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24 Appetizers That Are Perfect for Fall Parties

Updated on June 25, 2026

By: Food Network Kitchen

Start your guests off with seasonal appetizers that complement crisp weather, like cheesy small bites, crisp rosemary chips and more.

Photo: Sean Rosenthal

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Harvest Charcuterie Board

Kicking things off with a little cheese and charcuterie board is always a good idea, and this harvest-inspired spread is equally perfect when the first chill of autumn is in the air or winter holidays are just around the corner. Piles of crunchy vegetables, stacks of fresh and dried fruit, and slices of cheese are tucked alongside the easiest candied nuts, savory bacon and spinach-packed mushrooms, an extra-herby cheese ball, sweet potato spread swirled with marshmallow and — the showstopper — baked Brie in the shape of a pumpkin. Feel free to customize and get creative. The point isn’t to overdo it or break the bank – just fill up the board with a beautiful spread and your guests will truly feel thankful.

Food Stylist: Susan Spungen
Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo: Anna Williams

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Arancini

Break open these fried rice balls to find a melty, cheese-filled center.

Photo: Matt Armendariz ©

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Sliced Orange Salad with Sauteed Olives and Ricotta Salata

This elegant salad is surprisingly easy to make. Just toss the greens with a simple vinaigrette and garnish with orange slices, black olives and cheese.

Food stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo: Antonis Achilleos

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Rosemary Chips

Make potato chips from scratch using thinly sliced russet potatoes, and give them a fall twist with one of the season's signature herbs: rosemary.

Food Stylist: Anne Disrude
Prop Stylist: Pam Morris

Photo: Yunhee Kim

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Shrimp Puffs

This easy appetizer makes use of store-bought biscuits topped with a creamy shrimp mixture and baked until golden and bubbling.

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Antipasti Platter

The key to Giada's antipasti platter is preparing things in advance so that you can be a guest at your own party.

Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell
Prop StylistL Marina Malchin

Photo: Christina Holmes

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French Onion Soup with Braised Short Ribs

Tender, shredded short rib meat adds savory depth to already-rich French onion soup, making this bowl a starter they won't forget (and need to be warned not to fill up on).

Food Stylist: Maggie Ruggeiro
Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks

Photo: Con Poulos Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin 917 751 2855

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Eggplant Dip

Sweet, grilled and pureed eggplant needs little more than garlic, lemon juice and olive oil to become a party-ready dip.

Alton Brown - Squash Soup

Photo: Adrian Mueller ©

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Squash Soup

Honey, nutmeg and heavy cream give this soup a decadent dessert-like sweetness, but it still offers the salty satisfaction of a savory side.

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Pork Meatballs

This hearty dish makes a perfect autumn appetizer for a large group. Serve with mini buns and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for meatball sliders!

Photo: David Malosh

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Double-Chile Queso Dip

Serve a bowl of warm and spicy cheese dip with chips. It's the best way to keep your guests entertained before the main course is served.

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Aji Chile Salsa

Aji chile brings heat to this tangy salsa. It's perfect alongside tacos or fajitas, but also holds its own when paired with a simple bowl of chips.

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White Bean-Tahini Puree with Toasted Pitas

A blend of cannellini beans, tahini and anchovies makes an excellent accompaniment to pita chips toasted with cumin and za'atar. And while it tastes rich, this vegetarian dip is completely dairy-free.

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Crispy Corn-Flake-Crusted Chicken Sliders

Fried chicken with a crisp corn-flake crust, buttermilk coleslaw and slider buns toasted with garlic butter: Do we really need to say more?

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Manchego-Quince Skewers

Tangy-sweet quince paste that's been coated with crushed almonds pairs perfectly with salty Spanish cheese. These skewers are a great make-ahead finger food.

Ming Tsai's Mushroom and Leek Spring Rools

Photo: Tara Donne ©

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Mushroom and Leek Spring Rolls

A refreshing dipping sauce cuts through the richness of these crispy spring rolls.

Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm

Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks

Photo: Andrew Purcell

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Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura

Crisp and airy, Japanese-style tempura is a thing of a beauty. Bubbly seltzer water keeps the batter light, while using frozen veggies minimizes prep time.

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Chipotle Salsa

This smoky salsa with chipotle peppers and tomatillos is so addictive that you'll banish the jarred variety for good.

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Crab Cake Croquettes

Accompanied by zippy chili-garlic mayonnaise, these crispy crab-cake balls are an excellent party snack.

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Roasted Beet Salad with Chickpeas and Red Onion

The addition of Cotija cheese and red onion balances the sweetness of roasted beets in this hearty fall salad.

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Mini Spinach and Mushroom Quiche

These surprisingly light quiche bites are made with turkey bacon and vegetables. They're a perfect starter for any kind of party.

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Mushroom Walnut Tarts

The elegant pairing of mushrooms and walnuts inside a mini crust creates a surprisingly hearty vegetarian appetizer.

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Gorgonzola and Porcini Mushroom Risotto

Photo: VideoFocus

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Gorgonzola and Porcini Mushroom Risotto

You need only a small amount of this rich blue-cheese-and-mushroom dish to feel satisfied.

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Sausage-Cheddar Biscuits

Folding sausage and cheese into the dough turns basic biscuits into a surprising starter.

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