25 Budget-Friendly Halloween Party Food Ideas
Celebrating the spooky season will only be complete with food and drinks to enjoy with your family and friends. And with so many fun recipes you can experiment on, it is easy to get caught up and spend more than you intend to. But you can always avoid this.
Whether you are throwing a lavish party or prefer a simple gathering for a small group of people, there are lots of Halloween party foods on a budget you can try. They are easy to make, require few ingredients, and are scary enough to set the mood for the occasion.
Bread and Pastries
1. Bat Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Bat Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches - Image by C’mon, Get Crafty
Let’s start with something simple and easy. Why not give your classic PB&J a Halloween makeover? Although these Bat Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches look slightly different, they taste just as delicious as your all-time favorite sandwich.
To create these Halloween-themed sandwiches, you only need a bat-shaped cookie cutter. Use it to give your traditional sandwich a new, fun shape, and you're good to go.
2. Spider Web Pizza
Delicious, piping hot, and perfect for sharing, pizza is the best snack for any party. And Halloween is not an exception!
This homemade pizza is easy to make, and you don’t need any extra ingredients. You only have to place the cheese and olives strategically to create spooky spiders and spider webs.
3. Frankenstein Avocado Toast
Frankenstein Avocado Toast - Image by Yum
Want some healthy snacks for your October 31st party? Try this avocado toast with one of the most popular Halloween characters of all time: Frankenstein! Not only is it spooky, but it is also easy to make.
With additional veggies, such as olives, red pepper, and radish, this Frankenstein-inspired toast is even healthier than your regular avocado toast.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Ghost Pretzels
A must-try Halloween party food on a budget, these adorable ghost pretzels will surely be a hit for both kids and kids at heart. The salty flavor of the pretzel mixed with the white chocolate’s sweetness is irresistible.
These Chocolate-Dipped Ghost Pretzels will not only look good on your party table, but they are also quick and fun to make. Dip the pretzel rods in melted chocolate, and use an edible marker to draw the ghost’s face.
5. Mummies in Blankets
Another great Halloween party food on a budget, these Mummies in Blankets are delicious and require only a few ingredients. They look perfect for the occasion and will surely be an instant favorite. These spooky treats are filling, made of hotdogs wrapped in crescent dough, then baked to perfection.
Making these mummy hotdogs is a great activity for kids. You can ask them to help wrap the crescent dough strips around the hotdogs and enjoy watching them bake into delicious Halloween snacks.
6. Halloween Witch Fingers
The perfect food for any Halloween party, these witch fingers look horrendous and scary. But don’t be fooled by the ghastly appearance! These Halloween cookies are sweet and tasty, and everyone will love them.
Halloween Witch Fingers are simple shortbread cookies shaped into fingers to get into the spooky holiday spirit. Whole roasted almonds are used as fingernails, then glued to the cookies with raspberry jam.
7. Pumpkin Bread Buns
If you are preparing a Halloween feast, why not add these adorable Pumpkin Bread Buns to your menu? Not only are they tasty and filling, but they are also the perfect decoration to set the mood for the celebration.
These pumpkin-flavored bread buns are easy to make, especially if you enjoy baking. You might even have all the basic ingredients for making bread in your kitchen. In that case, you will only need pumpkin purée and a few whole roasted almonds, and you’re ready.
8. Severed Toes in Bandages
Severed Toes in Bandages - Image by Woman’s Day
The perfect party food for any Halloween celebration, Severed Toes in Bandages looks terrifying yet tastes really good.
They are made of delicious cocktail frankfurts wrapped in crispy pie crust, then added with slices of almond. Serve them warm with ketchup for everyone to enjoy!
9. Pumpkin Patch Bites
Pumpkin Patch Bites - Image by Woman’s Day
Bring the Yuletide spirit this Halloween with these Pumpkin Patch Bites. Made with ham, pie crust, and cheddar cheese, enjoy one of your favorite traditional Christmas foods as early as November.
The combination of the ham’s smoky flavor and the creamy, slightly tangy taste of cheddar cheese is something you don’t want to miss. Plus, these Pumpkin Patch Bites are easy and fun to make.
