This post may contain paid and/or affiliate links. I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our Privacy Policy.
If you’re looking for Halloween party food ideas that are sure to impress your guests, consider hosting a Halloween BBQ. Grilling up spooky treats is a fun way to celebrate the holiday, and it’s a great opportunity to get creative with your menu.
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large party, there are plenty of Halloween BBQ food ideas that are easy to make and delicious to eat.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 18 Halloween BBQ food ideas that are perfect for your next Halloween party. From spooky appetizers to creepy cocktails, we’ve got you covered.
These recipes are easy to make and use simple ingredients, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing for your party.
So fire up the grill, put on your favorite Halloween playlist, and get ready to impress your guests with these spooky and delicious recipes.
1. Pumpkin Spice Ribs
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dish to serve at your Halloween BBQ, Pumpkin Spice Ribs are a must-try.
These ribs are rubbed with a blend of pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and other savory spices, then smoked to perfection.
To make Pumpkin Spice Ribs, start by mixing together your rub ingredients.
You can customize the blend to your liking, but a basic recipe might include pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Once your rub is mixed, generously coat your ribs with it and let them sit for at least an hour to soak up the flavors.
Then, smoke the ribs at a low temperature until they are tender and juicy.
The result is a delicious and unique twist on traditional BBQ ribs that your guests are sure to love. Serve them with your favorite sides, such as mac and cheese or roasted vegetables, for a complete Halloween feast.
Pumpkin Spice Ribs are a great way to add some seasonal flair to your BBQ menu. Give them a try and see how they become a new Halloween favorite!
2. Witch’s Brew BBQ Chicken
If you’re looking for a spooky and flavorful dish to serve at your Halloween BBQ, Witch’s Brew BBQ Chicken is a great option.
This dish is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the party with your guests.
To make Witch’s Brew BBQ Chicken, start by marinating chicken breasts in a mixture of BBQ sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion powder.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through.
Make sure to baste the chicken with the leftover marinade while it cooks to keep it moist and flavorful.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
You can serve the Witch’s Brew BBQ Chicken with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, for a complete Halloween feast.
Witch’s Brew BBQ Chicken is a tasty and festive dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Give it a try at your next Halloween BBQ and watch as your guests rave about the delicious flavors.
3. Ghost Pepper Brisket
If you’re looking for a spicy and flavorful Halloween BBQ dish, Ghost Pepper Brisket is a great option.
This recipe involves marinating the brisket with a mixture of ghost pepper sauce, garlic, onion, and other spices. The brisket is then slow-cooked on the grill until it’s tender and juicy.
To make the marinade, you can use store-bought ghost pepper sauce or make your own by blending fresh ghost peppers with vinegar, garlic, and other seasonings.
Make sure to wear gloves and handle the peppers carefully, as they can be extremely hot.
Once you’ve marinated the brisket, you can cook it on the grill using indirect heat.
This means that you’ll place the meat on one side of the grill and cook it with the lid closed, while the other side of the grill is left empty.
This will allow the meat to cook slowly and evenly without burning.
When the brisket is done, you can slice it thinly and serve it with your favorite BBQ sauce or toppings.
Some great options include coleslaw, pickles, and sliced jalapeños.
Ghost Pepper Brisket is a delicious and spicy Halloween BBQ dish that is sure to impress your guests. Just make sure to warn them about the heat level before they take a bite!
4. Mummy Wrapped Hot Dogs
Mummy Wrapped Hot Dogs are a fun and spooky addition to your Halloween BBQ party. They are easy to make and require only a few ingredients.
To make this dish, you will need hot dogs, crescent roll dough, mustard, and candy eyes.
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Open and unroll the crescent roll dough onto a cutting board. Cut the dough into thin strips, crosswise.
Wrap each hot dog with the strips of dough, leaving a small gap for the face. Place the wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the dough is golden brown.
Once done, remove the hot dogs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Use mustard to make two small dots for the eyes, and place the candy eyes on top of the mustard.
Serve the Mummy Wrapped Hot Dogs with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce.
Mummy Wrapped Hot Dogs are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for both kids and adults. They are a fun and creative way to add a spooky touch to your Halloween BBQ party.
Try making this dish for your next Halloween party and watch your guests enjoy this delicious and spooky treat.
5. Cauldron Chili
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to serve at your Halloween BBQ, look no further than Cauldron Chili.
