10 Halloween Party Side Dishes That Are Frighteningly Delicious

Let’s be real—Halloween isn’t just about the costumes and candy anymore. It’s a full-blown eating event, and if you’re only serving bowls of chips and a pumpkin-shaped cookie, well… you’re missing out on a golden opportunity to blow some spooky socks off. I’m here to help you upgrade your Halloween spread with 10 side dishes that are so delicious, it’s scary. Trust me, your party guests will devour these.

1. Spider Web 7-Layer Dip

Ever wanted your food to look like it might bite back? This one nails it.

Why it rocks:

You get all the Tex-Mex layers (refried beans, guac, salsa, sour cream, cheese… you know the deal)
Add a spider web design with sour cream on top and BAM—it’s Halloween magic.
Pro tip: use black olives cut into spider shapes if you want bonus spooky points.

FYI, it tastes just like your usual 7-layer dip, but with way more drama.

Spider Web 7-Layer Dip Recipe Card

🎉 Theme: Halloween

🍽️ Course: Side Dish / Party Appetizer

⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes

👨‍🍳 Servings: 10–12

🧊 Make Ahead: Yes (Best chilled for 1–2 hours before serving)

Ingredients

Base Layers:

1 (16 oz) can refried beans
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
1 cup sour cream (divided—¾ cup for the sour cream layer, ¼ cup for the web)
1 cup guacamole
1 cup chunky salsa or pico de gallo
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions

For the Spider Web + Garnish:

1/4 cup sour cream (in a squeeze bottle or piping bag)
Black olives (whole + sliced, for the spider)

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a medium bowl, combine refried beans and taco seasoning until fully mixed.
Spread this as the bottom layer in a large round dish or 9×13-inch pan.

Step 2: Layer It Up

In this order, carefully spread each layer over the last:

Guacamole
Sour cream (¾ cup)
Salsa or pico de gallo
Cheddar cheese
Chopped tomatoes
Sliced olives
Green onions

Smooth each layer gently with a spoon or spatula so they stay distinct.

Step 3: Create the Web

Fill a squeeze bottle or piping bag with the remaining sour cream (¼ cup).
Start in the center of the dip and pipe 3–4 concentric circles.
Use a toothpick or butter knife to drag lines outward from the center to the edges—just like slicing a pizza—to create the web effect.

Step 4: Make the Olive Spider

Slice one whole olive in half—this is your spider body and head.
Slice another olive into thin strips for legs.
Arrange the olive pieces on the web to look like a spider hanging out.

2. Spider Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs just got a creepy upgrade.

How to spookify them:

Make your standard deviled egg filling.
Top with a sliced black olive spider (one half for the body, tiny slices for legs).

They’re protein-packed and just gross-looking enough to make everyone giggle before grabbing three.

Spider Deviled Eggs Recipe Card

🎉 Theme: Halloween

🍽️ Course: Side Dish / Appetizer

⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 10 minutes

👨‍🍳 Servings: 12 (24 halves)

🧊 Make Ahead: Yes (Best chilled)

Ingredients

For the Deviled Eggs:

12 large eggs
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 ½ tsp yellow mustard (or Dijon for a sharper bite)
1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Paprika (optional, for garnish)

For the Spiders:

1 small can black olives (pitted, whole)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

Place eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 10-12 minutes.
Cool eggs in an ice bath, then peel and slice in half lengthwise.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Gently scoop out the yolks and place in a bowl.
Mash yolks with mayo, mustard, vinegar, and salt & pepper until smooth.
Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites.

💡 Pro tip: Use a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off for easy, mess-free piping!

Step 3: Create the Olive Spiders

Cut olives in half lengthwise. Use one half for the spider body.
Slice the other half into thin strips—you’ll need 8 “legs” per spider.
Carefully place 1 olive half on top of each filled egg, then arrange 4 legs on each side.

Yes, it’s a bit of an arts-and-crafts moment, but worth it.

3. Mashed Potato Ghosts

Mashed potatoes? Comfort food king. Now shape ’em into ghosts and boom — Halloween superstar.

Here’s how to ghost-ify:

Whip your potatoes until smooth and creamy.
Pipe them using a bag (or a ziplock with the corner snipped).
Add little black peppercorn eyes (or edible googly eyes if you’re extra).

