked Brie with Fig Jam
Ingredients
Method
- Place the brie wheel in a small baking dish.
- Spread the fig jam over the top and scatter with walnuts.
- Bake at 350F for 18 to 20 minutes until soft and molten.
- Drizzle with honey.
- Serve warm with sliced baguette for dipping.
11) Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
Cinnamon sugar doughnut holes are a sweet treat rolled in warm, pillow, and soft sugar.
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour, half the sugar, and baking powder together.
- Stir in the milk, egg, and 1 tablespoon melted butter to form a batter.
- Spoon into a mini muffin tin and bake at 350F for 12 minutes.
- Brush the warm doughnut holes with the remaining melted butter.
- Roll in the remaining sugar mixed with cinnamon and serve warm.
Notes
12) Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip
An essential party must-have is the cheesy dip that everyone loves and can't stop dipping into!
Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, and garlic until smooth.
- Fold in the spinach, artichokes, and half the mozzarella.
- Spread into a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake at 375F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm with crackers or bread.
Notes
13) Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips
Silky, lightly spiced pumpkin hummus that brings autumn vibes to the dip table.
Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips
Ingredients
Method
- Blend the chickpeas, pumpkin, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin until smooth.
- Thin with a little water if needed and season with salt.
- Brush the pita wedges with oil and bake at 400F for 10 to 12 minutes until crisp.
- Spread the hummus in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve with the warm pita chips.
14) Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears
Fancy looking yet super easy with only three ingredients, juicy and sweet pears wrapped in prosciutto.
Ingredients
Method
- Cut each pear into six wedges.
- Wrap each wedge in a half slice of prosciutto.
- Arrange on a platter over a bed of arugula.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Finish with cracked black pepper and serve.
Notes
15) Acorn Squash Rings with Herbed Yogurt
Roasted squash rings with a fancy feeling herby dip.
Acorn Squash Rings with Herbed Yogurt
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the squash rings with olive oil, maple syrup, and salt.
- Roast at 425F for 30 minutes, flipping once, until caramelized.
- Stir the yogurt with dill and lemon juice.
- Arrange the roasted rings on a platter.
- Serve warm with the herbed yogurt for dipping.
16) Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Crunchy and salty seeds that snack lovers will love to snack on all night.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the pumpkin seeds completely dry.
- Toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast at 325F for 25 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp.
- Cool slightly and serve in small bowls.
Notes
17) Honey Glazed Chicken Wings
Sticky, finger-licking wings that really get a party going!
Honey Glazed Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the wings with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 425F for 35 to 40 minutes until crisp, flipping once.
- Simmer the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar in a pan until syrupy.
- Toss the baked wings in the warm glaze.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot.
18) Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Even the biggest skeptics will love these crispy Brussels sprouts with a sweet and tangy glaze!
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast cut side down at 425F for 20 minutes until crispy.
- Whisk the balsamic and honey together.
- Drizzle over the roasted sprouts and roast 5 more minutes.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and serve warm with toothpicks.
Notes
19) Cheese and Herb Pull-Apart Bread
Bread that is cheesy and warm that everyone can pull apart and tear into the second it hits the table.
Cheese and Herb Pull-Apart Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the loaf in a crosshatch pattern without slicing through the bottom.
- Mix the melted butter with garlic, parsley, and herbs.
- Drizzle the herb butter into all the cuts.
- Stuff the mozzarella between the cuts.
- Wrap in foil and bake at 350F for 20 minutes, then uncover for 5 minutes until golden.
20) Sausage and Apple Stuffed Mushrooms
Hearty stuffed mushrooms offer a filling that is sweet and oh so savory. Plus, they’re reminiscent of autumn in a bite!
Sausage and Apple Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the sausage in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the diced apple and cook 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and sage.
- Spoon the filling into the mushroom caps.
- Bake at 375F for 20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden.
Notes
21) Cider-Glazed Carrots
With a sweet cider glaze, glossy and tender carrots are a showstopper, bringing color and beauty to the table.
Cider-Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
Method
- Roast the carrots at 425F for 15 minutes until starting to soften.
- Simmer the apple cider, butter, and brown sugar in a pan until reduced and syrupy.
- Toss the roasted carrots in the glaze.
- Return to the oven for 8 minutes until sticky.
- Sprinkle with thyme and salt and serve warm.