As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, many of us are getting into the spooky spirit. But why can’t a little bit of monster-themed fun also be good for you? This year, ditch the candy and try these 20 healthy Halloween recipes that are sure to cast a spell on your taste buds. From “Monster Eyeballs” made with creamy avocado and whole grain crackers to “Pumpkin Seed Bites” roasted to perfection, there’s something for every ghoul and goblin on this list.
Roasted Pumpkin Hummus with Veggie Sticks
Roasted Pumpkin Hummus with Veggie Sticks: A Delicious and Healthy Snack!
Ingredients:
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup water
– Veggie sticks (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers) for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss pumpkin cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast pumpkin for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted pumpkin, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and 1/4 cup water.
5. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
6. Transfer hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.
7. Serve with veggie sticks for dipping.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus with Veggie Sticks!
Baked Sweet Potato Jack-O’-Lanterns
Get ready to carve up some fun this Halloween with these adorable Baked Sweet Potato Jack-O’-Lanterns! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a batch of delightful, edible decorations that are perfect for your spooky soiree.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Your favorite carving tools (e.g., a serrated knife or a melon baller)
– Optional: markers or paint for extra decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and poke some holes in each one with a fork.
3. Rub the olive oil over the sweet potatoes and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
6. Use your carving tools to create jack-o’-lantern faces on each sweet potato.
7. If desired, add some extra flair with markers or paint.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Avocado Monster Eyeballs
Get ready to unleash your inner monster with these creamy, crunchy, and delightfully eerie avocado bites!
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Edible eyes or small black olives for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mash the avocados until mostly smooth.
2. Add the sliced red onion, feta cheese (if using), and lime juice. Mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the avocado mixture onto a serving plate or platter.
5. Create “eyeballs” by placing an edible eye or small black olive in the center of each avocado mound.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! These monster eyeballs are ready in just a few minutes.
Dark Chocolate Covered Banana Ghosts
A spooky twist on a classic treat, these dark chocolate covered banana ghosts are sure to delight both kids and adults. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a unique and delicious snack for Halloween or any other fall occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe bananas
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon shortening (such as coconut oil or Crisco)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Cut the bananas into 1-inch pieces.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Add the shortening to the melted chocolate and stir until combined.
4. Dip each banana piece into the melted chocolate mixture, coating completely.
5. Place the chocolate-covered bananas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Pepper Pumpkins
Roasted pumpkin bell peppers filled with quinoa and savory spices make for a nutritious and flavorful fall treat. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pumpkins with the nutty taste of quinoa, perfect for a cozy autumn evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 medium-sized pumpkin, seeded and chopped
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the pumpkin chunks in a single layer on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin and cook for 1 minute.
4. Mix cooked quinoa with chopped parsley, roasted pumpkin, and seasonings to taste.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
6. Bake the stuffed peppers at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spooky Spinach and Feta Muffins
Perfect for a Halloween party or a spooky snack, these spinach and feta muffins are a deliciously eerie treat. With the perfect balance of savory and sweet, they’re sure to cast a spell on your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine spinach, feta cheese, egg, milk, and olive oil. Stir until well combined.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Healthy Candy Corn Fruit Parfait
This refreshing parfait combines the flavors of candy corn with a healthy twist, using fresh fruit and yogurt to create a sweet treat that’s perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup vanilla yogurt
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup diced pineapple
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 10-12 candy corn candies
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Cut the mixed berries into bite-sized pieces and layer them in a glass or parfait dish.
3. Top the berries with the diced pineapple.
4. Spoon half of the yogurt mixture over the pineapple.
5. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of granola on top of the yogurt.
6. Repeat the layers, starting with the berries, then the pineapple, and finishing with the remaining yogurt and granola.
7. Place a few candy corn candies on top for garnish.
Cooking Time: None! This parfait is ready in just 5 minutes.
Zucchini Witch Finger Fries
Transform ordinary zucchinis into bewitching finger fries perfect for a spooky snack or Halloween party! This recipe is easy to cast and requires minimal magic.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Optional: witch’s brew (your favorite seasonings or herbs)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut zucchinis into long, thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
4. Dip each zucchini strip into the beaten egg and then coat in the flour mixture.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with olive oil.
6. Arrange the coated zucchini strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cauliflower Brain Dip with Whole Grain Crackers
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this creamy, cheesy, and healthy dip! This Cauliflower Brain Dip is a game-changer, using roasted cauliflower as the base instead of traditional cream cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bag whole grain crackers
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove leaves and stem. Cut into florets and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
4. Allow the cauliflower to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender or food processor.
5. Add Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
6. Serve with whole grain crackers.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Black Bean Spiderweb Tacos
Elevate your taco game with this unique and flavorful recipe, featuring a network of black beans and crispy tortilla strips that resemble a spider’s web.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together black beans, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortilla strips until crispy, about 30 seconds per side.