These lil’ ghosties are adorable and still taste like your grandma made them. Win-win.

Mashed Potato Ghosts Recipe Card

🎃 Theme: Halloween

🍽️ Course: Side Dish

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings: 6–8

🧊 Make Ahead: Yes (Reheat in the oven before serving)

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs (about 5–6 medium) russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream (or milk, for a lighter version)
Salt & pepper, to taste
¼ tsp garlic powder (optional but delish)

For the Ghost Look:

Black peppercorns or mini chocolate chips (for eyes 👀)
Extra butter or olive oil spray (for crisping)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Place chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Drain well and return to the pot.

Step 2: Mash & Mix

Add butter, cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the warm potatoes.
Mash until smooth and fluffy (lumps are not spooky, just lazy 😅).
Taste and adjust seasoning — this is your ghost base, so make it flavorful!

Step 3: Shape the Ghosts

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spoon the mashed potatoes into a piping bag with a large round or star tip.
Pipe into tall swirls or “ghost” shapes on the tray.
Gently press peppercorns or chocolate chips into each ghost for eyes.

💡 No piping bag? Use a large Ziploc bag and snip off one corner. It’s not fancy, but it works.

Step 4: Bake or Broil

Lightly spray the ghosts with olive oil (this gives them a golden edge).
Bake for 10–15 minutes or broil for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned and firm enough to hold their shape.

4. Pumpkin or Butternut Squash Soup

Need something cozy? This soup is the warm hug your creepy party needs.

Why I love it:

It’s rich, velvety, and naturally orange (helloooo Halloween vibes).
You can add a swirl of cream in a spider-web shape if you’re feelin’ artsy.
Plus, it makes you feel like you’re eating something almost healthy.

Serve in mini cauldrons if you really want to cause a scene. 🙂

Pumpkin or Butternut Squash Soup Recipe Card

🍽️ Course: Side Dish / Starter

🔥 Prep Time: 15 minutes

⏱️ Cook Time: 30–40 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings: 6–8

🧊 Make Ahead: Yes (Reheats beautifully!)

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (or 1 can pumpkin purée, 15 oz)
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped (optional, adds sweetness & color)
3 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup canned coconut milk (or heavy cream, your call)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or croutons, for garnish
Sour cream or yogurt, for spiderweb swirl (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5–6 minutes.
Add garlic, stir for 30 seconds (just until fragrant—don’t burn it!).

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Stir in squash cubes (or canned pumpkin), carrot, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to slightly caramelize the veggies.

Step 3: Simmer Until Soft

Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until squash and carrots are fork-tender.

Step 4: Blend That Bad Boy

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree until smooth.
No immersion blender? Carefully transfer to a regular blender in batches.
Stir in coconut milk (or cream) and simmer for 5 more minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Make It Spooky (Optional but Recommended 🎃)

For a spiderweb effect, drizzle sour cream in concentric circles on the soup’s surface.
Use a toothpick to drag lines outward from the center to form a web pattern.

5. Halloween Veggie Tray (Pumpkin-Shaped)

Because someone always asks, “Where are the veggies?”

What to do:

Arrange carrots, orange peppers, and cherry tomatoes into a pumpkin shape.
Use broccoli or green beans for the stem.
Serve with a killer ranch or hummus dip.

It looks like you tried hard (you didn’t), and it gives the illusion of balance. Bless.

Halloween Veggie Tray (Pumpkin-Shaped) Recipe Card

🧡 Theme: Halloween

🍽️ Course: Appetizer / Side Dish

⏱️ Prep Time: 15–20 minutes

🧊 Make Ahead: Yes (Just assemble a few hours before serving)

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Shape:

1½–2 cups baby carrots
1½ cups orange bell pepper strips
1 cup orange cherry tomatoes (optional, adds depth)
1–2 cups broccoli florets (for the pumpkin “stem”)
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional, for a jack-o’-lantern face)

For Dipping:

1–2 cups ranch dip, hummus, or veggie dip of your choice
Bonus: Place dip in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin or bell pepper bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Get Your Tray Ready

Use a large circular or oval platter to give your pumpkin its rounded shape.
Place a small bowl of dip toward the top or side before arranging veggies.

