21 Halloween Potluck Ideas Recipes That Beat Store Bought

Halloween parties are meant to be spooky, not your grocery bill. That’s why these 21 potluck favorites keep it unforgettable but simple; no overpriced trays pretending to be festive. They’re dishes that trick everyone into thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. The real treat? You’ll still have time to enjoy the party instead of refilling the punch bowl.

Close-up of a stack of vibrant blue Cookie Monster cookies with Oreo centers and chocolate chips. The cookies are cracked open, revealing the Oreo cookies inside.
Cookie Monster Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dirt Cake Cakepops

Chocolate cake pops covered in crushed cookies, each with a gummy worm on top, displayed on parchment paper.
Dirt Cake Cakepops. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Kids and adults both grab anything that’s fun to eat on a stick. Dirt Cake Cakepops offer a playful look with layers that hold up well at parties, especially when things get busy. They’re simple to pass around and add color to the snack table. These cakepops disappear before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Dirt Cake Cakepops

Ghost Halloween Cupcakes

Three chocolate cupcakes with orange frosting and ghost-shaped decorations on top, arranged on a white surface with small decorative pumpkins in the background.
Ghost Halloween Cupcakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Adding a bit of spooky charm always lightens up dessert time for Halloween crowds. Ghost Halloween Cupcakes feature playful shapes on top, making them irresistible for both young and old. They’re easy to share at bigger gatherings or pack for party favors. Folks always snap photos before eating the first one.
Get the Recipe: Ghost Halloween Cupcakes

Camembert Cheese Mummy

A cheese wheel wrapped in pastry to look like a mummy with candy eyes, surrounded by cured meats, breadsticks, pretzels, grapes, pecans, olives, and Halloween decorations.
Camembert Cheese Mummy. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Novelty shapes set the mood when autumn gatherings get festive. Camembert Cheese Mummy brings smiles and a creamy bite, fitting right into Halloween potlucks for extra fun. This snack gets picked up fast when people want something that feels seasonal. Guests often gather around for a second look and another bite.
Get the Recipe: Camembert Cheese Mummy

Day of the Dead Cookies

Decorated sugar cookies shaped like skulls, featuring colorful icing designs inspired by Dia de los Muertos, with small fondant leaves for decoration.
Day of the Dead Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Colorful treats bring tradition to any fall party and look good on every table. Day of the Dead Cookies stand out with bright designs and a crisp finish, making them perfect for sharing during Halloween. These cookies spark conversation as much as appetite. Kids always point out their favorite patterns before tasting.
Get the Recipe: Day of the Dead Cookies

Halloween Candy Corn Mini Cheesecakes

Mini cupcakes with yellow frosting and white ghost-shaped toppers decorated with black eyes, arranged on a wooden surface with sprinkles.
Halloween Candy Corn Mini Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Small bites make sides and desserts easier at a crowded event. Halloween Candy Corn Mini Cheesecakes show off layers for that extra pop of color, which draws a crowd every time. These fit neatly on platters so cleanup is simple. Sweet tooth fans come for seconds before the night is over.
Get the Recipe: Halloween Candy Corn Mini Cheesecakes

Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Close-up of five bright orange physalis fruits placed on a chocolate pumpkin patch brownie surface, garnished with fresh green mint leaves.
Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chocolate desserts get a fun update during fall gatherings, borrowing flavors from pumpkin. Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake stacks up thick, making it popular among both kids and adults. Slices look impressive on any dessert tray. These brownies become the main dessert talk every Halloween.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Scary Eyeball Truffle

A pile of white chocolate covered truffles decorated to look like spooky Halloween eyeballs, complete with red veins and a candy eyeball in the center.
Scary Eyeball Truffle. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Edible decorations draw “oohs” and “aahs” from everyone at costume parties. Scary Eyeball Truffle grabs attention with its spooky look and soft, sweet center. They’re quick to serve and easy to display on any treat table. Guests always reach for at least one before dinner begins.
Get the Recipe: Scary Eyeball Truffle

Whoopie Pie Halloween Monsters

A group of chocolate monster cookies on a table with pumpkins.
Whoopie Pie Halloween Monsters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert trays brighten up with a little playful color and whimsy. Whoopie Pie Halloween Monsters pack sweet filling between soft cakes and feature eyes and faces for extra laughs. These treats fit right in at group events and school parties. Everyone enjoys making silly faces out of their monster pies.
Get the Recipe: Whoopie Pie Halloween Monsters

Cream Cheese Skull

A Halloween-themed dip arranged to look like a spooky face with candy eyes, red jelly for blood, and surrounded by pretzels and festive snacks.
Cream Cheese Skull. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A snack that looks a little strange makes Halloween tables more fun. Cream Cheese Skull sits boldly on the appetizer spread, spreading easily onto crackers for mingling guests. The shape gets people talking before anyone takes a bite. Expect it to vanish quickly once the first scoop is gone.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Skull