Savory Snacks
10. Mummy Jalapeño Poppers
Add some Halloween spirit to your cheesy jalapeño poppers by wrapping them in bandages like mummies. You can use crescent roll dough for the bandages and sliced olives for the eyes. If you want extra sweetness, you can put candy eyeballs instead.
Mummy Jalapeño Poppers are packed with tasty ingredients, making them perfect appetizers at any Halloween party. You can easily customize the level of spiciness so everyone can enjoy them. Plus, they are so simple to make.
11. Guacamoldy Eyeballs
Guacamoldy Eyeballs - Image by Woman’s Day
Another must-have on your Halloween appetizer table, these creepy-looking snacks are simply delicious and easy to make. You can even prepare them ahead of time.
A Halloween twist on deviled eggs, Guacamoldy Eyeballs are filled with creamy guacamole and garnished with a mixture of taco sauce and sour cream to create the impression of bloodshot eyes. Then, they are topped with slices of pimiento-stuffed olives.
12. Pumpkin Tortilla Chips
Pumpkin Tortilla Chips - Image by One Little Project
Another great Halloween party food on a budget, these pumpkin-shaped tortilla chips are tasty and perfect for sharing. You can also pair them with different dips so everyone can enjoy them.
Making these Pumpkin Tortilla Chips is so easy. You will only need three main ingredients: tortillas, salt, and cooking spray. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon for additional flavor.
13. Cheesy Eyeballs
Cheesy Eyeballs - Image by HGTV
Any cheese lover will surely enjoy these gory but tasty Halloween treats. Made of cheese rounds topped with olive slices, these Cheesy Eyeballs will go well with your favorite bread or crackers. You can also pair them with your go-to wine or serve them with fresh vegetables.
This cheesy snack is easy and fun to prepare. It requires no cooking, only decorating, making it a great Halloween activity for kids.
14. Pretzel and Cheese Broomsticks
Another great treat for those who love cheese, these edible broomsticks are a must-have on your Halloween appetizer table. Not only are they tasty, but they are also the perfect decorations to get into the spooky holiday spirit.
If you are feeling creative this Halloween, why not try these Pretzel and Cheese Broomsticks?
15. Halloween Bite-Size Eyeballs
Halloween Bite-Size Eyeballs - Image by Woman’s Day
The perfect finger food for any Halloween party, these bite-sized treats are packed with cheesy goodness! The cucumbers and pimiento-stuffed olives not only add spookiness but also give them extra flavor. Plus, the sour cream and ketchup complement the salty taste of the cheese.
These Halloween Bite-Size Eyeballs are so easy to make. You will need only a few simple ingredients, which you might already have in your kitchen.
16. Cheddar Pumpkins
Cheddar Pumpkins - Image by Betty Crocker
These Cheddar Pumpkins are perfect if you’re looking for a last-minute Halloween snack idea. You can prepare them instantly, and they do not require any cooking. Refrigerate, decorate, and you’re good to go!
Another great Halloween party food on a budget, you can easily make these pumpkin-shaped cheese treats with four ingredients, including cheese, peanuts, pretzels, and parsley.
Desserts
17. Graveyard Pudding Cookie Cups
Graveyard Pudding Cookie Cups - Image by My Name Is Snickerdoodle
The perfect Halloween treat for anyone who has a sweet tooth, this graveyard-in-a-cup dessert is made of chocolate pudding and crushed Oreos. The spooky tombstone can be vanilla sandwich cookies or any light-colored flat cookie. To add more fright and sweetness, the toppings include an assortment of candies in Halloween-themed shapes.
The Graveyard Pudding Cookie Cups are ideal for Halloween parties as they offer individual portions. They are also ready-to-eat treats; all you need is your dessert spoon.
18. Halloween Donuts
These Halloween Donuts are one of the easiest spooky treats to make, perfect for last-minute party preparations. You will only need some donuts, candy eyes, colorful sprinkles, and vampire teeth candies, and you’re all set.
If you have kids, you can also use plastic vampire teeth. This way, they can still have the vampire teeth to play with even after the donuts are long gone.
