The crisp cool air and changing leaves mean fall is in the air. Autumn is the perfect time for cozy gatherings with friends and family. Warm up your guests with delicious appetizers inspired by the flavors of the season.
Pumpkin is a classic fall flavor. Whip up a batch of pumpkin hummus to serve with pita chips, crackers or fresh-baked bread. Blend a 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of tahini or almond butter, the juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin and salt and pepper to taste. Garnish the hummus with a drizzle of olive oil, chopped parsley, pumpkin seeds and a pinch of paprika.
Apples are another quintessential fall ingredient. Make an easy apple and cheese plate by arranging wedges of sharp cheddar, creamy brie, tangy goat cheese and crumbly blue cheese on a large platter with sliced apples, nuts and crackers. For extra decadence, melt some of the cheeses and serve warm.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors is perfect for fall. Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with almonds or pecans are always a crowd-pleaser. Simply pit large dates, fill the cavity with a nut of your choice and wrap each date tightly with a half-strip of bacon. Secure with a toothpick and bake at 400 F until the bacon is crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Fall vegetables like brussels sprouts, butternut squash and root vegetables make delicious appetizers. Halve brussels sprouts, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast cut-side down on a baking sheet until tender and browned, about 20 to 25 minutes. Peel and dice butternut squash, then sauté in butter with fresh or dried sage until lightly browned. Or make root vegetable chips by thinly slicing beets, carrots and parsnips, tossing with oil and salt and baking at 400 F, stirring once, until crisp, about 15 to 20 minutes.
The days may be getting shorter, but fall appetizers inspired by the flavors of the season will make any autumn gathering bright. Your guests are sure to fall for these perfect starters.