Fall is the season of cozy gatherings, vibrant flavors, and seasonal ingredients that inspire creative cooking.
Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner, a casual get-together, or preparing for the holidays, appetizers set the stage for a memorable meal.
From sweet and savory bites to colorful and elegant creations, fall hors d’oeuvres bring warmth and charm to any table.
In this article, we’ve curated 25 fall hors d’oeuvres recipes featuring pumpkin, squash, apples, cranberries, nuts, cheeses, and herbs that celebrate the season’s best flavors.
Each recipe is designed to be easy to make, visually appealing, and packed with autumnal taste.
25 Delicious and Easy Fall Hors d’ Oeuvres Recipes to Try

Fall is a season of bold flavors, cozy textures, and vibrant colors, and these 25 hors d’oeuvres recipes capture all of that.
From elegant phyllo bites to hearty roasted vegetable skewers, there’s a recipe to suit every gathering, palate, and style.
Whether you’re entertaining friends, family, or colleagues, these appetizers will make your fall parties unforgettable.
Try a few or all of these recipes to bring the taste of autumn to your table and impress your guests with seasonal creativity.
Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash Crostini
This elegant crostini combines the sweet warmth of roasted butternut squash with the creamy tang of goat cheese, finished with a drizzle of maple glaze and a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
Perfect for fall gatherings, it delivers both visual appeal and seasonal flavor in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and caramelized.
- While the squash is roasting, arrange baguette slices on a separate baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on each toasted baguette slice. Top with a few roasted squash cubes.
- Drizzle lightly with maple syrup and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Finish with fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant touch.
These crostini are a showstopper for any fall party.
The combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet squash, and crunchy pecans creates a sophisticated flavor profile that’s irresistible.
Mini Sage and Caramelized Onion Tartlets
These bite-sized tartlets capture the essence of fall with buttery pastry filled with sweet caramelized onions, aromatic sage, and a hint of Parmesan.
They are savory, slightly sweet, and wonderfully satisfying for any appetizer spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and brown sugar, and cook slowly for 20–25 minutes until deeply caramelized, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped sage.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into 2–3 inch squares. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon a small amount of caramelized onion onto the center of each square. Sprinkle lightly with Parmesan cheese.
- Fold the corners slightly inward or leave open for a rustic look. Brush pastry edges with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
These tartlets are the perfect blend of sweet and savory.
The flaky pastry and caramelized onions deliver comforting fall flavors in a petite, elegant form that’s perfect for entertaining.
Roasted Pear and Brie Phyllo Cups
A delicate combination of tender roasted pears, creamy Brie, and a touch of honey makes these phyllo cups a sophisticated fall hors d’oeuvre.
Crisp phyllo pastry holds the warm, melty center, creating a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients:
- 6 phyllo pastry cups (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ripe pear, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Chopped walnuts or pecans, for garnish
- Fresh rosemary, optional, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced pear with cinnamon for 5–7 minutes until tender but still holding shape. Remove from heat.
- Place a cube of Brie into each phyllo cup. Top with a spoonful of roasted pear mixture.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until Brie is melted and phyllo edges are golden.
- Drizzle lightly with honey and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Garnish with rosemary if desired.
These phyllo cups are sweet, creamy, and nutty—a perfect bite of fall elegance.
They make an ideal appetizer for holiday parties or cozy gatherings, combining comfort and sophistication in one morsel.
Pumpkin and Sage Arancini
These golden, crispy risotto balls are infused with the warm flavors of pumpkin and fresh sage.
Each bite is creamy on the inside with a perfectly crunchy exterior, making them a comforting and elegant fall appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked risotto (preferably made with arborio rice)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked risotto, pumpkin puree, Parmesan, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Form the mixture into small balls, about 1½ inches in diameter.
- Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry arancini in batches until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or marinara sauce.
Pumpkin arancini capture the essence of fall with creamy, savory, and crispy textures. They’re perfect for serving at parties or as a cozy appetizer.
Cranberry, Brie, and Walnut Phyllo Bites
These bite-sized phyllo cups combine tart cranberries, creamy Brie, and crunchy walnuts for a festive and colorful hors d’oeuvre.
They’re easy to prepare and bursting with seasonal flavors.
Ingredients:
- 12 mini phyllo cups
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- Honey, for drizzling
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place a cube of Brie in each phyllo cup, then top with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until Brie is melted and phyllo is golden.
- Drizzle lightly with honey and garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Sweet, tangy, and nutty, these phyllo bites are a festive and elegant appetizer that celebrates fall flavors in every bite.
Roasted Root Vegetable Skewers with Herb Yogurt
Colorful roasted root vegetables threaded onto skewers and served with a creamy herb yogurt dip make these skewers a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying fall appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 small carrot, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 small parsnip, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 small beet, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Wooden skewers
Herb Yogurt Dip:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss root vegetables with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender.
- Thread roasted vegetables onto skewers.
- Mix all dip ingredients in a small bowl. Serve skewers with the herb yogurt dip on the side.
