53 Halloween Dinner Ideas for Adults

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
• Serves: 8

Roasted, stuffed or puréed into soup, I'll eat winter squash any way you make it. "The pre-roast might seem like a nuisance," former PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen writes, "but it will ensure the squash is fully cooked by the time you slice into your savory pie." The homemade crust is gloriously flaky, but you could use store-bought dough in a pinch to save time.

• Time Commitment: 5 hours and 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pan, special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 4 to 6

If you’re trying to impress a costumed crowd, look no further. This glorious roast chicken is practically foolproof, thanks to an overnight buttermilk brine and a beginner-friendly skillet method. "Since the back corners of the oven tend to run hotter than the center, position the chicken's legs in the corner," Gillen advises. "That way, the breast meat—which has a tendency to dry—will come out perfectly cooked at the same time as the thighs and drumsticks."

• Time Commitment: 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, dairy free
• Serves: 6 to 8

Don’t knock it ’til you try it, folks. This soup is so much more than its humble appearance, since the usual ham is replaced with smoky bacon, and there’s a whole can of lager in there. "The beer is what gives this soup a well-rounded flavor without a ton of effort on your part, but if you want to skip it, you can use an equal amount of water or chicken stock instead," Gillen assures.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pot, beginner-friendly, <500 calories
• Serves: 6

Brisk fall nights call for a warm pot of beans, meat and veggies; it’s just a fact. "Like most chili recipes, this one is pretty forgiving, so go ahead and substitute ingredients or add others where you see fit," Gillen writes. "You could use kidney beans instead of black beans, or leave them out altogether. Ground beef or chicken would work in place of the turkey—or make it vegetarian."

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pan, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

Don’t tell anyone, but this crispy-chewy pie starts with store-bought dough and it’s still light-years better than takeout. "A few glugs of olive oil give the crust a golden brown, crisp exterior, and the whole thing bakes in about 15 minutes," Gillen raves. "I chose a topping combination of fennel and Italian sausage, but you can go as high- or low-brow as you please."

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
• Serves: 3 to 4

This fall take on a diner classic is all I want to be eating right now. "Oven-roasted sweet potato wedges, plenty of sharp cheddar and textural toppings that remind you of autumn, like pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries—the results are snacky enough to satisfy a craving, but without all the deep-fried carbs," Gillen says. (That's right: The fries are baked.)

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6

Thanks to robust Italian sausage, this dish is practically overflowing with flavor—despite requiring just six ingredients and 25 minutes of the cook. Finish it with a flurry of black pepper, grated Parm and crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, dairy free, high protein
• Serves: 4

Listen, just because the kids are out trick-or-treating doesn’t mean you can’t eat off their menu. Plus, the chile-infused honey drizzle makes these tenders *so* grown up. I'd plate them with cornbread or white rice for good measure.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, high protein, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 2 to 4

Fewer dirty dishes and more Halloween movies, I say. While many sheet pan numbers yield ho-hum results, this one actually works, since you cook the vegetables before adding the chicken. How's that for ingenious?

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6

While everyone else is out trick-or-treating, you’ll be lounging on the couch with a big bowl of this homemade gnocchi (and a glass of wine). The buttery sauce, infused with fresh thyme and rosemary, couldn't be more autumnal.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pot, beginner-friendly, dairy free, gluten free
• Serves: 4

Tonight is all about staying cozy. This hearty, healthy Halloween dinner will do just fine. If you want to prepare it a day ahead, go for it—the flavor will deepen even further in the fridge.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 6

After all, it is W.S.S. (that's winter squash season). Serve it warm or at room temperature. Personally, I prefer the former, since the cheese gets a little melty that way.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 8

Skip the subpar frozen pizza (talk about spooky) and make this homemade version instead. It’s cheesy, spicy and, best of all, ready in 30 minutes flat. No shame in that store-bought pizza dough game.

