10 Flavorful Fall Appetizers That Are Rich in Fiber and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

While summer is all about cookouts, barbecues, and s’mores, fall celebrates foods that warm you from the inside out. Slightly sweet butternut squash, caramelized roasted carrots, cinnamon-spiced apples…Eating your way through the season is pure joy—and it’s even more fun when you’re sharing it with loved ones.

Whether you’re cooking for just a couple of friends or are gearing up for a bigger gathering (still being mindful of COVID-19 precautions, of course), appetizers are a must. Rounded up here are 10 fall appetizer recipes that are made with the best seasonal ingredients, which just happen to be packed with as many nutritional benefits as they are flavor. With dishes these good, no one will go hungry at your house. The only dilemma is trying to save room for the entree!

Keep reading for 10 fall appetizer recipes to try this season.

1. Kale kimchi salad

Sure, you could whip up a classic kale Caesar, or you could give your greens a seasonal twist with this recipe. It incorporates pumpkin seeds and sweet potato, making the most of two delicious fall foods. It also has kimchi and fennel, both of which are full of gut-healthy benefits.

Get the recipe: kale kimchi salad 

2. Beet and squash salad

This is another salad that makes seasonal produce the star and it’s packed with brain- and heart-healthy antioxidants. Coriander, cilantro, and lime zest punch up the flavor in the beets, squash, and arugula, adding the perfect finishing touch.

3. Squash dip

Another way to serve up your squash is by blending it into a delicious dip. In this recipe, it’s combined with coconut yogurt, tahini, and hemp seeds. It also incorporates ashwagandha, an herb known for reducing stress. Get ready for your party guests to get real relaxed!

4. Pumpkin bean dip

You already know that pumpkin pairs well with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, but, fun fact, it tastes delicious with beans too. (This recipe uses a combo of black beans and cannellini.) Talk about a delicious way to get your fiber and protein!

Get the recipe: pumpkin bean dip

5. Loaded sweet potato rounds

Truly, who doesn’t love sweet potatoes—especially when topped with a little cheese, hot sauce, and green onion? You may want to make a couple of batches of these rounds because they’re sure to go quick.

Get the recipe: loaded sweet potato rounds 

6. Cinnamon apples

If you’re looking for a fall appetizer recipe that’s more sweet than savory, this is it—and it only takes 15 minutes to make. All you need are apples, butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, sea salt, and vanilla.

Get the recipe: cinnamon apples 

7. Beet hummus

Beets are in season all fall long and incorporating them into your hummus makes for a gorgeous fall app. Watch the video above to see exactly how it’s done. Pro tip: use roasted garlic cloves and not garlic powder; it will make the flavor more robust.

8. Roasted carrot dip

Like beets, carrots are another veggie in season right now that will add irresistible vibrance to your hummus bowl. Here, paprika, cumin, and chili powder are all incorporated, giving the dip a taste that’s complex, smoky, and a little bit sweet.

Get the recipe: roasted carrot dip

9. Carrot and cheddar bites

These bites will win over everyone from toddlers to your grandparents—there’s no age limit on the love for carrots and cheese! They only take 30 minutes to cook, which is a good thing because your guests just might demand more.

Get the recipe: carrot and cheddar bites 

10. Air Fryer Brussels sprouts chips

Sure, you could put out a bag of potato chips and call it a day, or you could serve up this fiber-rich alternative. Instead of being seasoned solely with salt, garlic powder is used to give flavor without the excess sodium.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Brussels sprouts chips

Love these fall appetizer recipes? Get more healthy recipe ideas in Well+Good’s Cook With Us Facebook group.

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