4. In a separate pan, cook the black bean mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing a spoonful of the black bean mixture onto a tortilla, followed by a few crispy tortilla strips arranged in a spiderweb pattern.
6. Serve with desired toppings and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Apple Monster Mouths
Get ready to sink your teeth into these adorable and delicious baked apple treats shaped like monster mouths! Perfect for a fun and healthy snack or dessert, these bite-sized morsels are sure to delight both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 apples (Granny Smith work well), sliced into 1/2-inch thick wedges
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Add the apple slices and toss until coated.
3. Place a spoonful of oat mixture onto a plate or cutting board. Arrange two apple slices on top to resemble monster mouth shapes.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until apples are tender and caramelized.
5. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pomegranate Eyeball Salad
This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of pomegranate with the savory flavors of arugula, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans. Perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup toasted pecans
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (fresh or dried)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula, goat cheese, parsley, and pecans.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon juice.
3. Toss gently to combine.
4. Top with pomegranate seeds.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ghostly Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Wake up to a deliciously light and airy breakfast with these ethereal Greek yogurt pancakes. Perfect for a chilly morning, these pancakes are infused with the subtle tang of Greek yogurt and the sweetness of honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, honey, and egg until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spiralized Butternut Squash Nests
Elevate your fall dinner game with these adorable Spiralized Butternut Squash Nests, perfect for a cozy evening in. These bite-sized morsels combine the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the savory flavors of cheese and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spiralize the butternut squash into noodle-like strands.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a separate bowl, mix cooked squash with caramelized onion mixture, cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon the squash mixture into small muffin tin cups or ramekins.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Almond Butter Spider Cookies
These chewy cookies are a delicious combination of crunchy almond butter and sweet vanilla, perfect for snacking or sharing. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons almond butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
3. Stir in almond butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) of space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Stuffed Mini Pepper Jack-O’-Lanterns
Transform ordinary bell peppers into adorable jack-o’-lanterns filled with cheesy goodness. This easy recipe is perfect for a Halloween party or a fun snack for the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 12 mini bell peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cooked chicken or turkey
– 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: decorative eyes and mouth made from black beans or olives
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together cheese, chicken/turkey, cream cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pepper with the mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until peppers are tender.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chia Seed Pudding with Berry Blood
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast that’s packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants. This Berry Bliss Chia Seed Pudding recipe combines the creaminess of chia seeds with the sweetness of mixed berries.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chia seeds in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the almond milk, honey or maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract.
3. Add the chia seeds to the mixture and stir well.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until the pudding has thickened.
5. Top with mixed berries and serve.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Baked Cinnamon Pumpkin Seeds
Transform ordinary pumpkin seeds into a sweet and crunchy snack with this simple recipe. With the warm aroma of cinnamon, these baked seeds make a perfect addition to your favorite fall treats or as a healthy munchie any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Rinse pumpkin seeds and pat dry with a paper towel.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Add the pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
5. Spread the seed mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spooky Smoothie Bowls with Kiwi Slime
Get ready for a treat that’s as cool as a ghostly encounter! This Spooky Smoothie Bowl is packed with kiwi slime, which adds a fun and playful twist to the classic smoothie bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 1/2 cup frozen kiwi
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Toppings (optional): granola, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or edible flowers
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine banana, kiwi, yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Pour the mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
4. Just before serving, top with your favorite toppings (if using).
5. Enjoy your Spooky Smoothie Bowl!
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes (blending time) + chilling time
Lentil and Vegetable Skeleton Soup
A hearty and nutritious soup perfect for a chilly evening, this Lentil and Vegetable Skeleton Soup is a flavorful blend of lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices. With its rich broth and tender texture, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine lentils, mixed vegetables, and vegetable broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
3. Add diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready for a spook-tacular Halloween with these 20 healthy and delicious recipes! From Roasted Pumpkin Hummus to Cauliflower Brain Dip, and from Avocado Monster Eyeballs to Ghostly Greek Yogurt Pancakes, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in spooky-themed treats like Dark Chocolate Covered Banana Ghosts and Spooky Spinach and Feta Muffins, or try some monster-ously good snacks like Zucchini Witch Finger Fries and Baked Apple Monster Mouths. These recipes are sure to cast a spell on your taste buds!