Halloween is one of those holidays where you feel your pulse throughout the day. Everyone is in high spirits, dressed up for work and school, candy corn is a consideration for breakfast – it’s just a big, fun day from start to finish. But the closer you get to trick-or-treating, it can get a little hairy, especially on school nights. Chances are your kids have eaten so much candy and are so excited to see neighbors and friends that sitting down to eat is out of the question. So, what to eat on Halloween night? How can you keep your kids from going hungry while still maintaining your own sanity? Literally, no one wants to cook on Halloween night, especially when you have a costume, makeup, and a toddler witch hat to find in the back of your minivan.
Don’t worry, Halloween night dinner doesn’t have to include eyeballs made from peeled grapes, or any disgustingly carved hot dogs and ketchup that make your dinner plate look like a pile of chopped fingers. (But if you want to go in this direction, give it a try, friend.) This list includes easy one-pot meals you can whip up in minutes, as well as slow cooker dishes you can start in the morning and then Completely forgotten until dinner time. And skip the PB&J or a bowl of boxed macaroni and cheese—these are both viable Halloween dinner options.
Honestly, even a bowl of cereal will do. Just keep the kids entertained and their bellies filled so no one has a meltdown at 9pm while you’re trying to get things done Agatha has always.
01Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Are Delicious
I make air fried chicken with Pinch of Yum at least once a week. It’s super simple and full of flavor, but it’s also super tender and perfect for eating in a roll, in a salad, or just with some sides and dip. Throw all the spices together just before you’re ready to eat, then toss them in the air fryer an hour before you want to head out for the night. I promise, the kids can eat it with one hand while running around the house – it’s the best.
02One Pot Cheesy Tortilla Pasta
I love any good one-pot dish, and this One-Pot Cheesy Quesadilla Pasta from Gimme Some Oven is a family favorite. This is a great recipe if you want to customize the flavors or spices, and you can provide tons of different ingredients for the kids to try if they want. It’s also delicious, hearty, and packed with protein, perfect for everything you have to do on Halloween night.
03Instant Pot Chicken Nachos
Another easy-to-customize dinner, these Instant Pot Chicken Nachos from Damn Delicious are so good. The chicken and salsa cook in the Instant Pot for just 10 minutes, then you bake them for a while with the chips and cheese and then put them on the table as is. Put some ingredients on the side and let your kids cook without even worrying about the dishes. Another big benefit? This is a great option for families with a large group to eat on Halloween night.
04Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes
I firmly believe that baked potatoes are the best food in the world. You can dress them up any way you like and make them a hearty or light dinner, depending on your preference. This slow cooker baked potato recipe means you can toss them in the slow cooker in the morning and top with toppings—think cheese, bacon bits, or even chili from a can—everyone can make their own Willing to make your own dinner.
05Slow Cooker Sausage Cheese Dip
If you know your kids won’t sit still for a real meal and you really want to save yourself some cleanup time, try making this Slow Cooker Sausage Cheese Sauce from Averie Cooks. Just throw some chips in a bowl and maybe ask other friends or neighbors to bring extra appetizers for a light yet hearty snack before you head out trick-or-treating.
06Easy Lasagna Soup
Lasagna is always a great win, but this lasagna soup from a spicy perspective makes it even easier to enjoy and incredibly hearty and delicious. Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping and you’ve got the perfect Halloween meal.
07More Easy Halloween Dinner Ideas
If the thought of pulling out a pan or cutting board gives you a quandary, try these super simple and easy dinners. There are lots of shortcuts you can use, like frozen meatballs and canned soup, to make something delicious, and you don’t have to spend a ton of time or money making anything. The idea is to give them some protein for all the running they’re going to do – you don’t dare worry about their candy intake. It’s a night where if they just eat a banana and a bowl of applesauce before trick-or-treating, that’s 100% effective.
- Fettuccine
- Canned soup and grilled cheese
- Greek yogurt and fruit
- Peanut butter toast and fruit
- Sandwiches and chips
- macaroni and cheese
- Frozen Meatballs and BBQ Sauce
- Quesadilla
- tortillas
- hot dog
- corn dog
- chili
Remember, Halloween is supposed to be a fun night. If dinner stresses you out and ruins all the fun, don’t do it. Whatever they eat for breakfast or lunch is probably fine. Honestly, think about all the protein Reese’s squash contains. You and your children are gold. Free to play trick-or-treating.
