Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re juggling costumes and decorations and trying to figure out how to make something spooky in the kitchen without losing your sanity. As single mums, we’ve already got enough on our plates. So, the idea of spending hours making Pinterest-perfect treats? Nope, it’s not happening! But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a pro chef to whip up some Halloween magic. My picks for easy-to-make Halloween food below are perfect for busy mums like us. They require minimum effort and are sure to impress your little monsters (or your guests if you’re hosting a party).

20 Easy Halloween Recipes

1. Tangerine pumpkins & banana ghosts

What could be simpler than this Halloween food recipe? Tangerine pumpkins and banana ghosts require only four ingredients so that you can whip up a spooky and healthy treat in no time … and it’s healthy to boot.

Learn how to do it here: Flo & Grace

2. Zombie cookies (Better than crackers!)

Your Day of the Dead platter will not be complete without these frightful but yummy treats. Just bake a few purple and green cookies and grab some candy eyes. The candy eyes will bring your “zombies” to life. These eerie cookies will be a hit with the kids, and you’ll look like a Halloween kitchen hero with minimal effort.

Learn how to do it here: Klein Worth Co

3. Monster burgers

Using tomato and olive halves to make these scary googly eyes is ingenious. The better if you can find buns in other colours, like green for zombies or white for bloodless vampires. Your kids will have fun choosing the monster they’d like to tackle.

Learn how to do it here: Taste

4. Witch hats and broomsticks (Yes, they’re edible!)

Now, this one requires a teensy bit of effort. For the hats, dip the biscuits in melted chocolate, top them with a chocolate cone, and let them set. For the broomsticks, use a pretzel stick as the handle and wrap the licorice around one end for the bristles. These spooky treats are quick to whip up and sure to be a hit!

Learn how to do it here: Women’s Weekly

5. Jack-o-Lantern cheese ball

This was actually one great idea that I tried last year. And guess what?! It was a blockbuster! Just fry up some bacon until crispy, then mix it with cheese, cream cheese, onion, salsa, cumin, and jalapeno. Shape it into a ball, wrap it up, and chill for an hour. Once firm, roll it in crushed corn chips for a crunchy finish. For the final touch, pop a capsicum stem on top to make it look like a pumpkin. Serve with corn chips or veggie sticks for a fun party snack!

Learn how to do it here: Sunpork Foods

Halloween cocktails and appetisers (cont.)

6. Eyeball spaghetti

Turn dinner into a feast with this spooky Halloween spaghetti – creepy meatballs garnished with mozzarella “eyeballs” staring up from a bed of blood-red marinara! It’s yummy, frightful, and takes only about 35 minutes to make!

Learn how to do it here: Coles

7. Vampire freak shake

Sink your fangs into this over-the-top milkshake. It may look gruesome, but it actually tastes good! It’s super easy to make, and both the young and the grown-ups can have it! All you need is red food colouring or syrup, vanilla ice cream, milk, and your choice of sprinkles!

Learn how to do it here: Woolworths

8. Spooky spider web cheesecake

Do your kids want cheesecake on Halloween? Make this one. It takes a while to prepare and bake, but the end result is worth it! Have the little hands help you with the dishes or simple mixing tasks!

Learn how to do it here: Taste

9. RIP Halloween cupcakes

These cupcakes are a yummy way to turn your dining table into a graveyard. If you want your little necropolis to be lush and fresh, a matcha frosting will be a delight.

Learn how to do it here: The Inspiration Edit

10. Best cake pick: Halloween chocolate mousse

Serve up simple, healthy Halloween food with this mousse recipe by Sam Wood. Raw cacao, dark chocolate, coconut cream and kale make for a sweet, decadent treat.

Learn how to do it here: 28 by Sam Wood

Halloween food ideas

11. Meringue ghosts 

A cute meringue ghost is as simple as it gets when it comes to Halloween food. Making the meringue is actually pretty easy, and prep time is about 1.5 hours.

Learn how to do it here: My Baking Addiction

12. Best appetiser pick: Apple bites

If you want healthy Halloween food that’s a cinch to prepare, these apple bites are right on the money. Simply slice the apples, add nut butter or jam and decorate with slivered almonds.

Learn how to do it here: Oh She Glows

13. Marshmallow bats (Better than jelly!)

These marshmallow bats are the perfect bite-sized Halloween desserts. They’re soft, gooey marshmallows dipped in chocolate and decorated with candy wings and eyes. They’re a breeze to make and will have your little monsters flying back for more! It’s perfect for a party hosted by the busy mum this Halloween.

Learn how to do it here: Donna Hay

14. Healthy Halloween nachos (Best with dip)

These homemade nachos are a great way to sneak in some healthy, savoury goodness on this sugar-laden day. Get a bunch of Halloween-themed cookie cutters and have your kids help cut the tortilla wraps into their favourite spooky designs.

Learn how to do it here: BBC Good Food

15. Hot dog mummies (Get your cheeseboard ready!)

Here’s another cute mummy recipe on our list of simple Halloween food. It’s super quick to make with the refrigerated crescent rolls.

Learn how to do it here: Dietz & Watson

Halloween party food ideas (cont.)

16. Mandarin pumpkins

This mandarin-filled recipe is one of the easiest and healthiest on our list of Halloween food. All you need is mandarins, a Sharpie, and imagination.

Learn how to do it here: Design Intuition

17. Cocktail pick: Halloween ghost hard-boiled egg party snacks

Here’s another super easy recipe that kids will love. They’ll love turning the humble, hard-boiled egg into a ghoulish snack. 

Learn how to do it here: On My Kids Plate

18. Candy apple substitute: Halloween ghost fruit kebabs

Fruit kebabs are a must-have on our Halloween table. This recipe dresses up the kababs with marshmallow ghosts.

Learn how to do it here: Taste

19. Yummiest dipper pick: S’mores trifles

Kids will have a blast making these easy s’mores trifles. Don’t forget to prepare melted dark and white chocolate for dipping! Your house will definitely smell like a birthday party!

Learn how to do it here: SBS Food

20. Brownie spiders

Halloween food should look and taste amazing. These simple chocolatey spiders tick all the boxes and require just four ingredients: brownies, chocolate chips, pretzels and candy eyeballs.

Learn how to do it here: Suburban Simplicity

Summary: Halloween treats

Halloween this year will surely be a busy time. And I know you don’t want to fill your charcuterie board with store-bought Halloween desserts. What I do is I start planning early so I won’t have to spend days in the kitchen (that’s actually an exaggeration, lol). But if you want to make something frighteningly festive, my picks above will help you skip the kitchen chaos and still bring plenty of spooky fun to the table. They’re quick, simple, and perfect for busy single mums who want to enjoy the festivities as much as their kids. So, let go of the pressure to be perfect and just embrace the mess and magic of the season!

So, you’ve got the food sorted; don’t stop there!  We have plenty more shortcuts for you: Halloween made easy in five simple steps.