There’s a time and a place for cutesy Halloween treats (like these adorable Spider Cookies or this sweet Candy Corn Bark). A kid’s party, for instance. These hair-raising recipes, though, are not for the faint of heart. Freak out your friends with a deliciously grotesque “face” pie or meatloaf, gross-looking skewered “eyeballs,” special effect-worthy fake blood, and so much more.
Chef John’s Face Pie
“A few months ago I saw a pie image on Twitter so creepy and disturbing that I actually questioned whether it was too terrifying to post as a video. Usually, Halloween-themed recipes have the opposite problem, as they are almost never actually scary, but that’s not an issue here. By the way, can someone get sued for giving people nightmares?” —Chef John
Severed-Finger Cheese Sticks
“This was such a fun appetizer for the kids prior to tick or treating. They were totally disgusted and love dipping the ‘fingers’ into the ‘blood.’ —Lacyanne
Chef John’s Zombie Meatloaf
“I now make this every year and its always a hit! As [Chef John] suggests, I use my own favorite meatloaf recipe (half turkey/half beef) and concentrate on the technique. Frighteningly fun and delicious.” —Mme Magoo
“Horrible Hand” Ham and Cheese Board
“Ideal for Halloween, this ‘horrible hand’ ham and cheese board will be the life of your party. This exceptionally creepy skinned hand is best served very cold, with crackers, hot sauce ‘blood’—and a dagger.” —Chef John
Sausage Head Charcuterie Board
“Sculpt this terrifying sausage head charcuterie board for your Halloween party. It’s a labor of love, and so worth it.” —Nicole McLaughlin
Flayed Man Cheese Ball
“This Halloween cheese ball, cleverly disguised as a skinned human face, is the perfect centerpiece for your scary party! It looks gross and yet tastes so good.” —Tara
Edible Fake Blood
“You can easily make your own edible fake blood to drizzle on any Halloween creations you come up with. Use on cupcakes, donuts, or around dips.” —Nicole McLaughlin
Creepy Halloween Eyeballs
“These scary-looking eyeballs make the perfect creepy Halloween snack! They’re fun to make with lychees, blueberries, and jam. They also make a delicious garnish on Halloween cocktails.” —JuliettevanSon
Pizza Skulls
“Nothing not to love here! They’re so fun and festive—perfect for your next Halloween party.” —Nicole Hopper
Scary Baked Brie
“This super scary baked Brie will add some wow factor to your Halloween table, and here’s the good news: You’re only 5 ingredients away from a Pinterest-worthy appetizer.” —Nicole McLaughlin
Ratloaf (Halloween Meatloaf)
“What’s better than gooey warm rat guts on Halloween? A quick and easy meatloaf that the youngsters can eat on the run! I’ve included a basic recipe, but feel free to use your family’s favorite.” —Deborah McCarthy
Chocolate Mice
“These are just too perfect for Halloween! Extremely simple recipe.” —angelinamarie3
Halloween Black Bat Wings
“Perfect for a Halloween party, these spooky little black bat wings will have everyone talking, doing double takes, and taking doubles. Looks can be deceiving as they taste absolutely delicious and disappear quickly!” —gopintos