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61 Fall Appetizers for Your Dinner Party or Holiday Feast

These seasonal starters are the right way to kick off an autumn meal.

By Kayla Nicole Isaacs and Jennifer Aldrich
fall appetizers classic buffalo chicken dippinterest icon
Ian Palmer

Whether you’re watching the big game or preparing for a big meal, your guests are sure to enjoy these delicious, easy fall appetizers. From salads to start off a dinner party to snacks to munch with cocktails, these apps will have you covered for any occasion. And we've packed 'em with all the tastiest seasonal fall produce. Enjoy!

1

Smashed Acorn Squash and Garlicky Walnut Crostini

smashed acorn squash and garlicky walnut crostini
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Roasted until it's impossibly sweet, acorn squash makes a tasty toast-topper for a party hors d'oeuvre.

Get the recipe for Smashed Acorn Squash and Garlicky Walnut Crostini.

2

Honey-Apple Baked Brie with Fried Sage

honey apple baked brie with fried sage
Hector M. Sanchez

There's nothing like a warm, gooey baked brie and crackers for making guests feel special—and no one needs to know just how easy it is to throw together.

Get the recipe for Honey-Apple Baked Brie with Fried Sage.

3

Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits

cream cheese herb biscuits
Becky Luigart-Stayner

We haven't found a meal that can't be improved with a basket of biscuits. Serve 'em with honey butter if you want rave reviews.

Get the recipe for Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits.

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4

Escarole Salad with Oranges, Pistachios, and Pickled Onions

escarole salad with oranges, pistachios, and pickled onions
Becky Luigart-Stayner

This hearty salad makes a great starter. The pickled onions and juicy oranges are great for whetting the appetite.

Get the recipe for Escarole Salad with Oranges, Pistachios, and Pickled Onions.

5

Butternut Squash Soup

easy onepot butternut squash soup
Ericka McConnell

This classic fall soup makes a perfect starter course! We like to switch things up by topping it with a little spiced popcorn.

Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Soup.

6

Roasted Grapes and Delicata Squash Rings

roasted grapes and delicata squash rings
Becky Luigart-Stayner

This simple, surprisingly tasty dish can be served as a side, but it also makes a great first course for an elegant dinner party.

Get the recipe for Roasted Grapes and Delicata Squash Rings.

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7

Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Warm Apple Cider Dressing

shaved brussels sprouts with bacon and warm apple cider dressing
Becky Luigart-Stayner

The apple cider vinaigrette is to die for. You could pour that sweet sauce over practically anything and improve it.

Get the recipe for Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.

8

Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette

acorn squash salad with tahini vinaigrette
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Roasted squash, onions, and kale dressed in tahini offer a first-course "salad" that will have folks cleaning their plates.

Get the recipe for Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette.

9

Waldorf Salad Flatbread

fall appetizers waldorf salad flatbread
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Flatbreads make super smart appetizers for when you're feeding a large crew. They cook up quickly, so everyone can nosh while you're finishing cooking the mains. And they can be sliced as thick or as thin as people want. This one combines all the best flavors from the classic salad into a toasty, tasty treat.

Get the recipe for Waldorf Salad Flatbread.

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10

Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip

fall appetizers classic buffalo chicken dip
Ian Palmer

Come football season, is there another dip you even need to make?

Get the recipe for Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip.

11

Pimento Cheese Bar

pimento cheese bar with a bowl of pimento cheese and smaller bowls around it of different add ins and a bowl of crackers for serving
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Your game day guests will love this easy Pimento Cheese Bar! This DIY party spread is perfect for ensuring everyone gets their own customizable appetizer.

Get the recipe for Pimento Cheese Bar.

12

Steamed Artichokes with Smoked Paprika Aioli

steamed artichokes on a wooden cutting board with a small bowl of smoked paprika aioli
Hector M. Sanchez

Artichokes are a great option if you're looking for a veggie-based appetizer. Lots of folks love these elegant treats when they come into season in the spring, but they enjoy a second season in the fall, too.

Get the recipe for Steamed Artichokes with Smoked Paprika Aioli.

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13

Cilantro and Sunflower Seed Dip

fall appetizers cilantro and sunflower seed dip
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Herb-lovers, your moment has come! This nutty, herbaceous dip is easy to make and tastes like a little scoop of Autumn on a chip!

Get the recipe for Cilantro and Sunflower Seed Dip.

14

Onion Rings with Sage Aioli

onion rings arranged on a sheet pan with a small bowl of sage aioli
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Whether you're hosting a dinner or tailgating, impress guests by serving up a homemade batch of this classic snack.

Get the recipe for Onion Rings with Sage Aioli.

15

Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey

grilled apples with prosciutto and honey arranged on an oval serving tray
Hector M. Sanchez

This festive apple appetizer relies on quality ingredients. Opt for Honeycrisp apples and your favorite local honey.

Get the recipe for Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey.

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16

Lemon-Herb Cheese Bites

lemon herb cheese bites on a light green plate
Becky Luigart-Stayner

What's better than a cheese ball? Lots of tiny, personal-sized cheese balls!

Get the recipe for Lemon-Herb Cheese Bites.

17

Salmon Rillettes

salmon rillettes in a striped bowl with a spoon and on a plate with various types of crackers for serving
Becky Luigart-Stayner

This creamy and rich spread is never out of place at a party. Rillettes are an extremely tasty cracker topping. Here, cooked salmon soaks in wine and crème fraîche for a treat that's sure to disappear fast.

Get the recipe for Salmon Rillettes.

18

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

fall appetizers blue cheesestuffed buffalo chicken meatballs arranged in a metal tin with celery sticks and toothpicks and blue cheese dip
Ian Palmer

Take your buffalo chicken appetizer to the next level. Snack on these meatballs while you're enjoying the big game or friendly gathering!

Get the recipe for Blue Cheese-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.

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19

Beef and Raisin Empanadas

beef and raisin empanadas arranged on a wooden serving stand with a small bowl of sour cream
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Looking for a filling, savory finger food for your next party or gathering? That's where these empanadas come in. These savory-sweet hand pies are a savory-sweet treat that's sure to impress.

Get the recipe for Beef and Raisin Empanadas.

20

Pumpkin & Pesto Crostini

pumpkin and pesto crostini arranged on a cobalt blue serving tray
Ren Fuller

Simple, elegant, seasonal, and scrumptious, this fall appetizer is great for dinner or holiday parties alike.

Get the recipe for Pumpkin & Pesto Crostini.

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