10 Halloween Dinner Ideas to Fuel Trick or Treating

October 25, 2024

Courtesy of Well Plated

Halloween is a blast, we love it as much as the next person wearing an Eleven costume (again) — but it takes some energy. Whether you’re escorting the kids around your neighborhood and, uh, helping them carry their candy, or greeting little ghosts and goblins at your door, you need fuel for the night. Here are some Halloween dinner ideas — make one in advance to be sure everyone is nourished and ready for fun.

1. Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili

Fill everyone’s bellies with this crowd-pleasing, hearty chili. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and enjoy it before setting out. Be sure to serve it with shredded cheese, scallions, sour cream, avocado, and other favorite toppings so everyone can build their own bowl.

Try this recipe from Half Baked Harvest.

2. Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

Pasta is a must in any list of Halloween dinner ideas, and what’s more suited for the holiday than pumpkin? Add some to this creamy, comforting vegetarian dish and watch it disappear. Bonus: This dish is on the table in 15 minutes. Toss together a quick salad while it cooks.

Try this recipe from The View From Great Island.

3. Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Don’t be intimidated by the long ingredient list — many are spices, which is what makes this dish so flavorful, and it’s still quick and easy to make. Plus, it calls for cauliflower rice, so you can sneak some vegetables into the family. Sub in regular rice if the cauli is a no-go.

Try this recipe from Fit Slow Cooker Queen.

4. Easy Weeknight Lemon-Chicken Skillet

A one-pan meal is clutch when you need to get out the door. This one is fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing. With chicken, broccoli, lemon, and lots of garlic, it’s an instant classic. You could serve it over pasta if you like, or make a quick garlic bread.

Try this recipe from Primally Inspired.

5. Crockpot Lentil Soup

This make-ahead soup takes just 10 minutes of prep. Plus, we love soup when it comes to Halloween dinner ideas because it will warm everyone and fill them up for the night ahead. This one is loaded with vegetables, lentils, and warming spices, a perfect pre-outing meal.

Try this recipe from Well Plated.

6. Paprika-Garlic Shrimp

Go from “I’m hungry” to sitting down to eat in just 15 minutes with this luscious dish. It’s free of both gluten and dairy, and it has 25 grams of satiating protein. Serve it with cauliflower rice (or regular rice) and steamed green beans for a complete meal.

Try this recipe from Perchance to Cook.

7. Slow Cooker Paleo Beef Stew

Talk about a meal in a bowl — this make-ahead slow cooker stew is brimming with carrots, onions, and mushrooms, along with red potatoes, beef, and plenty of spices to amp up the flavor. It’s rich in protein and fiber to keep everyone full for the whole festive evening.

Try this recipe from Parsnips & Pastries.

8. Sweet Potato & Broccoli Rabe Sheet Pan Dinner with Ginger Peanut Sauce

sweet potato sheet pan dinner with veggies

Sweet, salty, creamy, hearty — there’s so much going on in this vegetarian dish, no one will miss the meat. Big plus: It’s on the table in 30 minutes. You can make the sauce with almond butter instead of peanut if that’s what you have on hand.

Try this recipe from The First Mess.

9. Instant Pot Cauliflower Thai Curry

If you were thinking of ordering takeout on Halloween, forget it — not only will it take forever and hold you up, but you can DIY it so much better with this tasty plant-based dish. It has red curry paste, coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices for tons of flavor, and lentils, kale, cauliflower, and butternut squash bring plenty of nutrients.

Try this recipe from Oh She Glows.

10. Prosciutto-Wrapped Mini Frittata Muffins

We love eggs for dinner, and these little veggie-filled frittatas are so delicious and festive. Smaller appetites will love one, bigger people can have two or three. Feel free to swap in different vegetables or sprinkle in some cheese, if you like. Leftovers make a great breakfast or lunch.

Try this recipe from Nom Nom Paleo.