Step 2: Create the Pumpkin Shape

Start forming a rounded pumpkin shape using baby carrots as the main body.
Fill in any gaps with orange bell pepper strips and orange tomatoes for color variety and texture.

Step 3: Add the Stem

Place a generous amount of broccoli florets at the top of the pumpkin shape to mimic the stem.
Optional: Use celery sticks underneath for added shape or leafy greens for drama 🌿

Step 4: Jack-o’-Lantern Face (Optional)

Use black olive slices or strips of cucumber/black beans to form triangle “eyes” and a toothy “smile”.
This is optional, but come on—jack-o’-lantern veggies? Instant hit. 😄

6. Monster Guacamole with Tortilla Chips

This one’s for the guac lovers. And honestly, who isn’t a guac lover?

How to freak it out:

Shape the guac into a monster face.
Use olives for eyes, red bell pepper for a tongue, chips as spiky hair or ears.

IMO, it’s the easiest way to be creative without doing much. And bonus: it’s usually the first dish to disappear.

Monster Guacamole with Tortilla Chips Recipe Card

🎉 Theme: Halloween

🍽️ Course: Appetizer / Side Dish

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes

🧊 Make Ahead: Yes (as long as you cover it tightly)

Ingredients

For the Guacamole:

3 ripe avocados
1 small red onion, finely diced
1 small tomato, seeded & diced
1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)

For the Monster Face:

Black olives (sliced or whole for eyes)
Red bell pepper strips (tongue or monster mouth)
Tortilla chips (as “spiky hair” or eyebrows)
Sour cream (optional, for teeth or eyes)
Blue corn or Halloween-themed chips, for extra color

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Guacamole

In a medium bowl, mash avocados until creamy but slightly chunky.
Mix in onion, tomato, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, cilantro, and garlic.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to a flat, wide dish or plate to give yourself a canvas to “decorate.”

Step 2: Shape the Monster

Spread guacamole into a round blob or rectangle (depending on your vision).
Use black olives for eyes (sliced rounds or whole olives).
Cut red bell pepper into a long strip for the tongue.
Place tortilla chips sticking out from the top or sides as hair, ears, or horns.
Add dollops of sour cream for googly eyes or teeth if you’re feeling creative.

💡 You literally can’t mess this up. The messier and sillier, the better!

7. Mac and Cheese Stuffed Peppers (Jack-o’-Lantern Style)

This one’s cute AF and tastes like childhood nostalgia.

Here’s the move:

Carve mini jack-o’-lantern faces into orange bell peppers.
Stuff with creamy mac and cheese.
Bake until gooey perfection.

Your guests will lose it when they see the melted cheese oozing out of those pepper mouths.

Mac and Cheese Stuffed Peppers (Jack-o’-Lantern Style)

🍽️ Course: Side Dish / Main (for kids or light eaters)

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings: 6 peppers (1 per person)

🧊 Make Ahead: Yes (Reheat just before serving)

Ingredients

For the Jack-o’-Lantern Peppers:

6 medium orange bell peppers (look for ones that sit flat!)
Olive oil spray or drizzle
Black pepper (for a little extra spooky detail if desired)

For the Mac & Cheese Filling:

8 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional mix-ins: cooked bacon bits, breadcrumbs, or paprika for flair

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Peppers

Slice off the tops of each bell pepper and set aside (you’ll use them as “lids”).
Carefully remove seeds and membranes.
Using a small paring knife, carve jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper. Think triangle eyes, toothy grins, or surprised “O” mouths — get creative!
Lightly spray with olive oil and set upright in a baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Mac & Cheese

Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 5–6 minutes).
Stir in cheese, and mix until fully melted and velvety.
Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

💡 Want it extra gooey? Mix in an extra ½ cup of cheese. No one’s judging.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake

Spoon mac and cheese into each carved pepper until full.
Replace the “lids” loosely on top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the peppers are tender but still holding shape.

8. Roasted Delicata Squash Rings

Not everything has to scream Halloween—some dishes just whisper it with autumn elegance.

Why it slaps:

Delicata squash is sweet, nutty, and doesn’t need peeling. HALLELUJAH.
Slice into rings, roast with olive oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of chili flakes.
They look like golden pumpkin halos.

They’re crispy, caramelized, and weirdly addicting. Like, I ate a whole tray once. No regrets.