Halloween Cups

A close-up of dessert cups layered with chocolate, cream, crushed cookies, and topped with colorful gummy worms.
Halloween Cups. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Parfaits in small serving cups win points with both kids and adults during festive potlucks. Halloween Cups layer colors and flavors so every bite is different from the last. These are great to prep ahead for busy events. Clean up goes fast because every serving comes portioned and ready to grab.
Get the Recipe: Halloween Cups

Halloween Deviled Eyeball Eggs

A plate of Halloween deviled eggs, halved and adorned with red sauce and black olives to resemble eerie eyeballs, sits on a dark background with cobwebs.
Halloween Deviled Eyeball Eggs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Egg trays with a spooky makeover always get picked over during fall potlucks. Halloween Deviled Eyeball Eggs give you a weirdly fun vibe that fits right in with the holiday crowd. Kids look twice before reaching for one. The serving plate tends to stay empty after a round or two.
Get the Recipe: Halloween Deviled Eyeball Eggs

Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Cheese ball shaped like a pumpkin with a green stem, coated in crumbled topping, surrounded by herbs and decorative pumpkins on a wooden surface.
Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Snack tables need a centerpiece during Halloween, especially when it’s shaped to fit the season. Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball travels well and stays fresh, waiting for crackers or veggies to scoop up each bite. Kids love seeing it up close before digging in. Refills always run out before the party’s done.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Creepy Witch Fingers Cookies

A plate of witch finger cookies with jam and jelly on it.
Creepy Witch Fingers Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing something finger-shaped makes snacking a little more fun at Halloween. Creepy Witch Fingers Cookies prompt giggles from both little ones and grownups before they get eaten. These cookies stand out with their playful form. Even the leftovers end up packed away for lunch or a snack.
Get the Recipe: Creepy Witch Fingers Cookies

Halloween Rice Krispy Brains

Clusters of pink and red puffed rice cereal treats are arranged on a dark, patterned plate next to a white skeleton hand decoration.
Halloween Rice Krispy Brains. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cereal treats aren’t just for school, they fit every autumn potluck table. Halloween Rice Krispy Brains shape up quickly, offering a fun design that kids love grabbing first. This treat gets messy only in the best way. Brains vanish as soon as people line up for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Halloween Rice Krispy Brains

Bat Oreo Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes decorated with Oreo cookies resembling bats, complete with candy eyes. Orange pumpkins are visible in the background.
Bat Oreo Cupcakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creative toppings make desserts extra popular for Halloween crowds. Bat Oreo Cupcakes catch attention with their little wings and bright color on the top, so guests flock to the tray early. These cupcakes are easy to hand out during games or trick-or-treat parties. Everyone asks for one more in their bag.
Get the Recipe: Bat Oreo Cupcakes

Pumpkin Pie

A slice of pumpkin pie on a plate with cranberries.
Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fall potlucks feel complete when classic desserts appear in the lineup. Pumpkin Pie always gets sliced first and shared cheerfully, perfect for any holiday. It’s easy to serve and never goes out of style. Plates are empty before the coffee even brews.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie

Chocolate Covered Apple Slices

Chocolate-covered apple slices on sticks are decorated with various toppings, including caramel drizzle, sprinkles, and crushed cookies, with more sprinkles in the background.
Chocolate Covered Apple Slices. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fruit gets a sweet upgrade for trick-or-treaters and adults with this easy twist. Chocolate Covered Apple Slices add just enough indulgence, making them a popular pick at gatherings. They’re simple to wrap up and hand out. Plates never last long on the treat table.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Apple Slices

Air Fryer Halloween Mummy Dogs

Hot dogs wrapped in dough to resemble mummies, complete with candy eyes, arranged on a black plate.
Air Fryer Halloween Mummy Dogs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Playful hot dog snacks put everyone in a good mood at autumn parties. Air Fryer Halloween Mummy Dogs bake up fast and keep hands clean, perfect for kids. These are a low-fuss main or side for busy nights. Mummies go missing as soon as they hit the plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halloween Mummy Dogs

Spooky Halloween Cookies

Halloween cookies with black frosting and marshmallows.
Spooky Halloween Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cookie jars fill up quick when festive shapes come along for Halloween. Spooky Halloween Cookies can be decorated any way guests want, keeping everyone engaged. These cookies pack easily for school treats or party favors. Most people wish there were more once the last batch is gone.
Get the Recipe: Spooky Halloween Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies

Close-up of several chocolate brownies with a swirl of orange filling on top, arranged on parchment paper.
Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dessert bars get more interesting with a spicy kick perfect for fall. Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies bring a rich bite and a softer texture than typical brownies, fitting well after big meals. They work great for lunchboxes or special events. Sharing never feels quite enough when these brownies run out.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies

Cookie Monster Cookies

Close-up of a stack of vibrant blue Cookie Monster cookies with Oreo centers and chocolate chips. The cookies are cracked open, revealing the Oreo cookies inside.
Cookie Monster Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright colors and fun faces give cookies an edge at kid-friendly gatherings. Cookie Monster Cookies combine laughter with sweetness, drawing every eye to the snack table. Kids especially grab these first and compare their monster faces. Everyone leaves with cookie crumbs and a big smile.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Monster Cookies

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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