7 Halloween Dinner Ideas That Scale For A Crowd

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Creepy Eyeball Pasta

Creepy Eyeball Pasta is a fun and spooky dish perfect for Halloween gatherings. This imaginative recipe features pasta topped with a rich tomato sauce and meatballs designed to look like creepy eyeballs. With a combination of flavors and a visually exciting presentation, this dish will delight both kids and adults at your Halloween dinner.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
3. Shape the Eyeballs: Using your hands, shape the beef mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned.
5. Add Eyeballs: After the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven. Take a slice of mozzarella cheese and place it on top of each meatball. Then, press a slice of black olive into the center of each meatball to resemble an eyeball. Return the meatballs to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
6. Heat the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat until it is warmed through.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with tomato sauce, and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
8. Serve: Transfer the sauced spaghetti to a serving platter and arrange the cheesy eyeball meatballs on top. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy your Creepy Eyeball Pasta as a thrilling centerpiece for your Halloween dinner!

Mummy Meatballs

Mummy Meatballs are a whimsical and frightfully fun Halloween dish that will leave your guests both amused and delighted. These meatballs are wrapped in strips of puff pastry to resemble mummies, complete with little “eyes” made from cheese and olives. They’re perfect for serving as an appetizer or a main dish at your Halloween gathering!

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are combined evenly.
3. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Make sure they are compact so they hold their shape during cooking.
4. Assemble Mummies: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into strips, about 1/2 inch wide. Take a meatball and wrap the pastry strips around it to resemble mummy bandages, leaving a small gap for the “eyes.” Place the wrapped meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Add Mummy Eyes: Press a small cube of mozzarella cheese and a slice of black olive into the gap of each meatball to represent the eyes.
6. Bake the Mummy Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Serve: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. They can be served alone or with a marinara sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your Mummy Meatballs as a fun and spooky addition to your Halloween celebration!

Witch’s Cauldron Chili

Witch’s Cauldron Chili is a hearty and spicy dish that’s perfect for warming up during the chilly Halloween season. Full of flavor and festive appeal, this chili includes a mix of beans, tomatoes, and ground meat, simmered together to create a bubbling cauldron of goodness. Serve it in a cauldron for an extra spooky touch at your Halloween gathering!

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to allow the spices to become fragrant.
5. Incorporate the Beans and Tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, and black beans. Stir well to combine.
6. Add Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
7. Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili to a simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Taste and Adjust: After 30 minutes, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference.
9. Serve: Ladle the Witch’s Cauldron Chili into bowls or a cauldron for a spooky presentation. Top with sour cream, cheese, green onions, or any other desired toppings.

Enjoy your Witch’s Cauldron Chili as a hearty and festive treat at your Halloween festivities!

Ghostly Mashed Potatoes

Ghostly Mashed Potatoes are a fun and creepy twist on the classic side dish, making them a perfect addition to your Halloween dinner. These fluffy mashed potatoes are not only creamy and delicious but can be artfully shaped and garnished to resemble ghostly figures. Spice up your Halloween feast with this whimsical comfort food that will leave your guests charmed and delighted!

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling and cubing the potatoes into evenly sized chunks, which will help them cook uniformly.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Drain the Potatoes: Carefully drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot. This helps to steam off excess moisture.
4. Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher, begin to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, you can also use a hand mixer.
5. Add the Ingredients: To the mashed potatoes, add the butter, minced garlic, and milk. If you like a richer flavor, you can also include sour cream. Mix everything together until creamy and smooth. Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
6. Shape the Ghosts: To create the ghostly figures, use your hands or a spoon to form the mashed potatoes into small piles on a serving platter. Aim for a slightly rounded mound with a peak at the top to resemble a ghost.
7. Garnish: Use chives or pieces of black olives to create eyes and mouth for the ghostly figures. You can be creative with the placement to give each ghost a unique face.
8. Serve: Present your Ghostly Mashed Potatoes at your Halloween dinner, and watch as your guests are delighted by this spooky side dish!

Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

The Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball is a delightful and festive appetizer that brings a fun and playful element to your Halloween dinner. This creamy, tangy cheese ball is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite spices and toppings. Shaped like a pumpkin and garnished with pretzel sticks for the stem, this dish will surely impress your guests and add a spooky touch to your celebration.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a fork or an electric mixer to blend the cheeses until smooth and well combined.
2. Add Flavorings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, and salt. Mix well to guarantee all the flavorings are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
3. Shape the Cheese Ball: Use your hands to scoop out the cheese mixture and form it into a ball shape. Then gently press the ball into a slightly flattened oval, and pinch the bottom to create a pumpkin shape with pointed edges.
4. Wrap and Chill: Wrap the pumpkin-shaped cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to serve.
5. Decorate: Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Sprinkle paprika over the entire surface to give it an orange color resembling a pumpkin.
6. Add the Stem: Insert a pretzel stick into the top center of the cheese ball to serve as a stem. You can also place slices of black olives on the cheese ball to create “eyes” if desired.
7. Serve: Place the Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball on a serving platter accompanied by crackers, vegetables, or bread for dipping. Enjoy this festive and tasty appetizer at your Halloween gathering!

Spider Web Pizza

The Spider Web Pizza is a fun and creative twist on a classic dish, perfect for Halloween celebrations. This pizza features a delicious homemade or store-bought crust topped with your choice of sauce and cheese, adorned with a spooky spider web design made from mozzarella and black olives. It’s a great centerpiece for your Halloween dinner that will surely thrill your guests, especially the little ones!

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) so that it reaches the ideal temperature for baking your pizza.
2. Prepare the Pizza Dough: If you’re using homemade pizza dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 12 inches in diameter. If you’re using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions to stretch it onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dust the surface with a little cornmeal for a crispy base.
3. Add Pizza Sauce: Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the dough for maximum flavor.
4. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, ensuring an even distribution to achieve that gooey, cheesy goodness.
5. Create the Spider Web Design: Using additional mozzarella cheese, create a web design by placing thin strands across the pizza in a crisscross pattern. To make the spiders, place slices of black olives at different locations on the pizza as if they were crawling through the web.
6. Season: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the entire pizza for added flavor, giving it an aromatic finish.
7. Bake the Pizza: Carefully place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the pizza into wedges.
9. Serve: Present your Spider Web Pizza on a spooky-themed platter or cutting board. Enjoy this festive dish at your Halloween gathering, and watch as your guests delight in its creepy yet delicious appearance!

Blood-Red Velvet Cupcakes

Blood-Red Velvet Cupcakes are a hauntingly delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, making them an ideal sweet treat for your Halloween festivities. These moist and rich cupcakes are dyed a vibrant red, incorporating cocoa powder for depth of flavor and finished with a creamy white frosting, resembling a blood-red treat that’s both delicious and perfect for your spooky celebration!

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it should be smooth with a few lumps remaining.
5. Fill Cupcake Liners: Using a scoop or spoon, fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter. This will allow space for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cupcakes: Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
9. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag or a knife to frost each cupcake generously with the cream cheese frosting.
10. Decorate and Serve: Feel free to sprinkle some edible glitter or Halloween-themed decorations on top for an extra festive touch. Serve your Blood-Red Velvet Cupcakes and watch your guests be amazed!