Halloween parties often lean sugary, so a platter piled high with fresh produce feels like a refreshing surprise. These fifty ideas prove that vegetables can be every bit as playful as candy, especially when you shape them into ghosts, jack-o’-lanterns, and other eerie icons. Most of the trays take mere minutes to assemble and rely on everyday supermarket finds. Grab a cutting board, a sharp knife, and your favorite dip—the ghoulish goodies begin below.
Contents
- 1. Jack-O’-Lantern Bell Pepper Platter
- 2. Skeleton Veggie Man
- 3. Cauliflower Brain with Beet Dip
- 4. Witch’s Broomstick Crudités
- 5. Haunted Forest Broccoli Trees
- 6. Ghostly Cucumber Spirals
- 7. Pumpkin Patch Baby Carrots
- 8. Monster Eye Carrot & Olive Medallions
- 9. Spider Web Guacamole Veggie Tray
- 10. Graveyard Garden Crudité Board
- 11. Vampire Bite Radish Roses
- 12. Mummy Wrapped Asparagus Spears
- 13. Creepy Crawly Celery Centipede
- 14. Bat Wing Purple Sweet Potato Wedges
- 15. Frankenstein Face Veggie Platter
- 16. Bloody Beetroot Hummus Lagoon
- 17. Black Cat Eggplant Fries
- 18. Ghoulish Green Pea Pod Pile
- 19. Tombstone Kohlrabi Slices
- 20. Eerie Eggplant Emoji Faces
- 21. Scarecrow Corn Cob Wheels
- 22. Wicked Witch Finger Okra
- 23. Toxic Slime Edamame Bowl
- 24. Lantern Light Butternut Squash Cubes
- 25. Moaning Myrtle Mushroom Caps
- 26. Phantom White Asparagus Spears
- 27. Chilling Chili Pepper Coffin
- 28. Midnight Olive Grave Pit
- 29. Yowling Yam Jack-O’ Chunks
- 30. Ogre Ear Snap Peas
- 31. Portal to Hades Red Pepper Rings
- 32. Potion Vial Cherry Tomato Skewers
- 33. Spider Leg Green Bean Bundles
- 34. Candied Carrot Candle Sticks
- 35. Ogre Snot Avocado Dip & Veg Dippers
- 36. Pumpkin Skull Spaghetti Squash Nests
- 37. Ghost Pepper Cauliflower Popcorn (Mild)
- 38. Witch Cauldron Spinach Dip & Veggies
- 39. Garden Goblin Jicama Sticks
- 40. Cobweb Ranch Dip Centerpiece
- 41. Bloodshot Cherry Radish Combo
- 42. Zombie Skin Brussels Sprouts Chips
- 43. Howling Head Lettuce Wedges
- 44. Fiery Diablo Chili Tray
- 45. Cyclops Eye Cucumber & Olive Slices
- 46. Kraken Tentacle Roasted Carrot Ribbons
- 47. Graveyard Moss Kale Chips
- 48. Poison Ivy Swiss Chard Wraps
- 49. Lantern Lid Pumpkin Seed Sprinkle Tray
- 50. Hocus Pocus Herb Dip & Veggie Stars
1. Jack-O’-Lantern Bell Pepper Platter

Carve a small orange bell pepper just as you would a pumpkin, then scoop in your favorite hummus. Arrange green and orange veggies around the pepper so it looks like flames licking at the “pumpkin.” Kids love dipping straight into the grinning face, and adults appreciate the built-in portion control. It’s a fast way to add seasonal flair without roasting an actual pumpkin.
2. Skeleton Veggie Man

Lay out cauliflower for the skull and spine, then connect celery sticks for limbs and red pepper ribs. Cherry tomatoes make playful joints at elbows and knees. Place a small bowl of dip where the brain would be so party-goers can “operate.” The finished figure looks elaborate but comes together in under ten minutes once everything is cut.
3. Cauliflower Brain with Beet Dip

