25 Best Fall Appetizers to Kick Off Every Celebration
Perfect for tailgates, holidays, and everything in between.
Fall brings more than just cool weather and colorful leaves—it also brings a calendar full of get-togethers! The backyard cookouts may be winding down, but this season is packed with tailgates, bonfires, Halloween parties, and Friendsgiving potlucks, which means you’ll need crowd-pleasing snacks aplenty. If you’re hosting a crowd, these comforting fall appetizers will satisfy the whole table—and have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Whether you're looking for finger foods and party dips to serve up on game day or a seasonally-inspired charcuterie board to display before Thanksgiving dinner, this collection of fall appetizers has something for every occasion. To help your guests brave the cold, serve up one of the bubbly, oven-baked dips or fried foods. If you’re hoping to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn, whip up a recipe that features in-season produce like pumpkin, apple, or cranberry. Break out those slow cookers and air fryers to make your job easier, or choose one of the many dishes you can prep ahead to save yourself some time. Whatever you make, you can't go wrong with any of these handheld bites!
Cowboy Nachos
Nothing says game day like a giant pan of nachos, especially when they’re baked with creamy pinto beans, golden brisket, and smoky enchilada sauce. Serve right from the pan for easy cleanup!
Get Ree’s Cowboy Nachos recipe.
Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip
This fall appetizer features a creamy, cheesy mixture that turns gooey and bubbly in the oven before it’s layered with sweet, slightly spicy pepper jelly. Prep it a day or two before your gathering to simplify hosting.
Get Ree’s Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip recipe.
Pretzel Bites
Munching on fluffy pretzel bites is a crowd-pleasing way to jumpstart any fall get-together. Dunk them in a spicy-yet-tangy buffalo-ranch dip, and you’ve got the perfect tailgating snack.
Get Ree’s Pretzel Bites recipe.
Ranch Wings
Crispy wings coated in a savory ranch mixture will become your new go-to NFL Sunday snack. After they back up in the oven, this fall appetizer is tossed in a garlicky, buttery medley that’ll have everyone wanting seconds.
Get Ree’s Ranch Wings recipe.
7-Layer Dip
Whether it’s a game-day watch party or a Thanksgiving potluck, this fall appetizer will surely satisfy the group. Since it’s a 15-minute, make-ahead wonder, it’s also a party host’s dream!
Get Ree’s 7-Layer Dip recipe.
Fall Charcuterie Board
Assembling a charcuterie board makes appetizers easy and appealing. Artfully arranged ahead of time, a selection of seasonal meats, cheeses, and dips will have them satisfied without you having to run back and forth to the kitchen.
Get the Fall Charcuterie Board recipe.
Apple Butter Cheese Twists
Part sweet, part savory and entirely delicious, these elegant party snacks are super simple to make thanks to frozen puff pastry dough. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Get the Apple Butter Cheese Twists recipe.
Pigs in a Blanket
Making pigs in a blanket from scratch is easier than you might think. All you need is refrigerated crescent roll dough, cocktail-sized smoked sausages, and an egg. The everything bagel seasoning is optional, but a tasty twist!
Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
No tailgate or game day party would be complete without some kind of buffalo chicken recipe. This dip version is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball
This retro appetizer is made of three types of cheese (cream cheese, cheddar, and gorgonzola); plus, sweet dried cranberries and pecans for crunch.
Get Ree's Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball recipe.
Jalapeño Poppers
To take this classic finger food up a notch, we’ve added two crunchy elements that makes them oh-so good. First is a panko topping, then comes the crispy bacon!
Get the Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
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.
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.
Cranberry Brie Bites
The combination of soft, creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce makes this bite-sized snack perfect for any fall occasion—thanksgiving included!
Get the Cranberry Brie Bites 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.
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.
Sausage Balls
With just a 15 minutes of prep, you'll have a tray full of salty, cheesy sausage balls on the table for everyone to enjoy. Serve with honey mustard dipping sauce and watch them disappear!
Get the Sausage Balls recipe.
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.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Bite-sized sandwiches are the perfect way to welcome friends and family into your home—especially when they're piled high with melty cheese, ham, mustard, and pickled jalapeños.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders 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.
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