This classic dish is perfect for warming up on a cool autumn night and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
To make Cauldron Chili, start by browning ground beef in a large pot.
Add in chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
Next, add in canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and a variety of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Let the chili simmer for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
To serve, ladle the chili into small cauldrons or individual bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
You can also serve it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping.
Cauldron Chili is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
If you prefer a spicier chili, add in some diced jalapeño peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
Alternatively, you can add in some diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a sweeter flavor.
6. Vampire Steak Skewers
Impress your Halloween party guests with these spooky Vampire Steak Skewers. This recipe is perfect for a Halloween BBQ and is sure to be a hit with meat lovers.
To make the skewers, you will need to marinate the steak overnight in a mixture of garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Cut the steak into large pieces and thread them onto skewers with onions and bell peppers.
Grill the skewers over high heat for about 8 minutes for medium rare.
The garlic in the marinade gives the steak a delicious flavor, while the skewers make for a fun and easy-to-eat dish.
You can also add some extra Halloween flair by using black skewers or serving the skewers on a spooky platter.
Pair these Vampire Steak Skewers with a bold red wine, such as a Shiraz or Malbec, to really bring out the flavors of the steak.
These skewers are a great addition to any Halloween BBQ menu and are sure to impress your guests.
7. Zombie Burgers
If you’re looking for a Halloween-themed burger, then Zombie Burgers are a great choice.
These burgers are easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
To make Zombie Burgers, you’ll need ground beef, salt, pepper, and other seasonings of your choice.
Shape the meat into patties and cook them on a grill or stovetop.
Once the burgers are cooked, add toppings that resemble brains, such as avocado, salsa, or guacamole.
You can also add other spooky toppings to your Zombie Burgers, such as black olives, red onions, and red peppers.
Use your imagination and get creative with your toppings.
Zombie Burgers are a great way to add some Halloween fun to your barbecue. They’re easy to make, and your guests will love the spooky twist on a classic burger.
Serve them with other Halloween-themed dishes, such as Witch’s Brew Burgers or Graveyard Guacamole, and you’ll have a Halloween feast that your guests will never forget.
8. Spooky Sausage Sliders
Sausage sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be made spooky for Halloween.
Start by grilling your favorite sausages and slicing them into bite-sized pieces. Then, assemble the sliders with mini buns, cheese, and your choice of spooky toppings.
For a classic Halloween look, try topping your sliders with black olive spiders.
Simply slice black olives in half lengthwise and place them on top of the cheese. Use thin slices of green onion for the legs and a small piece of red pepper for the hourglass shape.
If you want to add some heat to your sliders, try topping them with ghost pepper cheese and jalapeño slices.
The ghost pepper cheese will give your sliders a fiery kick, while the jalapeño slices will add some crunch and freshness.
For a more unique approach, try topping your sliders with caramelized onions and blue cheese.
The sweetness of the onions will balance out the sharpness of the blue cheese, creating a delicious flavor combination.
No matter how you choose to make your spooky sausage sliders, they are sure to be a hit at your Halloween BBQ.
9. Pumpkin BBQ Pulled Pork
Pumpkin spice isn’t just for lattes and pies. In fact, it can add a delicious twist to savory dishes like pulled pork.
This recipe for pumpkin BBQ pulled pork is sure to be a hit at your Halloween BBQ.
To make this dish, start by preparing the pork shoulder with a spice rub that includes pumpkin pie spice.
Slow cook the pork until it’s tender and falling apart. Then, mix together a homemade BBQ sauce that includes pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger.
Toss the pulled pork in the sauce and serve on buns or as a main dish.
The pumpkin puree adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the BBQ sauce, while the warm spices complement the smoky flavor of the pork.
This dish is perfect for a chilly fall evening spent around the grill with friends and family.
Make sure to refrigerate any leftover sauce, as it can be used as a tasty condiment for other dishes throughout the week. Try it on grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a seasonal twist.
10. Monster Mac and Cheese
If you’re looking for a spooky yet delicious Halloween dish, look no further than Monster Mac and Cheese.
This classic comfort food gets a ghoulish twist with the addition of green food coloring and fun monster-themed toppings.
To make Monster Mac and Cheese, simply cook your favorite macaroni according to package instructions.
