Halloween Catering Menu

Halloween Catering in NYC

Seasonal Meets Sophisticated

Halloween in New York City isn’t just for trick-or-treaters. From candlelit rooftop gatherings to black-tie costume galas and creative agency cocktail hours, October has become one of the most atmospheric and sought-after months for events. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we bring a chef-driven approach to Halloween catering that’s as thoughtful as it is seasonal—no plastic spiders or glow-in-the-dark frosting in sight.

Our Halloween catering menus blend fall ingredients with rich textures, bold flavors, and just the right amount of drama. Think roasted figs with balsamic reduction, deep burgundy sauces, smoked elements, and dark leafy greens. Every dish is crafted to suit the tone of your event—whether you’re going for hauntingly elegant, harvest-inspired, or subtly thematic.

We cater to hosts who are looking to do more than just fill a buffet table. Our clients want food that looks beautiful, tastes seasonal, and enhances the visual and emotional mood of the evening. That’s why we treat Halloween as an extension of fall—one that allows for a little more creativity, a little more flair, and a slightly moodier palette. For a broader look at how we evolve menus across the calendar, visit our seasonal catering menus page for insights into our process.

Halloween Themed Appetizers Menu

COLD APPETIZERS

$58 Per Dozen

• Monster Eyes! Deviled Eggs – Traditional with fresh herbs
• Black Truffle Deviled Eggs – Dyed black with truffle salt
• Devilish Deviled Eggs – Tinted orange & black with smoked paprika
• Assorted Mini Focaccia Sandwiches: Witch Diamonds
• Celery & Carrot Sticks with Peanut Butter & Ranch
• Cubed Cheddar Cheese with Crackers
• Salami & Cheese Skewers
• Olive Puffs with Green Olives
• Blood Beet Crostini – Beet purée, goat cheese, microgreens
• Smoked Salmon Canapés – Lemon-dill cream on black rye
• Pumpkin & Ricotta Tartlets – Savory mousse
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon “Eyeballs” – Balsamic glaze
• Harvest Vegetable Skewers – Vegan, herb vinaigrette
• Wild Mushroom Crostini – Garlic confit & thyme (Vegan)
• Mini Polenta Cakes – Roasted tomato & basil (GF & Vegan)
• Sweet Potato Rounds – Avocado mousse & pomegranate drizzle (Vegan)
• Jack-O-Lantern Caprese Bites – Mozzarella, tomato, basil, balsamic
• Witch’s Broomsticks – Pretzel sticks with mozzarella “brooms”
• Monster Guacamole Cups – With olive “eyes”
• Pumpkin Hummus Shooters – With carrot & celery batons
• Bat Wing Crostini – Black sesame toast, smoked salmon, cream cheese
• Stuffed Mini Peppers – Herbed quinoa & roasted vegetables
• Mini Falafel Balls – Roasted red pepper aioli (Vegan)

HOT APPETIZERS

• Bloody Fingers – Chicken strips with marinara
• BBQ Bat Wings – Chicken wings with ranch
• Haunted Dogs – Pastry-wrapped franks
• Mini Meatball Skewers – Masala sauce
• Mac & Cheese Pops
• Black Bean Roll-Ups – Sour cream & salsa
• Gourmet Mini Burgers – Blue cheese, tomato, Thousand Island
• Mini Burgers with Full Fixings – Lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheeses, sauces
• Mini Quiche – Vegetarian or Lorraine
• BBQ Pork Mini Sandwiches
• Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnut Rolls
• Mini Beef Wellington Bites – Puff pastry, mushroom duxelles
• Butternut Squash Risotto Balls – Sage aioli
• Crab Cake Minis – Cajun remoulade
• Short Rib Sliders – Bourbon glaze
• Mini Pumpkin Mac & Cheese Cups – Smoked cheddar, crispy sage
• Stuffed Mushroom Caps – Caramelized onions, herbed breadcrumbs
• Spicy Pumpkin Arancini – Pumpkin risotto balls, marinara
• Buffalo Chicken “Monster” Meatballs – Blue cheese crumbles
• Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites – Savory & kid-friendly
• Fried “Witch Finger” Mozzarella Sticks – Marinara dipping sauce
• Mini Pulled Pork Sliders – Tangy slaw, black brioche buns

Hot Boof-fet

($44.95 per person)

