As the leaves start to change and the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s nothing quite like gathering with friends and family for a warm and inviting evening. And what better way to do so than with a spread of delicious, seasonal appetizers that scream “fall”? In this article, we’ll share 18 cozy fall recipes that are sure to delight your guests and leave them feeling full and satisfied. From savory bites like Pumpkin Hummus with Toasted Pepitas and Butternut Squash and Sage Crostini, to sweet treats like Maple-Glazed Bacon- Wrapped Dates and Pears and Gorgonzola on Honey Drizzled Crostini, we’ve got you covered for the perfect autumnal gathering. So grab a cup of apple cider and get cozy – it’s time to start cooking!
Pumpkin Hummus with Toasted Pepitas
A creamy and nutritious twist on traditional hummus, this recipe combines roasted pumpkin with toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a delicious and healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium pumpkin, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup chickpeas
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
– Optional: paprika and parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Toast the pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine mashed pumpkin, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
4. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top.
5. Stir in the toasted pepitas.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with paprika and parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Baked Brie with Cranberry Compote
A sweet and savory combination that’s perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Let cool.
3. Place the brie cheese wheel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle honey over the brie, then sprinkle thyme leaves evenly.
5. Top the brie with the cooled cranberry compote.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the compote is warm.
7. Serve immediately with crackers, fruit, or bread.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Butternut Squash and Sage Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory combination of roasted butternut squash, crispy sage leaves, and toasted crostini.
Ingredients:
– 1 small butternut squash (about 1 lb)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh sage
– 1 baguette, cut into 1/4-inch slices
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel the butternut squash and slice it into 1-inch cubes.
3. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, toast the baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
6. Chop the fresh sage leaves into small pieces.
7. Assemble the crostini by spreading a spoonful of roasted squash onto each toasted slice, topping with chopped sage, and finishing with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Apple Tartlets
Elevate your appetizer game with these sweet and savory tartlets, featuring caramelized onions, crisp apples, and flaky pastry.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: thyme or rosemary for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 30 minutes).
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into squares or use a cookie cutter to create shapes.
4. Place a spoonful of caramelized onions and diced apples onto the center of each pastry square. Fold edges over filling to form a triangle or shape, pressing gently to seal.
5. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional herbs if desired.
6. Bake tartlets on prepared baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges with Yogurt Dip
Warm up with these crispy sweet potato wedges infused with a blend of aromatic spices, served with a refreshing yogurt dip.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into wedges.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the sweet potato wedges to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sweet potato wedges in a single layer.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, mix together Greek yogurt, honey, and cilantro (if using).
8. Serve the warm sweet potato wedges with the chilled yogurt dip.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Sweet and savory, these Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates are the perfect appetizer or snack. Crunchy bacon wraps around plump dates, then gets drizzled with a sticky maple glaze for a flavor combination that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 pitted dates
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the bacon into strips, about 1 inch wide.
3. Wrap each date with a bacon strip, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle the maple syrup and brown sugar over the dates in an even layer.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Rosemary White Bean Dip
A rich and savory dip that combines the flavors of roasted garlic, fragrant rosemary, and creamy white beans.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cups cooked white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted garlic, white beans, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve warm with crudités, crackers, or crostini.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Autumn Harvest Cheese Board
Celebrate the flavors of autumn with this colorful cheese board, featuring a medley of seasonal fruits, nuts, and cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 1 wheel of cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
– 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup of chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup of sliced apple
– 1/4 cup of caramelized figs
– 1 tablespoon of honey
Instructions:
1. Arrange the cheddar cheese on a large serving board or platter.
2. Top the cheese with dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and sliced apple.
3. Place caramelized figs in small clusters around the board.
4. Drizzle honey over the fruit and nuts for added sweetness.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 15 minutes
– Total time: 15 minutes
Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage and Herbs
Elevate your appetizer game with this flavorful recipe that combines the earthiness of mushrooms, the savory taste of sausage, and the brightness of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add garlic, olive oil, parsley, and Parmesan to the skillet; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the sausage mixture, dividing evenly among the mushrooms.
5. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pears and Gorgonzola on Honey Drizzled Crostini
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and savory combination featuring ripe pears, creamy Gorgonzola, and a hint of honey. Perfect for a quick gathering or as a sophisticated addition to your next soiree.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pear (such as Bartlett or Anjou), sliced into thin wedges
– 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
– 1 baguette, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices (about 20-24 crostini)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. Meanwhile, drizzle the honey onto the toasted crostini and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Top each crostini with a slice of pear and a dollop of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including toast time)
Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Stuffed Phyllo Cups
Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Stuffed Phyllo Cups Recipe
Elevate your appetizer game with these crispy phyllo cups filled with a creamy pumpkin and goat cheese mixture. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a unique snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix together goat cheese, pumpkin puree, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Layer 2-3 sheets of phyllo dough on a flat surface.
5. Cut into desired shapes or use a cookie cutter for uniform cups.
6. Place a spoonful of the pumpkin-goat cheese mixture onto the center of each cup.
7. Fold the phyllo over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
8. Brush tops with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme leaves.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Pita Chips
Cozy up with this creamy, cheesy dip that combines the flavors of spinach, artichoke hearts, and pita chips. Perfect for game day gatherings or a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pita chips for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine artichoke hearts, spinach, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish or ramekin.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is warm and bubbly.
5. Serve with pita chips.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Acorn Squash Bruschetta with Crispy Prosciutto
This seasonal twist on classic bruschetta combines the warm, comforting flavors of acorn squash and crispy prosciutto with the simplicity of toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium acorn squash
– 4-6 slices of prosciutto, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. Meanwhile, toast the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
4. In a small skillet, cook the prosciutto over medium heat until crispy.
5. Top toasted bread with roasted squash, garlic, and crispy prosciutto. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped thyme (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Cider Glazed Meatballs
Elevate your meatball game with this sweet and savory Apple Cider Glazed Meatballs recipe, perfect for a cozy dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup apple cider
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
5. Brush the glaze over the meatballs during the last 10 minutes of cooking (15-20 minutes total).
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoky Roasted Chestnuts with Sea Salt
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for cozy nights or as a unique addition to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chestnuts (fresh or dried)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– Optional: garlic powder, ground cumin, or other spices of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chestnuts and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and sea salt.
4. Add the chestnuts to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the spice mixture.
5. Spread the chestnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the chestnuts are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fig and Blue Cheese Flatbread with Arugula
Elevate your flatbread game with the sweet and savory combination of caramelized figs, pungent blue cheese, and peppery arugula.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/4 cup caramelized figs (see note)
– 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 1/4 cup fresh arugula leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to desired thickness. Place on prepared baking sheet.
3. Top with caramelized figs, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle blue cheese over figs.
5. Drizzle arugula leaves across flatbread, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Parmesan and Thyme Shortbread Crackers
Elevate your snacking game with these buttery shortbread crackers infused with the savory flavors of Parmesan and thyme. Perfect for serving alongside soups, cheeses, or charcuterie boards.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add cold butter; use a pastry blender or fingers to work into coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, thyme, and salt until just combined.
4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; gently knead 2-3 times until it comes together.
5. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., rectangles or squares).
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Spiced Nuts with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
Perfect as a snack or topped on oatmeal or yogurt, these sweet and spicy nuts are a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add the mixed nuts to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
4. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the nuts are well coated.
5. Spread the nut mixture on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the nuts are toasted and fragrant.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
This fall, impress your guests with these 18 cozy appetizer recipes perfect for entertaining. From savory to sweet, these bite-sized treats are sure to delight. Try making pumpkin hummus with toasted pepitas, baked brie with cranberry compote, or caramelized onion and apple tartlets. For a taste of the season, serve up spiced sweet potato wedges with yogurt dip, maple-glazed bacon-wrapped dates, or roasted garlic and rosemary white bean dip. These autumn-inspired appetizers are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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