These easy fall appetizers highlight seasonal ingredients like cranberries, apples, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes! They’re crowd-pleasing recipes ideal for fall parties and holiday gatherings.
After years of entertaining (and plenty of trial and error), I’ve learned that the secret to a successful fall party isn’t a complicated or fancy menu. It’s having a solid collection of go-to appetizers that feel seasonal but are simple to put together! That’s exactly what this collection is about.
Here’s a list of my favorite fall appetizers, with recipes that include seasonal ingredients like cranberries, apples, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. I’ve also thrown in my favorite appetizer recipes that work any time of year, like spinach artichoke dip and stuffed mushrooms. Let the party begin!
My top fall appetizers
This quick and easy fall appetizer makes a festive spread is perfect for parties, featuring cranberry, pistachio and fresh rosemary with the tangy cheese. Drizzle honey over the top before serving for a sweet pop. It’s fast to put together and ideal for snack tables, scooped up with crackers or crostini.
Cheese boards are my go-to for entertaining: they’re simple to put together, easy to customize for various diets, and look simply brilliant. Here’s an easy way to make a cheese board, with loads of ideas for crackers, breads, fruits, spreads, and more.
You won’t believe this caramel apple dip recipe until you taste it! Stir just 4 ingredients into a glossy peanut butter caramel that’s vegan and gluten-free. It’s simple to wip up and goes over well every time I serve it.
This pumpkin dip recipe tastes just like pumpkin pie and you can whip it up in just 5 minutes in a food processor or blender. Scoop up the fluffy dollops with apple slices, pretzels, or graham crackers.
Here’s a healthy snack that's irresistibly fun for fall Apple Nachos! This simple combination of sweetened yogurt, almonds and apple slices is refreshing and great for a crowd. Top with the crunchy toppings of your choosing.
There could not be an easier appetizer recipe than baked brie! Here's how to make a melty, delicious pile of cheese. The toppings are versatile depending on your preferences, and you can make a beautiful platter with little effort.
My spinach artichoke dip takes the classic to a new level! This tangy, creamy dip recipe is such a crowd pleaser that it might interfere with the conversation when you serve it. Serve with bread or pita chips. Also try my popular Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip.
This simple fall appetizer stars a homemade cranberry sauce with sweet tart cranberries, orange juice, and a little jalapeno for a tang. Spoon it over cream cheese and it’s perfect for dipping crackers or even apple slices. It comes together in minutes with minimal effort.
Here's a fun fall appetizer: pumpkin hummus! The idea of combining that ubiquitous fall vegetable with chickpeas into a savory hummus might seem a little odd at first. It’s surprisingly tasty: creamy, savory and with an undertone of autumnal goodness.
These fun bites are like crostini, but use roasted sweet potatoes as a base! Top them like you would a loaded potato, with cheese, sour cream, and green onions. They're ultra flavorful and everyone goes crazy for them in my experience!
This fun fall appetizer is zingy and bright, pairing tart berries with fresh cilantro, onion, and jalapeno for a sweet tart dip. Sugar balances out the tart flavor, and the hint of heat from jalapeno is just right for pairing with the berries.
This party snack recipe gives a crunchy, candy-like coating to the exterior of nuts. They’re spiced with cinnamon, chili powder and bit of cayenne for an intriguing mix of sweet, savory and spicy.
Here are all my top veggie tray ideas for a next level party platter! These tasty dips and vegetables go beyond the ordinary carrots and celery to make a colorful, flavorful tray that will impress everyone.
There’s no easier fall appetizer than this warm goat cheese with marmalade! It’s got just 4 ingredients and takes 10 minutes to bake. The tangy, gooey goat cheese against the citrusy marmalade and herbaceous thyme is pure bliss.
These little bites are savory, meaty, and herby, with a tender exterior and a crunch in each bite. Even better, this recipe is incredibly easy: no need to sauté filling ingredients.
This no knead olive bread recipe tastes like it’s from a bakery but it’s so easy to make at home! It has a deliciously crispy crust, soft and chewy interior, and developed, savory flavor. Every time I make it, my family can’t stop eating it!
Here’s a classic party appetizer everyone will crowd around: this easy Cheese Ball! My recipe freshens up the retro classic with cheddar, green onion, Worcestershire, garlic powder and smoked paprika for a creamy, savory punch.