Then, mix in the cheese packet and butter, stirring until the cheese is melted and combined with the pasta.
Add a few drops of green food coloring to give the dish a creepy hue, and you’re ready to serve.
For toppings, get creative with spooky ingredients like black olives, diced red peppers, or even gummy worms.
Kids (and adults) will love the fun and festive twist on this classic dish.
Monster Mac and Cheese is a simple yet satisfying addition to any Halloween BBQ menu. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and sure to be a hit with your guests.
11. Haunted Hot Wings
If you’re looking for a spooky way to spice up your Halloween BBQ, try making Haunted Hot Wings. This recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat in their food.
To make Haunted Hot Wings, start by seasoning your chicken wings with your favorite BBQ rub. Then, grill the wings until they’re cooked through and have a nice char.
After that, mix a few drops of black food coloring with blue food coloring to create a dark, eerie hue. Toss the grilled chicken wings in the colored sauce to give them a haunting appearance.
For an extra spooky touch, you can add some ghostly eyes to your Haunted Hot Wings. Simply dab a bit of sour cream and olive pieces on top of each wing. Your guests will love the creepy look and the delicious taste of these wings.
If you’re serving a crowd, be sure to make plenty of Haunted Hot Wings to go around. They’re sure to be a hit at your Halloween BBQ.
12. Spider Deviled Eggs
Spider deviled eggs are a spooky and delicious appetizer that will be a hit at your Halloween BBQ. To make these eggs, you will need to boil a dozen eggs until they are cooked completely. After cooling, remove the shells and slice each egg in half. Remove the yolks and put them in a bowl.
Mix mayonnaise, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper with the yolks in the bowl. Spread the yolk mixture on each egg half and then cut a black olive in half. Place one half of the olive on each egg half to make the spider body. Cut the other half of the olive into thin strips to make the spider legs. Place three legs on each side of the spider body.
You can also use other toppings to make your spider deviled eggs even more festive. For example, you can use red pepper strips to make fangs or green onion to make eyes. These eggs are easy to make and will be a great addition to your Halloween BBQ spread.
13. Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Looking for a fun and festive Halloween dish? Look no further than Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers! This dish is easy to make and will be a hit with both kids and adults.
To make Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the tops off of bell peppers and remove the ribs and seeds from inside. Using a small paring knife, cut jack-o-lantern faces on one side of each pepper.
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Increase heat to medium-high and add ground meat and spices to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains. Drain excess grease from the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and then add red pepper pasta sauce and cooked rice. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 more minutes, or until mixture is heated through.
Finally, stuff each pepper with the meat and rice mixture and place them upright in a large baking dish along with the pepper tops. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Serve your Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers with a side of spooky Halloween-themed sides like bat-shaped chips, ghostly guacamole, or pumpkin hummus for a fun and festive meal.
14. Graveyard Nachos
Looking for a spooky and delicious Halloween-themed appetizer? Try making Graveyard Nachos! This dish is perfect for any Halloween party or gathering.
To make Graveyard Nachos, you will need tortilla chips, ground beef or turkey, shredded cheese, black beans, salsa, and any other toppings you desire.
Arrange the tortilla chips on a baking sheet and sprinkle with the ground beef or turkey, black beans, and shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the nachos are done, it’s time to decorate the “graveyard.” Use black beans to create a fence around the edges of the baking sheet, and place a few tortilla chips standing up to create tombstones. Use sour cream or guacamole to write spooky messages on the tombstones.
Serve the Graveyard Nachos with salsa and any other toppings you desire, such as jalapenos or diced tomatoes. Your guests will love this spooky and delicious Halloween appetizer!
15. Goblin Guacamole
Goblin Guacamole is a perfect Halloween-themed appetizer that will be a hit at your next Halloween BBQ party. This spooky and delicious dip is made with fresh avocados, lime juice, garlic, and other flavorful ingredients. The dip is then decorated with spooky toppings to give it a goblin-like appearance.
To make Goblin Guacamole, start by mashing ripe avocados in a bowl. Add in some lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper for flavor. Mix well until the ingredients are combined.
To make the goblin-like appearance, use black olives to create the eyes and mouth. You can also use sliced jalapenos to create eyebrows or hair. Serve the dip with tortilla chips or vegetables for dipping.
Goblin Guacamole is not only delicious but also healthy. Avocados are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. This dip is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy and spooky snack.