These skewers are visually stunning, flavorful, and healthy.
The roasted vegetables pair perfectly with the tangy yogurt dip for a light yet satisfying fall appetizer.
Caramelized Apple and Goat Cheese Endive Boats
Endive leaves cradle caramelized apple slices and creamy goat cheese, creating a crisp, sweet, and tangy appetizer perfect for fall entertaining.
Ingredients:
- 3 Belgian endive heads, leaves separated
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apple slices and brown sugar. Cook until apples are tender and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
- Place a small amount of goat cheese in the base of each endive leaf. Top with caramelized apple slices.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle lightly with honey. Serve immediately.
These endive boats offer a beautiful balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures. They’re bite-sized, elegant, and perfect for any fall gathering.
Sweet Potato and Bacon Rounds
Sweet potato slices roasted to perfection and topped with crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and chives make a hearty and irresistible fall hors d’oeuvre.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly browned.
- Top each sweet potato round with a small dollop of sour cream and crumbled bacon. Sprinkle with chives.
- Serve warm.
These sweet potato rounds are savory, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor.
They’re an easy yet impressive appetizer that celebrates fall comfort foods.
Fig, Prosciutto, and Blue Cheese Bites
A sophisticated combination of sweet figs, salty prosciutto, and tangy blue cheese on crisp crackers or crostini makes this appetizer a perfect balance of flavors for fall entertaining.
Ingredients:
- 12 figs, halved
- 6 slices prosciutto, cut in half
- 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- Crackers or crostini for serving
- Honey, for drizzling
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions:
- Place a slice of prosciutto over each fig half. Top with a small amount of blue cheese.
- Arrange on crackers or crostini.
- Drizzle lightly with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Serve immediately.
These bites are elegant and flavorful, combining sweet, salty, and tangy notes for an unforgettable fall appetizer.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Pinwheels
These flaky pinwheels feature roasted butternut squash, fresh sage, and a hint of Parmesan rolled in puff pastry.
Crispy, savory, and slightly sweet, they make a perfect fall appetizer that’s easy to serve at parties.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, mashed
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix roasted butternut squash, Parmesan, sage, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet and spread the squash mixture evenly over it.
- Roll the pastry tightly into a log. Slice into ½-inch pinwheels.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment, brush with beaten egg, and bake 15–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
These pinwheels are crisp, flavorful, and perfectly portable for parties. They capture the essence of fall with every bite.
Pear, Prosciutto, and Brie Skewers
Sweet pear slices paired with creamy Brie and salty prosciutto create a sophisticated hors d’oeuvre that’s quick to assemble and packed with seasonal flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe pear, sliced into wedges
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 4 slices prosciutto, cut into strips
- Toothpicks or small skewers
- Honey, for drizzling
- Fresh arugula leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Wrap a slice of prosciutto around a pear wedge and a small cube of Brie. Secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange skewers on a platter with arugula for garnish.
- Drizzle lightly with honey before serving.
These skewers are elegant, easy, and full of balanced flavors—sweet, salty, and creamy—a perfect bite-sized fall appetizer.
Roasted Mushroom and Thyme Tartlets
Savory roasted mushrooms with aromatic thyme in buttery tartlet shells make a warm, earthy hors d’oeuvre ideal for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 12 mini tartlet shells
- 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup cream cheese or ricotta
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss mushrooms with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes until tender.
- Spoon a small amount of cream cheese into each tartlet shell. Top with roasted mushrooms and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake 5–7 minutes until heated through. Serve warm.
These mushroom tartlets are earthy, rich, and comforting—perfectly seasonal and full of fall flavors.
Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites
Creamy Brie, tart cranberry, and crunchy pecans in a puff pastry bite create a sweet-savory appetizer that’s festive and indulgent for fall.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut puff pastry into 12 squares.
- Place a cube of Brie in the center of each square, top with cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with pecans.
- Fold edges slightly and brush with egg wash. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden.
These bite-sized treats are visually appealing, festive, and perfectly balance creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors.
Roasted Carrot and Hummus Bites
Sweet roasted carrots atop creamy hummus on a crisp cracker create a colorful, healthy, and flavorful hors d’oeuvre that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 12 large baby carrots, roasted and sliced lengthwise
- ½ cup hummus (any flavor)
- 12 crackers or crostini
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Spread hummus on each cracker. Top with a roasted carrot slice.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
These carrot and hummus bites are simple, healthy, and full of fall flavor. They’re colorful, elegant, and easy to make in large batches.
Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Mini Tacos
Mini tacos filled with spiced roasted sweet potatoes and black beans offer a flavorful, bite-sized fall appetizer that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 12 mini taco shells or wonton wrappers
- Sour cream or avocado, for topping
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast 20 minutes until tender.
- Fill mini taco shells with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or avocado and garnish with cilantro.
These mini tacos are colorful, flavorful, and perfect for fall parties.
The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices creates a hearty, satisfying bite.