This alterative to pumpkin bread is moist and sweetly spiced, with cinnamon and a beautiful nuance from the sweet potato. This recipe makes a tall, fluffy loaf that looks impressive and is great for parties.
Stuffed dates are easy to make with a simple sweet-savory flavor pairing: the sweet caramel chewiness of Medjool dates and tangy goat cheese! You can also stuff them with almond butter and top with chunky sea salt.
Here's a simple fall appetizer: Pumpkin Yogurt Dip! It tastes like everything you love about the season: pumpkin, maple, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and it takes only 5 minutes to stir together. Serve with apple slices as a healthy appetizer idea.
Sure, you can easily grab a tub at the store: but making this classic dip at home takes it to a new level. The flavor is fresh, savory, rich and tangy: ideal for drowning salty potato chips or crunchy veggies.
My baked goat cheese dip is a fan favorite! There’s something about the sweet, garlicky fire roasted tomato sauce and the creamy, tangy chevre that makes you park yourself right in front of the dish.
These crispy vessels for creamy, cheesy toppings are over the top impressive and disappear quickly at parties! My method offers some innovations so you can make it quickker than most potato skin recipes.
Whipped feta dip is an appetizer that seems fancy but only takes 5 minutes to make. Serve creamy feta drizzled with honey and dip with warm flatbread. For a fall flair, add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries and chopped rosemary.
Whip up this versatile appetizer in just 5 minutes of hands on time. Using the right olives results in smooth, rich flavor: not briny or overly salty. The garlic, lemon and herbs make it crowd-pleasing snack!
Tips for planning your fall appetizer spread
When I’m planning appetizers for a party, I like to focus on a variety of flavors and textures. For example, you can pair something creamy (like a dip), something crunchy (like spiced nuts), something fresh (like a veggie tray), and something warm (like baked brie).
Don’t forget about dietary restrictions. I try to always include at least two vegan options, two gluten-free choices, and plenty of vegetarian selections. Many of these fall appetizers naturally fit multiple dietary needs.
Make-ahead strategies
Many of these appetizers can be partially or fully made ahead. The cranberry goat cheese can be assembled several hours early and kept covered in the refrigerator. Dips like pumpkin hummus and cranberry cream cheese actually taste better when the flavors have time to meld. The spiced nuts keep for days in an airtight container.
For warm appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, I prep everything ahead and pop them in the oven when guests arrive.
Pairing fall appetizers with drinks
As a cocktail expert, one of my passions is fall drinks! For cocktails, I love serving fall bourbon cocktails or fall vodka cocktails alongside an appetizer spread, like Spiked Apple Cider or even my Fall Sangria.
For non-alcoholic options, Mulled Cider is always a winner, or try a Cranberry Mocktail for something festive.
Serving suggestions
Presentation matters, even for simple appetizers. I arrange everything on wooden boards, slate platters, or simple white dishes to create an inviting spread. Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage add a seasonal touch without much effort.
25 Fall Appetizers: Cranberry Goat Cheese & More!
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Cranberry goat cheese is an fall easy appetizer! The flavors of pistachio, rosemary and honey make a simple spread for crackers or crostini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Appetizer
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 10 ounce goat cheese log
- ½ cup finely chopped dried sweetened cranberries (aka craisins)
- ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon salt, plus a sprinkle for serving
- 2 tablespoons honey, for serving
Instructions
- Allow the goat cheese to come to room temperature, which is important because it makes it easy to spread. (Leave it at room temperature for 1 hour or speed up the process, place it on a plate and microwave for about 10 seconds on one side, then 5 on the other.).
- Place the chopped cranberries, pistachios, rosemary and salt on a plate and mix to combine. Roll the goat cheese in the mixture and use your hands to coat each side, re-forming it as necessary so that every surface is covered (even the bottom). Sprinkle a bit of salt on the top.
- Place the log on a plate and drizzle generously with honey. Serve immediately with crackers or crostini.
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More fall recipes
Fall is one of our favorite seasons to cook up tasty recipes. Here are a few more ideas for all your meals and occasions:
- Go for Top 25 Fall Recipes for the Season
- Try 15 Best Fall Dinner Ideas
- Mix up 15 Fall Cocktails, Fall Bourbon Cocktails or Fall Vodka Cocktails
- Bake up 12 Easy Fall Desserts
- Go for 15 Fall Soup Recipes or 12 Hearty Soup Recipes
- Grab 15 Fall Salad Recipes
