14 Festive Fall Appetizers for November Get-Togethers

Fall is the perfect time to gather with friends and family, and no autumn celebration is complete without delicious appetizers. From warm, savory bites to seasonal twists on classic recipes, these fall-inspired starters will impress your guests and set the tone for a cozy gathering. Each of these appetizers is easy to make and packed with the flavors of the season, perfect for bringing everyone together at your November get-together.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip

This rich and creamy pumpkin dip is the perfect appetizer for fall. To make it, blend one cup of pumpkin puree with eight ounces of softened cream cheese, half a cup of brown sugar, and one teaspoon of cinnamon until smooth. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract and serve with graham crackers or apple slices. The sweet, spiced pumpkin flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for any fall get-together. It’s easy to whip up in just a few minutes and can be made ahead of time for your November gathering.

Cranberry Brie Bites

For a simple yet elegant fall appetizer, try these cranberry brie bites. Roll out a sheet of puff pastry and cut it into small squares, placing each square into a mini muffin tin. Fill each with a piece of brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, then bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. The tangy cranberry paired with creamy brie creates a delicious bite-sized treat that’s perfect for fall gatherings. These are great for sharing and make a beautiful addition to any appetizer table.

Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

These bacon-wrapped dates are both sweet and savory, making them a hit at any fall event. Start by wrapping pitted Medjool dates with half slices of bacon, securing with a toothpick. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Drizzle with warm maple syrup right before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. The combination of crispy bacon and gooey dates, with a hint of maple, brings fall flavors to life. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Butternut Squash and Sage Crostini

These crostini are loaded with the flavors of fall. Slice a baguette and toast the slices under a broiler. Meanwhile, sauté diced butternut squash in olive oil with chopped fresh sage until tender. Spread a layer of goat cheese on each toasted baguette slice, top with the butternut squash mixture, and drizzle with honey. The creamy goat cheese and earthy butternut squash make this appetizer an instant favorite at any fall gathering. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for showcasing seasonal ingredients.

Caramelized Onion and Apple Tartlets

These bite-sized tartlets are a perfect fall-inspired appetizer. Begin by sautéing thinly sliced onions in butter over medium heat until they become golden and caramelized, about 25 minutes. Add in diced apples and a pinch of thyme, cooking for another 5 minutes. Spoon this mixture into pre-made mini phyllo shells and top with crumbled goat cheese. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until the cheese is soft and slightly browned. The sweet onions, tart apples, and creamy goat cheese create a harmonious blend of fall flavors that will delight your guests.

Spicy Pumpkin Hummus

Give your classic hummus recipe an autumn twist with this spicy pumpkin version. In a blender, combine one cup of chickpeas, half a cup of pumpkin puree, two tablespoons of tahini, one clove of garlic, a dash of cayenne pepper, and the juice of half a lemon. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed to achieve the right consistency. Serve with pita chips or fresh vegetables for dipping. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness, while the cayenne gives it just the right amount of heat, making this a festive and flavorful fall snack.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

These soft pretzel bites are a sweet and savory crowd-pleaser, perfect for fall gatherings. Start by cutting store-bought pizza dough into small bite-sized pieces. Boil the pieces in a pot of water with baking soda for 30 seconds, then transfer them to a baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Toss the warm pretzel bites in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and serve with a side of cream cheese frosting for dipping. These make a cozy and fun appetizer for any November get-together.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage and Parmesan

These stuffed mushrooms are hearty and packed with fall flavors. Remove the stems from large button mushrooms and set them aside. Brown some sausage in a skillet, then mix it with cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan. Spoon the filling into the mushroom caps and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden. The savory sausage and creamy cheese filling make these mushrooms a rich and satisfying appetizer that’s perfect for a cool autumn evening.

Butternut Squash Soup Shooters

For a warm and comforting fall starter, serve butternut squash soup in shot glasses for a fun twist. Roast cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender, then blend it with vegetable broth and a dash of nutmeg until smooth. Ladle the soup into small shot glasses or mini cups and top each one with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives. These soup shooters are easy to sip and are a fun, interactive appetizer for your fall party, showcasing the comforting flavors of the season.

Apple Cider Glazed Meatballs

These sweet and tangy meatballs will be the star of your fall appetizer spread. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, and some finely chopped onion in a bowl, then form into small meatballs. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until cooked through. In a separate pan, simmer apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar until thickened, about 10 minutes. Toss the meatballs in the glaze and serve with toothpicks. The apple cider glaze gives these meatballs a deliciously sweet finish, making them the perfect fall bite.

Puff Pastry Spinach and Feta Pinwheels

These flaky pinwheels are filled with spinach and feta, offering a warm and savory appetizer for your fall gathering. Roll out puff pastry dough and spread a mixture of cooked spinach, crumbled feta, and garlic over the surface. Roll the dough into a log and slice into 1-inch rounds. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and puffed. The buttery pastry combined with the creamy feta and earthy spinach makes these pinwheels an irresistible fall snack.

Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Nuts

For a simple yet flavorful fall snack, try these roasted nuts with rosemary and garlic. Toss mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans) with olive oil, fresh chopped rosemary, minced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and fragrant. The savory herbs and rich garlic flavor make these roasted nuts a perfect snack to pass around during your November gathering, and they can be made ahead for convenience.

Pumpkin Parmesan Polenta Fries

These crispy polenta fries with a fall twist will be a hit at your gathering. Prepare instant polenta according to package directions, then stir in pumpkin puree, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Spread the mixture into a baking dish and let it cool completely. Once firm, cut the polenta into fry shapes and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The pumpkin and Parmesan add a unique flavor to these crispy fries, making them a fun and festive fall appetizer.

Caramel Apple Skewers

These caramel apple skewers are a fun and interactive appetizer, perfect for fall parties. Start by slicing Granny Smith apples into wedges and threading them onto wooden skewers. In a saucepan, melt caramel candies with a little heavy cream until smooth, then drizzle the caramel over the apple skewers. For extra crunch, roll the caramel-coated apples in chopped nuts or crushed graham crackers. The tartness of the apples balances the sweet caramel, making these skewers a delightful treat for your November get-together.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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