Roasted Cauliflower and Pomegranate Bites
These vibrant bites combine roasted cauliflower with the sweet-tart pop of pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of tahini, creating a visually stunning and flavorful fall appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender.
- Arrange roasted cauliflower on a serving platter. Drizzle with tahini and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
These bites are colorful, fresh, and packed with flavor.
The combination of roasted cauliflower and juicy pomegranate seeds makes a sophisticated, healthy fall appetizer.
Pumpkin and Feta Phyllo Triangles
Flaky phyllo triangles filled with spiced pumpkin and tangy feta create a bite-sized, irresistible appetizer perfect for fall entertaining.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet phyllo pastry, thawed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Olive oil or melted butter for brushing
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix pumpkin puree, feta, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Cut phyllo sheet into strips. Place a spoonful of pumpkin mixture at one end and fold into triangles. Brush with olive oil or butter.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
These triangles are sweet, savory, and beautifully spiced. Perfect for fall parties, they offer a warm, comforting flavor in every bite.
Apple, Cheddar, and Caramelized Onion Bites
Sweet apples, sharp cheddar, and caramelized onions layered on crackers or crostini create a flavorful, crunchy, and festive appetizer ideal for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- ½ cup caramelized onions
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
- Crackers or crostini
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast crackers or crostini lightly.
- Layer each cracker with a slice of cheddar, a spoonful of caramelized onions, and an apple slice.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.
These bites balance sweet, savory, and tangy flavors beautifully, offering a simple yet impressive fall appetizer.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Skewers
Earthy roasted beets paired with creamy goat cheese and fresh greens on skewers make an elegant, colorful, and delicious fall appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium beets, roasted and cubed
- 4 ounces goat cheese, cubed
- Fresh arugula leaves
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions:
- Thread a beet cube, a small arugula leaf, and a goat cheese cube onto each skewer.
- Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
These skewers are visually stunning and offer a perfect combination of earthy, creamy, and tangy flavors—a sophisticated addition to any fall spread.
Caramelized Fig and Ricotta Crostini
Sweet caramelized figs on toasted baguette slices with creamy ricotta and a drizzle of honey make a luxurious, bite-sized fall appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 6 fresh figs, halved
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 ounces ricotta cheese
- Baguette, sliced and toasted
- Honey, for drizzling
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a skillet, melt butter and cook fig halves until caramelized, 3–5 minutes.
- Spread ricotta on each toasted baguette slice. Top with a caramelized fig half.
- Drizzle with honey and garnish with thyme. Serve immediately.
These crostini are sweet, creamy, and fragrant—a sophisticated appetizer that highlights seasonal flavors elegantly.
Spiced Pear and Pecan Endive Cups
Tender spiced pears and crunchy pecans nestled in crisp endive leaves create a bite-sized hors d’oeuvre that’s sweet, nutty, and perfectly seasonal.
Ingredients:
- 2 pears, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 teaspoon butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
- Belgian endive leaves
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions:
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced pears with cinnamon and nutmeg until tender, 5–7 minutes.
- Spoon the pear mixture into endive leaves.
- Sprinkle with toasted pecans and drizzle lightly with honey. Serve immediately.
These endive cups are elegant, sweet, and crunchy—an effortless and visually appealing fall hors d’oeuvre.
Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Twists
These crispy, golden puff pastry twists are filled with creamy Brie and tart cranberries, making a festive and flavorful hors d’oeuvre that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, optional, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into 1-inch strips. Place a small slice of Brie and a dab of cranberry sauce on each strip.
- Twist the pastry gently and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed. Optional: dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
These twists are sweet, savory, and visually appealing—a festive bite that embodies fall flavors in a simple, elegant way.
Sweet Potato and Goat Cheese Mini Cups
Roasted sweet potato rounds topped with creamy goat cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs make a colorful and comforting fall appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- Fresh thyme or chives, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender.
- Top each round with a small dollop of goat cheese.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or chives and serve warm.
These mini cups are simple yet flavorful, offering creamy, sweet, and savory notes in every bite—a perfect fall appetizer.
Roasted Pumpkin and Sage Crostini
Crispy baguette slices topped with roasted pumpkin, fresh sage, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction make a hearty and elegant fall hors d’oeuvre.
Ingredients:
- 1 small pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- Fresh sage leaves, chopped
- Balsamic reduction, for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender.
- Spread roasted pumpkin on toasted baguette slices. Sprinkle with fresh sage and drizzle with balsamic reduction.
- Serve immediately.
These crostini are savory, aromatic, and visually stunning—perfect for showcasing seasonal flavors at a fall gathering.
Apple, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Bites
Sweet apple slices topped with crumbled blue cheese and crunchy walnuts create a sophisticated and easy-to-assemble fall appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- Honey, for drizzling
- Crackers or endive leaves for serving
Instructions:
- Arrange apple slices on crackers or endive leaves.
- Top each slice with crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle lightly with honey before serving.
These bites are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy—an elegant and simple fall hors d’oeuvre that’s sure to impress.