Lightly steam a head of cauliflower until tender yet firm, then score shallow curves to create lobes. Pour beet-blended yogurt or hummus into the grooves so vivid “blood vessels” appear. Ring the plate with vegetable dippers in Halloween hues—think purple carrots and orange peppers. The dish looks unsettling but tastes mild and earthy.
4. Witch’s Broomstick Crudités

Slice celery into six-inch lengths for handles, then wrap the base with kitchen twine or edible chives to secure a tuft of finely shredded carrots. Serve alongside green goddess dip for an herbal kick. The thin shape of the celery doubles as a convenient built-in scoop. Guests often grab more than one just because they look so whimsical.
5. Haunted Forest Broccoli Trees

Trim broccoli stalks so each floret can stand on end, then anchor them in a thick spread of hummus. Sprinkle black sesame seeds to resemble leaf-strewn dirt. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds shadowy depth along the “forest floor.” The miniature trees invite guests to snap off a branch and dip.
6. Ghostly Cucumber Spirals

Run a vegetable peeler the entire length of an English cucumber to get wide ribbons. Gently curl each strip and pinch the top so it forms a wispy ghost silhouette. Tiny bits of black olive press easily into the flesh for eyes. Chill the tray so the spirals stay crisp until serving time.
7. Pumpkin Patch Baby Carrots

Insert small parsley sprigs into the stem end of each baby carrot so they resemble miniature pumpkins. Lay them in rows around a central dip bowl as if they’re growing in a field. A sprinkle of smoked paprika across the dip gives the scene an earthy autumn color. Little hands can harvest the “pumpkins” without any mess.
8. Monster Eye Carrot & Olive Medallions

Slice carrots into half-inch coins, pipe a small swirl of cream cheese in the center, and press in olive rings as pupils. The bright orange iris against the black centers pops under dim party lighting. Group the eyes tightly so it feels like a horde is staring back. They vanish quickly thanks to their bite-sized format.
9. Spider Web Guacamole Veggie Tray

Spread guacamole flat, pipe sour cream in rings, and use a toothpick to pull lines outward for an instant web. A plastic spider on top completes the centerpiece—just remember to remove it before eating. Surround the dip with crunchy vegetables that mimic spider legs, such as bell pepper strips. The classic flavor combo keeps guests hovering nearby.
10. Graveyard Garden Crudité Board

Cut thick cucumber slabs and trim the tops into rounded tombstones. Use the blunt end of a skewer to press shallow R.I.P. indentations, then set them upright in a bed of spinach. Baby carrots lean against the stones like weathered markers. A bowl of beet hummus at one corner resembles loose soil from a newly opened grave.
11. Vampire Bite Radish Roses

Make five shallow cuts around each radish half, then gently fan the layers to create petals. The natural white interior contrasts with the crimson skin for a blood-kissed look. A thin drizzle of pomegranate molasses across the plate hints at recent “victims.” Pair with a salty feta dip to balance the sweet-tart garnish.
12. Mummy Wrapped Asparagus Spears

Blanch asparagus, chill, and pat dry before roasting so it holds a vibrant green. Tear roasted red peppers into thin ribbons and spiral them around each spear. A dab of mustard creates expressive eyes that peek through the “wrappings.” Serve upright in a mason jar so the mummies stand at attention.
13. Creepy Crawly Celery Centipede

Spread peanut or sunflower butter down the groove of a trimmed celery stalk. Press raisins along both edges to mimic dozens of tiny feet. Insert two short pretzel sticks at the head for antennae and add olive slivers as unblinking eyes. Cut into segments for tidy finger food or serve whole for dramatic effect.
14. Bat Wing Purple Sweet Potato Wedges