Roasted Delicata Squash Rings Recipe Card

🎉 Theme: Fall / Halloween

🍽️ Course: Side Dish

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings: 4–6

🧊 Make Ahead: Yes (Best when reheated in oven or air fryer)

Ingredients

2 delicata squash (look for firm, heavy ones)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp maple syrup (optional but recommended)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or chili flakes for a kick)
Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice the Squash

Wash the delicata squash well (the skin is edible!).
Cut off both ends and slice into ½-inch rings.
Use a spoon to scoop out seeds from each ring’s center.
You’ll end up with perfect little donut-shaped pieces!

Step 3: Season & Toss

In a large bowl, toss squash rings with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd — they need space to crisp!

Step 4: Roast to Golden Perfection

Roast for 12–15 minutes, then flip each ring and roast another 10–15 minutes, until tender and browned on the edges.
Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes to get them extra golden and crisp.

9. Halloween Pasta Salad (with Themed Shapes & Colors)

Spooky and carby? Say less.

Make it pop:

Use Halloween-themed pasta (bats, pumpkins, ghosts—yes, it’s a thing).
Add purple cabbage, olives, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful mix.
Toss with Italian dressing and boom—done.

It’s chill, it’s cold, and you can make it ahead. What more do you want?

Halloween Pasta Salad (with Themed Shapes & Colors)

🎉 Theme: Halloween

🍽️ Course: Side Dish / Potluck Appetizer

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 8–10 minutes

🧊 Make Ahead: Yes (Ideal when chilled for a few hours!)

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

12 oz Halloween-shaped pasta (bats, pumpkins, etc.)
(Or use tri-color rotini if you can’t find themed pasta)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup black olives, sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup diced orange bell peppers
1/2 cup purple cabbage, shredded
1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Dressing (Simple Italian Style):

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar or white balsamic
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup for a sweet touch

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente (check the package for time).
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a bowl or jar, whisk or shake together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Want it tangier? Add more vinegar. Sweeter? Add honey.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with veggies and olives.
Pour dressing over the top and toss until everything is well coated.
Sprinkle in green onions last to keep them crisp.

Step 4: Chill (the Salad AND Yourself 😎)

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving — flavors will mingle and intensify.

10. Graveyard Taco Casserole

Honestly, this one’s a showstopper.

Layer it like this:

Start with seasoned beef or beans, then cheese, then chips.
Top with sour cream “graves” using a piping bag.
Add shredded lettuce for grass and tombstone tortilla chips.

It’s funny, it’s filling, and it’s got that whole savory-salty thing goin’ on. People will take photos. You’ve been warned.

Graveyard Taco Casserole Recipe Card

🎉 Theme: Halloween

🍽️ Course: Side Dish or Main

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings: 8–10

🧊 Make Ahead: Yes (Assemble ahead, bake before serving)

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/plant-based crumbles)
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
2 cups crushed tortilla chips or Fritos
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (for graveyard piping + garnish)
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded lettuce (optional, for “grass”)

For the Edible Tombstones:

6–8 tortilla chips, pita chips, or soft flour tortillas
Black edible marker or food-safe writing gel
OR use a piping bag and sour cream to write “RIP”

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water.
Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in beans and salsa. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer like this:
1. Crushed chips on the bottom
2. Taco meat/bean mixture
3. Half the cheese
4. Repeat if you like (more chips + meat)
5. Top with remaining cheese

Step 3: Bake & Decorate

Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes before decorating.

Step 4: Add the Graveyard Toppings

Use lettuce or green onions to create “grass” over the casserole.
Stick tombstone chips vertically into the surface — use food marker or sour cream to write “RIP” on each.
Use sour cream spiders or skeleton bones, sliced olives for “eyes,” and diced tomatoes for “blood” if you’re feeling extra spooky.

Final Bites (See What I Did There?)

So there you have it, my frightfully tasty friends—10 Halloween party side dishes that’ll raise the dead (okay, maybe just the energy in the room). Whether you’re going full Pinterest or low-effort genius, these recipes bring the spooky and the yum.

Try a few, mix ’em up, and for the love of ghosts, please don’t serve just candy corn. Let me know which ones become your party MVPs. Until then, stay spooky and snack responsibly! 👻