These 10 Recipes Bring A Little Halloween Mischief To Dinner

Halloween dinner can have a little fun without requiring you to carve faces into every ingredient. Sometimes a devilish name, a bubbling pot of something swampy, or enough garlic to discourage the local vampires does the job beautifully.

These ten recipes bring a little Halloween personality to the table while still being meals you’ll actually want to eat. Some earn their place through their names, others through their color or fiery flavors. All of them make a delicious change from another handful of candy.

Mummy Dogs

Apparently, even hot dogs need a Halloween costume! Wrapped in strips of flaky crescent dough and baked until golden, these Mummy Dogs have little googly eyes peeking out between their bandages. Noah made these for his cooking debut, and they’re just as much fun to make as they are to dunk in ketchup.

Get the Recipe: Mummy Dogs

Deviled Crabs

Sweet blue crabmeat and buttery vegetables get tucked into crab shells and baked until lightly golden. A little cayenne gives the tender filling its devilish character. With their pointed shells and wicked name, these practically arrive dressed for Halloween dinner.

Get the Recipe: Deviled Crabs

Camarones a la Diabla

These Mexican “devil shrimp” come coated in a rich red sauce made with tomatoes and dried chiles. They’re fiery, full of flavor and especially delicious spooned over rice. The name fits the occasion perfectly, and the heat gives spice lovers something to get excited about.

Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Eggs in Purgatory

Eggs poach in a bubbling, spicy tomato sauce with Italian sausage adding extra heartiness. Those bright yolks peeking out of the red sauce make a wonderfully dramatic skillet for the table. Grab some crusty bread, because purgatory apparently comes with a very delicious sauce.

Get the Recipe: Eggs in Purgatory

Crockpot Swamp Potatoes

Potatoes, smoky sausage and green beans slow cook with butter and Cajun-style seasoning into a hearty, comforting meal. The name already sounds like something served at a monster’s dinner party. It’s also an easy way to have dinner waiting before the trick-or-treating begins.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Swamp Potatoes

40 Clove Garlic Chicken

Golden chicken thighs bake with a generous pile of garlic in a fragrant wine and herb sauce, finished with a little cream. The garlic becomes soft, mellow and wonderful spread over bread. This is my kind of vampire prevention, especially when it comes with such a delicious dinner.

Get the Recipe: 40 Clove Garlic Chicken

Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Plump shrimp get coated in a garlicky tomato and white wine sauce with a welcome kick from red pepper flakes. “Fra Diavolo” means “brother devil,” so this one earns its Halloween invitation right in the name. Serve it over pasta and let that rich red sauce steal the show.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Espagueti Verde

Spaghetti gets coated in a smooth, creamy roasted poblano sauce with fresh cilantro adding brightness. Its gorgeous green color makes it a fun candidate for a Halloween table. Call it swamp spaghetti for the evening, then enjoy every delicious forkful.

Get the Recipe: Espagueti Verde

Dragon Chicken

Golden fried chicken strips get tossed with crunchy peppers and cashews in a glossy, sweet and spicy sauce. This Indo-Chinese favorite brings plenty of bold flavor along with its mythical name. Serve it as a party appetizer or over rice for a dragon-approved dinner.

Get the Recipe: Dragon Chicken

Toad in the Hole

With a name like Toad in the Hole, this British favorite fits right into a Halloween dinner spread. Juicy sausages bake in Yorkshire pudding batter that puffs up golden with crisp edges. Bring it straight to the table while that gorgeous puff is at its best.

Get the Recipe: Toad in the Hole