Slice purple sweet potatoes lengthwise into thin, wing-shaped wedges and toss with olive oil and smoked salt. Roast until edges darken and crisp, deepening the spooky hue. Serve them fanned out so each wedge resembles a wing in mid-flap. The naturally vivid color does half the decorative work for you.
15. Frankenstein Face Veggie Platter

Layer mashed avocado across the base of a tray, then press broccoli along the top edge for flat-top hair. Bell pepper eyebrows and olive eyes give the monster a lovable scowl. Use cucumber rounds for neck bolts to complete the look. Guests dip chips or crudités straight into the face, destroying it bite by bite.
16. Bloody Beetroot Hummus Lagoon

Blend cooked beets into classic hummus for a deep crimson hue reminiscent of a witch’s brew. Swirl in a ribbon of standard hummus for veins and eddies. The dramatic color entices even beet skeptics to grab a pepper strip and test the waters. Leftovers spread beautifully on sandwiches the next day.
17. Black Cat Eggplant Fries

Cut globe eggplants into fry-size sticks, coat with olive oil and paprika, and roast until tender. Arrange the fries into a cat outline, using strategic gaps to define legs and tail. Two small bell pepper triangles become piercing eyes. Serve with tomato sauce for a midnight snack vibe.
18. Ghoulish Green Pea Pod Pile

Blanch sugar snap peas so they keep a vibrant crunch and color, then chill before piling them high. The towering mound looks otherworldly—almost like toxic waste—especially under colored party lights. A small “R.I.P.” pick or mini skull adds quick comic relief. They disappear fast thanks to their satisfying snap.
19. Tombstone Kohlrabi Slices

Peel and slice kohlrabi into half-inch slabs, then round the tops with a paring knife. Scratch funny epitaphs or spooky initials with a skewer. Stand the stones upright in thick black bean dip “soil.” The mild, slightly sweet crunch of kohlrabi pairs well with the smoky spread.
20. Eerie Eggplant Emoji Faces

Grill or roast eggplant slices until tender but still firm. While warm, use a paring knife to etch simple expressions ranging from sinister grins to surprised shrieks. The charred skin turns nearly black, making the carved lines stand out. Arrange them in a loose circle like a gallery of haunted portraits.
21. Scarecrow Corn Cob Wheels

Slice cooked corn into two-inch rounds, then insert sturdy pretzel sticks as makeshift necks. Peppercorns press easily into kernels for eyes, and a small triangle of carrot creates a nose. Serve upright in a dish of coarse salt so they don’t topple. The sweet corn offers a welcome contrast to more savory bites.
22. Wicked Witch Finger Okra

Toss whole okra in olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika, then roast until lightly crisp. Insert tiny bell pepper triangles into the stem end to resemble claw-like nails. Arrange the pods so they fan out like a splayed hand. The spooky styling often convinces okra newcomers to give the veggie a try.
23. Toxic Slime Edamame Bowl

Blend ripe avocado with wasabi paste and lime juice until silky, then fold in cooked shelled edamame. The color borders on neon, perfect for a mad scientist vibe. Serve with a small spoon so guests can scoop the mix straight onto crackers or into lettuce cups. The protein punch helps balance sugary treats elsewhere on the table.
24. Lantern Light Butternut Squash Cubes

Toss squash cubes with olive oil and maple syrup, then roast until edges caramelize. Once cool, insert short rosemary sprigs so each cube echoes a mini lantern. The subtle sweetness and earthy herb scent feel right at home in autumn. Guests pop them like candy—only far healthier.
25. Moaning Myrtle Mushroom Caps

Remove stems, brush caps with garlic oil, and roast until tender. Pipe in a swirl of ricotta mixed with parsley and lemon zest. The white filling looks ghostly against the dark mushrooms. A slight squeak when bitten gives rise to the “moaning” moniker.
26. Phantom White Asparagus Spears

White asparagus is naturally pale, making it an eerie addition to a Halloween spread. Lightly char the tips with a kitchen torch or broiler for a smoky accent. A drizzle of truffle oil elevates the simple presentation. Serve chilled or room temperature for a sophisticated bite amid the kitsch.
27. Chilling Chili Pepper Coffin