• Time Commitment: 5 hours and 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
• Serves: 8

This fall soup has not one, but two tricks up its sleeve: store-bought biscuit dough and your trusty Crockpot. The actual active cooking time? A mere five minutes.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free
• Serves: 4

This is to offset all the Halloween candy I'll inevitably eat in the upcoming days (or weeks). Choose Fuyu persimmons over Hachiya for texture, since they can be served while still crisp.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: Instant Pot recipe, vegan, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 4

This recipe is all about maximum flavor and minimum effort, so naturally, it takes just 30 minutes to whip up. And the coconut yogurt swirl and sesame seeds on top? Chef's kiss. Psst: Use pre-cut squash to make it even easier.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly, gluten free
• Serves: 4

I think I just found the easiest Halloween dinner in the history of ever—the veggies and chicken steam in their packets, so the parchment does all the hard work of moisture retention. But most importantly, it makes cleanup a total breeze.

• Time Commitment: 8 hours and 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 6

Beef stew, but make it fancy. Tell everyone at the party you’re being Julia Child for Halloween. You’ll have plenty of time to come up with a costume, since this dinner basically cooks itself.

• Time Commitment: 6 hours and 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, <500 calories, high protein
• Serves: 8

Few things are more comforting than a steaming bowl of chili on an, ahem, chilly evening. This one has ground turkey to keep it extra light. (You could use ground chicken or beef, too.)

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, high protein, <500 calories
• Serves: 8

Sure, this twist on enchiladas is healthier for you than the O.G.—but that's not why I'm making it on repeat. It's because they're also really delicious. Even better? The leftovers reheat like a dream (and it freezes well, too).

• Time Commitment: 3 hours and 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 6

The next best thing to getting Queer Eye’s food expert in my kitchen? His meaty, tasty pasta sauce. Make it ahead and store it in the freezer if you’re into Halloween dinner meal-prepping.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

Come on, guys. This is a Halloween no-brainer. The “bowls” are made with small sugar pumpkins, which you can find in any produce section. Have your camera at the ready.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: low sugar, <500 calories, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6

Enchiladas, but make them autumnal with a sprinkle of pepitas. If you don’t have leftover roast turkey in the fridge (hint: bookmark this one for the day after Thanksgiving), just use a shredded store-bought rotisserie chicken.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

Who needs a bowl when you’ve got a gourd? They’re filled with quinoa, chickpeas, Gruyère and all the good stuff. Serve them to a few guests as a main or to a crowd as a side dish.

• Time Commitment: 2 hours
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, low sugar, high protein
• Serves: 4

While I'm here, I might as well stay on theme. This easy and festive pizza recipe makes great use of the canned pumpkin you already have in your pantry.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, special occasion–worthy
• Serves: 4

This is—dare I say it?—better than a bowl of Halloween candy. (Yes, even candy corn.) To really take things over the top, add bacon bits to the breadcrumb garnish for extra salt, savoriness and crunch.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: dairy free, one pan, low sugar
• Serves: 6

What's the opposite of spooky and scary? Glossy, saucy fall chicken in a skillet that requires almost no cleanup. It's surprisingly creamy—without a drop of dairy in sight. (Hint: Egg yolks are the secret.)

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, gluten free
• Serves: 6

Rich, creamy and oh-so seasonal, this traditional side dish is hearty enough to stand in for Halloween dinner. You can use fresh or canned pumpkin, depending on how fancy you want to get.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, high protein, kid-friendly
• Serves: 4

Raise your hand if you grew up eating your mom’s homemade (or canned) tomato soup on cold, cozy nights. This one will bring back all the nostalgic Halloween dinner feels. If you aren’t feeling a bread bowl, just serve a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
• Serves: 4 to 6

Now this is how you do Halloween dinner. And if you're not the biggest fan of pumpkin, don't fret: The sauce can be made without squash, if you'd prefer (but I implore you to give it a try).

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, special occasion–worthy
• Serves: 6

Risotto is the ultimate comfort food—add creamy squash to fall-ify it, and you’ll be going back for seconds (and thirds). Wondering how to cut a butternut squash without channeling a slasher film? This handy guide has you covered.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, low sugar, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 6

Spooky? Nope. Spicy? You bet. This pasta will become a weeknight regular long past Halloween night, but its hot, garlicky nature is just right for the occasion.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <500 calories, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 8

When you’re sufficiently exhausted from handing out candy, come inside to a bowl of chowder that will warm you from the inside out. Bonus? The leftovers will freeze beautifully for up to three months (if there are any).