16. Bat Wing Drumsticks
If you’re looking for a spooky yet delicious Halloween BBQ food idea, look no further than these Bat Wing Drumsticks. These drumsticks are perfect for any Halloween party or gathering, and are sure to impress your guests.
To make these Bat Wing Drumsticks, you’ll need chicken drumsticks, black food coloring, and your favorite BBQ sauce.
Simply season the drumsticks with salt and pepper, then mix the BBQ sauce with black food coloring to create a black glaze. Brush the glaze onto the drumsticks and grill until cooked through.
If you want to take your Bat Wing Drumsticks to the next level, you can also add some spooky decorations. Use sliced almonds as bat ears and red pepper flakes as bat eyes to create a creepy yet delicious Halloween treat.
17. Skeleton Corn on the Cob
If you’re looking for a spooky and fun Halloween-themed side dish for your BBQ, try making Skeleton Corn on the Cob. This dish is a creative twist on traditional grilled corn on the cob and is sure to impress your guests.
To make Skeleton Corn on the Cob, start by grilling your corn as you normally would. Once the corn is cooked, use a small knife to carefully carve out the kernels in a skeleton shape.
You can use a picture of a skeleton as a guide or get creative and come up with your own design.
Once you’ve carved out the skeleton shape, you can add some extra flavor by brushing the corn with melted butter and sprinkling it with salt and pepper. You can also add some chopped herbs or spices for an extra kick.
18. Frankenstein’s Grilled Cheese
If you’re looking for a spooky twist on a classic sandwich, Frankenstein’s Grilled Cheese is the perfect Halloween BBQ food idea for you. This sandwich is made with green-colored bread and filled with delicious melted cheese. You can also add other ingredients like sliced ham, bacon, or tomato to make it even more flavorful.
To make Frankenstein’s Grilled Cheese, start by making your green bread.
You can either use food coloring to dye white bread green or use spinach or kale to make a homemade green bread. Then, assemble your sandwich with your choice of cheese and other fillings. Finally, grill your sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Tips for a Spooky BBQ Ambiance
To create a truly memorable Halloween BBQ, you need to set the right ambiance. Here are some tips to help you create a spooky atmosphere that will delight your guests.
Decorations and Lighting
Decorations and lighting are key to creating a spooky ambiance.
Consider using pumpkins, spider webs, and other Halloween-themed decorations to set the mood. You can also use colored lighting to create an eerie effect. Red and purple lights work particularly well.
Another great way to create a spooky atmosphere is to use candles.
You can use black candles or candles in Halloween-themed shapes, such as skulls or ghosts. Just be sure to keep them away from flammable decorations and never leave them unattended.
Music and Sound Effects
Music and sound effects can help to create a spooky ambiance.
Consider playing Halloween-themed music, such as the soundtrack from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. You can also use sound effects, such as creaking doors or howling wolves, to add to the atmosphere.
If you really want to go all out, you can even create your own haunted house soundtrack. You can use sound effects and music to create a spooky atmosphere that will keep your guests on edge.
Pairing Drinks with Halloween BBQ Food
When it comes to Halloween BBQ food, pairing the right drink can take your party to the next level. Here are some suggestions for drinks to pair with your spooky dishes.
Non-Alcoholic Options
For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, consider serving apple cider or pumpkin spice latte.
These drinks are perfect for the fall season and will complement your Halloween BBQ food. You can also serve lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing option.
Spooky Cocktails
If you want to serve alcoholic drinks, there are plenty of spooky cocktail options to choose from.
Consider serving a Black Widow cocktail. It’s made with black vodka, blackberry liqueur, and cranberry juice.
Another option is the Dark and Stormy, which is made with dark rum and ginger beer.
For a more sophisticated option, try the Limoncello Prosecco cocktail. It combines the sweetness of limoncello and blueberries with the earthy flavor of thyme.
When pairing drinks with Halloween BBQ food, it’s important to consider the flavors of the dishes.
For example, if you’re serving spicy BBQ ribs, consider serving a drink that will cool down the heat, such as a margarita or mojito.
If you’re serving sweet dishes like pumpkin pie, consider serving a drink that is not too sweet, such as a dry white wine or a crisp beer.
Remember to always drink responsibly and provide non-alcoholic options for your guests. With the right drinks, your Halloween BBQ party will be a spooktacular success!