Trim a bell pepper into a rectangular box, keeping one flattened piece as the lid. Carve cross lines on top with a paring knife. Fill the cavity with a zesty cucumber salsa that spills out slightly for dramatic effect. The coffin itself becomes an edible bowl, reducing cleanup.
28. Midnight Olive Grave Pit

Rinse olives and pat dry so brine doesn’t pool at the bottom. Nestle a novelty skeleton hand in the middle so it looks like the dead are clawing free. The glossy olives resemble polished river stones in moonlight. Pair with toothpicks fashioned into tiny stakes for easy serving.
29. Yowling Yam Jack-O’ Chunks

Cube yams into two-inch squares and roast until tender but still firm. Use a small knife to carve quick faces on the cooled pieces; the softened surface cuts easily. The darker roasted edges contrast nicely with the inner orange. A sprinkling of smoked salt adds depth without overpowering natural sweetness.
30. Ogre Ear Snap Peas

Split each snap pea along the seam so it opens like a hinged ear. Group them in pairs around a central dip bowl shaped from cucumber slices. The bright green color and curved form instantly suggest ogre anatomy. They crunch loudly, just as you’d imagine an ogre would prefer.
31. Portal to Hades Red Pepper Rings

Slice peppers horizontally to create perfect rings and fan them outward in size order. The gradient of reds looks like a glowing portal under warm lighting. Cool tzatziki in the core balances the sweet pepper flavor. Guests pull rings from the outer rim like hoops of flame.
32. Potion Vial Cherry Tomato Skewers

Thread tomatoes and basil onto short bamboo picks, then set them upright in small glass shooters partially filled with green pesto. The layered colors evoke bubbling potions. Because everything sits in individual vials, fingers stay clean even when guests set their skewer down. Refill the glasses as needed throughout the night.
33. Spider Leg Green Bean Bundles

Blanch green beans so they bend without snapping, then tie six to eight together near one end with a squash ribbon. Arrange two bundles side by side, fanning out the loose ends to craft an eight-legged silhouette. A small bowl of soy-ginger sauce in front looks like a shadow under the spider. It’s equal parts creepy and elegant.
34. Candied Carrot Candle Sticks

Roast carrots with a light honey glaze until tender but still sturdy. Stand them in a layer of kosher salt inside a shallow baking dish so they resemble tall candles. Almond shards wedged into the tops form flickers of flame. The sweet-savory combo wins over even carrot skeptics.
35. Ogre Snot Avocado Dip & Veg Dippers

Blend ripe avocado with spinach and lime until silky, then thin slightly so it oozes for comedic effect. Let a spoonful drip over the rim of the serving bowl right before guests arrive. Surround the “snot” with crisp pepper sticks for scooping. The gag earns laughs but the flavor keeps folks coming back.
36. Pumpkin Skull Spaghetti Squash Nests

Roast spaghetti squash until just tender, then tease the strands into loose circles. Carve tiny eyes and a mouth into cauliflower florets and place one skull per nest. The yellow squash strands evoke hay bales or straw under eerie remains. A drizzle of chipotle mayo turns it into a complete bite.
37. Ghost Pepper Cauliflower Popcorn (Mild)

Don’t worry—the “ghost” refers more to Halloween than scorching heat. Lightly dust cauliflower with a mild ghost pepper seasoning and roast until edges caramelize. The nickname alone sparks conversation, while the flavor stays approachable. Serve warm for the best popcorn-like texture.
38. Witch Cauldron Spinach Dip & Veggies

Bake your favorite spinach artichoke dip in a small black cauldron or oven-safe bowl. Position veggie sticks underneath at slight angles so they resemble logs fueling a fire. The molten cheese top crackles just enough to mimic a real brew. It’s hearty, comforting, and secretly loaded with greens.
39. Garden Goblin Jicama Sticks