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients, <500 calories
• Serves: 4 to 6

This Halloween dinner is creamy, filling and begging to be served with a mug of homemade apple cider. If your grocery store doesn’t carry a wide selection of mushrooms, reach for shiitake. They have a meaty texture and umami flavor that complements the dish.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, <10 ingredients, gluten free
• Serves: 4

On my ideal Halloween dinner checklist? Fast, easy, minimal cleanup and tastier than a king-size chocolate bar. Leave it to this sheet pan wonder that comes together in less than an hour.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 10

The decadent, cheesy pasta is just waiting to emerge from that gorgeous blanket of phyllo rosettes. They’re easier to assemble than they appear, but if you want to save time, just layer the phyllo on top of the mac in flat sheets.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, dairy free, <500 calories
• Serves: 6

This is technically a side dish, but I recommend serving it as a vegetarian main course with rice on the side. White beans would make it more filling as well.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: dairy free, <500 calories, gluten free
• Serves: 4

While everyone else picks the candy apple out of their teeth, you’ll be enjoying a silky bowl of apple soup. Never cooked with parsnips? They’re like pale, sweet carrots and are just right for the colder months.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, high prtoein
• Serves: 4

It’s not every day that you dig into a melty skillet full of cheesy, meaty pasta. But it’s Halloween, so you deserve to treat (not trick) yourself. Save some leftovers for the kids—maybe they'll trade you some candy for a plate.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, low sugar
• Serves: 6

Trust me: You haven’t lived until you’ve tried spiced buttered pistachios. Use your favorite squash variety or whatever gourd you have on hand. (Acorn, kabocha or red kuri would all taste delightful.)

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, gluten free, low sugar
• Serves: 6

FYI, baking your meatballs instead of pan-frying them ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that can’t be topped. Plus, you'll get to skip the whole mess of a spitting skillet of oil and the task of babysitting a pan.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten free, low carb, one pot
• Serves: 6

One of my all-time favorite soups meets an easy skillet chicken dinner that’s smothered in gooey Gruyère cheese—yum. (The dish also happens to be gluten free and low in carbs, BTW.)

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, gluten free, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

Nothing ushers in compliments like stunningly seared scallops. Feeling ambitious? Go ahead and roast your own pumpkin. Or don’t—canned will taste equally delicious.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, <30 minutes, <500 calories
• Serves: 6

You had me at brown butter mashed potatoes, but the 30-minute cooking time certainly sweetens the deal. This Halloween dinner offers pot roast feels for a fraction of the effort.

• Time Commitment: 3 hours and 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, <500 calories
• Serves: 8

If you're not eating straight out of a pumpkin at least once in October, you're doing spooky season all wrong. A small- to medium-size squash will ensure the filling is cooked without requiring extra time in the oven.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, vegetarian, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 6

Sorry, summer: You don't own pasta salad. With an apple cider vinegar dressing, pine nuts and squash, this one has Halloween day written all over it. You can totally make it ahead if you have time, though.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pan, special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 6

Simple store-bought puff pastry and your cast iron skillet prove that this comfort food is as easy to make as it is to devour. Be warned: Your kids will be super jealous to miss this Halloween dinner.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: low sugar, high protein, <500 calories
• Serves: 8

This chili-soup hybrid is loaded with chicken, chiles and hominy, a type of large-kernel corn that’s soaked in an alkaline solution to soften it. Find it in the canned-goods aisle and stock up for blustery nights ahead.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, high protein, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 2 to 8

Admit it: It's what everyone wants. My favorite thing about Buffalo wings is that they're just as tasty fresh from the oven as they are cold from the fridge. Serve them with plenty of ranch dressing and crudités.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: one skillet, high protein, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

My love for my cast iron skillet runs deep. Serve this sizzling Halloween dinner with plenty of lime wedges and fresh guacamole for serving. (I'm partial to sour cream and hot sauce, too.)

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 2 to 4

This flavorful and hearty meal will keep you warm on those chilly autumn nights. The grapes turn jammy and extra sweet after a trip in the oven, while the sharp edge of the onions is curbed just right.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd pleaser, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 6

This vegetarian-friendly dish is even more colorful than the most vibrant fall leaves. The bell peppers are loaded with quinoa, zucchini, corn, tomato, fresh herbs and plenty of cheese.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: one pan, high protein, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 4

Sultry ginger, tangy lemon, hot chiles and sticky honey are a combo made in Halloween dinner heaven. Feel free to swap the thighs and drumsticks for chicken wings or pork ribs; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.