19. Halloween Spider Bark
Halloween Spider Bark - Image by The Simple, Sweet Life
This weave of spider webs will complete not only your menu for the Halloween party but also the decorations! The webs and spiders look realistic, making it a great dining table centerpiece during this spooky celebration.
Made with white chocolate and chocolate-covered malt balls, this sweet treat is a chocolate lover’s paradise.
20. Marshmallow Heads
Marshmallow Heads will surely be a hit at any Halloween party, especially for kids and kids at heart. They are sweet and look adorable, making them a great decoration on your dining table.
Making these cute treats is pretty simple, and you only need a few basic ingredients. With little creativity, some food colorings, and frosting, you can create all your favorite Halloween characters, such as Dracula, Frankenstein, Jack O’ Lantern, and more!
21. Spider Web Cupcakes
Any party won’t be complete without everyone’s favorite cupcakes, and Halloween is no exception. So, get creative and bring those spooky spiders to life. You won’t need fancy decorating tools; just a toothpick will do!
Although these Spider Web Cupcakes look creepy, they are as delicious as any cupcake. Plus, they are so simple to make.
Healthy Treats
22. Apple Marshmallow Teeth
Who says preparing healthy snacks for your Halloween party can be too difficult and expensive? This marshmallow and apple combination is straightforward and will only take a few minutes of your time. Plus, it requires only three basic ingredients: apples, peanut butter, and marshmallows.
Perfect for kids, these Apple Marshmallow Teeth are fun to look at and super healthy. Anyone can eat as much as they want, and you don’t have to worry about it!
23. Candy-Coated Apples
These beautiful and shiny apples will add a touch of class and sophistication to your Halloween dining table. The deep red color is simply inviting, while the glassy candy coating is too irresistible. Anyone, like Snow White, will love to take a bite of them!
These Candy-Coated Apples are easy to make, too. Just be sure to replace the stem with clean, long twigs for added effect.
24. Banana Ghosts
If you’re looking for Halloween party food on a budget to try this October 31st, these Banana Ghosts are your best bet. They are super healthy, easy to make, and fun-looking. You won’t have to spend extra as you only need two ingredients.
Make as many Banana Ghosts as possible to decorate your Halloween dining table!
25. Tangerine Pumpkins
Another must-have Halloween party food on a budget, these Tangerine Pumpkins look cute and take only a few minutes to prepare. They are delicious, juicy, and refreshing. These citrus treats will surely be a hit at any party.
Made of tangerine and celery, these healthy snacks are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Serve these Tangerine Pumpkins to your guests and let them enjoy the celebration guilt-free.
Cheap Halloween Party Food FAQ
1. How do you throw a low-budget Halloween party?
Throwing a budget Halloween party requires creativity and imagination. Instead of purchasing everything you need, try to be creative and use simple household items as alternatives.
When it comes to Halloween party foods, many budget-friendly recipes are available on the internet. You can even find ones that allow you to give your leftovers a makeover. You may also stick to traditional dishes that require simple and easy-to-find ingredients.
2. What is the most eaten food on Halloween?
Traditional Halloween food includes pumpkin pie, apple bread, candy apples, and many others. This is not surprising. You may think this is because of Jack O’ Lantern, but not really.
The more practical reason these foods are usually eaten on Halloween is that pumpkins and apples are in season around this time. They are abundant during the spooky season, so people tend to create dishes made of these Fall produce.
Other fruits and vegetables that come out in autumn include cabbages, broccoli, bananas, and celery. Root vegetables such as carrots, squash, and sweet potato are also readily available at this time of year.
3. Can I cook party food the night before?
The ideal way to prepare for a Halloween party is to find dishes you can make ahead of time. Most party foods are best made at least one day before, including bread, baked goods, and desserts. Cook everything you can in advance, so you don’t have to cram at the last minute.
When cooking ahead of time, you must know how to store each dish properly. Some foods require refrigeration, while others must be kept at room temperature. Knowing the difference will save you a lot of time and money.
Conclusion
Celebrating the spooky season shouldn’t be stressful and costly. These recipes are easy to make, scary enough, and, most importantly, use only a few simple ingredients. So, whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer or a fancy dessert, we have the perfect Halloween party food on a budget.
Which of these recipes would you like to try this Halloween? Let us know in the comments!