Peel jicama and cut into thick fries for a crisp, juicy crunch. Toss with chili powder, lime zest, and sea salt for zing. Present the sticks in any green vessel to give the illusion of goblin hands offering a snack. The refreshing texture balances richer dips on the table.
40. Cobweb Ranch Dip Centerpiece

Spoon ranch dip into a dish and dust a fine spiral of edible activated charcoal powder on top. Drag a toothpick from center to edge eight times to form a web. Encircle the bowl with cauliflower, broccoli, and carrot sticks poised like cornered prey. The contrasting colors make a dramatic focal point.
41. Bloodshot Cherry Radish Combo

Slice radishes into coins and top each with a halved cherry tomato dome. Use a fine brush to paint balsamic glaze rays from the center outward. The result looks exactly like jaundiced, bloodshot eyes staring upward. They pack a peppery-sweet punch in a single bite.
42. Zombie Skin Brussels Sprouts Chips

Peel outer leaves from Brussels sprouts, toss with olive oil, and bake until curled and crunchy. The mottled green and black sheen resembles tattered zombie flesh—deliciously so. Season with smoked salt for depth. People who claim to hate sprouts often convert after one handful.
43. Howling Head Lettuce Wedges

Quarter a head of iceberg and trim small notches into the exposed core to craft howling mouths. A paired set of olive circles pressed into the green edge creates wide eyes. Drizzle with blue cheese dressing to mimic drool. It’s equal parts salad and statement piece.
44. Fiery Diablo Chili Tray

Slice assorted chilies lengthwise to expose bright interiors and seed patterns. Fan them around a bowl of yogurt-lime dip so the red and green shades flicker like fire. Guests choose their preferred spice level thanks to the spread of varieties. Keep teaspoons handy for those who want only a small spark.
45. Cyclops Eye Cucumber & Olive Slices

Cut cucumbers into thick coins, stack two plain rounds, then cap with a third round bearing a centered olive slice. The result is a column of single-eyed monsters staring down the table. The water-rich cucumber provides a cooling break between heavier bites. Kids enjoy rearranging them into fun patterns before eating.
46. Kraken Tentacle Roasted Carrot Ribbons

Use a wide peeler to shave carrots lengthwise, then toss the ribbons with olive oil and soy sauce. Roast until edges crisp and the strips curl naturally. Sprinkle sesame seeds along one side for realistic suckers. Coil them in spirals so they look ready to drag ships under the veggie dip sea.
47. Graveyard Moss Kale Chips

Tear kale leaves, coat lightly with olive oil, and bake until brittle. Pile high around small tombstone cut-outs for an edible cemetery lawn. A dusting of sea salt glints like morning frost. The chips satisfy crunchy cravings without competing flavors.
48. Poison Ivy Swiss Chard Wraps

Blanch large chard leaves briefly so they become pliable, then fill with strips of bell pepper, carrot, and cucumber. Roll tightly and secure with two pomegranate seeds pressed into the seam. The red dots warn of “poison,” yet the wraps are perfectly safe—and tasty. Slice each roll on the bias for handy two-bite portions.
49. Lantern Lid Pumpkin Seed Sprinkle Tray

Toss seeds with distinct spice blends before roasting so guests can sample their preferred flavor. Arrange them in tidy rows for a striped harvest look. Small scoops or ramekins nearby keep flavors from mixing on plates. The crunchy topper doubles as a garnish for soups or salads later.
50. Hocus Pocus Herb Dip & Veggie Stars

Blend basil, spinach, and Greek yogurt for a vivid emerald dip, then finish with a pinch of culinary gold powder for magical sparkle. Use a small cookie cutter to punch stars out of cucumber and squash slices. The twinkling plate feels downright enchanted under candlelight. It’s a fitting grand finale to your spooky yet wholesome spread.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