Rosemary plum roast pork
Chicken medallions with capers, mushrooms, and chardonnay reduction
Russian beef stroganoff with wild mushrooms
Green beans with basil
Scaredy rice with black beans and diced carrots
Ginger squash soup
Sweet potato casserole with mushrooms
Cornbread muffins
Crunchy apple salad with raisins, celery, and walnuts
Includes your choice of one sweet from the dessert list

Halloween Platters

7 Layer Dip – $9.95 per person
Trio of Spreads (hummus, spinach dip, roasted red pepper hummus) – $6.95 per person
Tortilla chips with salsa – $7.95 per person
Chopped fruit bowl – $4.95 per person
Carrot and celery sticks with ranch or blue cheese – $5.95 per person

Dessert Bites

(Optional Add-On $8.95 per guest)

• Chocolate “Coffin” Tartlets with Raspberry Filling $7.95 per person
• Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes Shooters $8.95 per person
• Chocolate Spiderweb Brownies $8.95 per person
• Red Velvet “Blood” Cake Pops $7.95 per person
• Gourmet Halloween sugar cookies – $8.95 per person
• Mini Halloween cupcakes – $8.95 per person
• Pumpkin pie (10 inches) – $45.00
• Dirt with worms – $7.95 per person
• Apple dip with spooky crisps – $56.95 per person
• Three-in-one popcorn crunch with peanuts, popcorn, and candy corn – $5.95 per person

Beverages

($7.95 per guest)

• Black Halloween Punch
• Spooky Citrus Punch
• Spiced Apple Cider (Hot or Cold)
• Witch’s Brew Punch (Non-Alcoholic)+3
• Witch’s Brew Sangria (Non-Alcoholic Option Available) +3
• Charcoal Lemonade with Rosemary
• Black Cherry Sparkler
• Blackberry Lemonade
• Blood Orange Spritzer

Optional Add-Ons: Halloween-Themed Decor, Dry Ice Presentation, and Themed Candy Bar Display.

Moving Beyond Gimmicks: What Halloween Menus Can Be

It’s easy to lean on novelty when planning a Halloween party—but at Susan’s Kitchen, we prefer to elevate rather than exaggerate. That doesn’t mean we ignore the occasion. Instead, we interpret it through color, texture, plating, and ingredient choices that create mood without sacrificing sophistication.

We’ve served dramatic grazing tables under low lighting, plated dinners with rich sauces and smoky finishes, and passed bites on black slate with garnishes that evoke autumn forests more than haunted houses. Our menus might nod to the theatrical, but they never compromise on culinary integrity.

We also understand that not every event needs to scream “Halloween.” Some of our best October events have drawn from the broader palette of autumn itself. You can see more of that approach in our fall catering menu, which focuses on flavor-forward dishes rooted in the season’s best ingredients without relying on overt holiday themes.

Events We Cater During Halloween

October is one of our most diverse catering months, and our menus flex depending on the style and energy of each event. We regularly serve:

• Private Halloween dinners in lofts, brownstones, and townhouses
• Corporate gatherings and team-building events with a seasonal edge
• Gallery openings and retail activations during Halloween week
• Autumn weddings that fall near the holiday weekend

Halloween catering doesn’t have to be all costumes and candy. Some of our most successful events have blended subtle theme elements with autumn-forward menus like those seen in our winter catering menus, where mood and elegance take center stage.

If you prefer more playful touches, our holiday catering menus offer plenty of room to explore visual accents and creative presentation ideas that still keep the food elevated.

And for events that lean toward outdoor dining or a more relaxed format, we can adapt our Halloween menu with influence from our summer catering concepts, introducing smoke, fire-roasted produce, and bold sauces to balance formality with flavor.

Some events this season also incorporate floral styling, color stories, or interactive stations. We often reference the lighter structure of our spring catering menus to provide pacing for guests in standing receptions or passed small-bite formats.

Why Halloween Catering Makes Sense for NYC Events

Let’s be honest. Halloween planning is already hectic. Between coordinating costumes, arranging decorations, booking entertainment, and managing RSVPs, food shouldn’t be another headache. That’s exactly why professional catering works so well for this holiday. Here’s what people in New York City realize pretty quickly: catering isn’t just for weddings or corporate conferences anymore. It’s for any event where you want to elevate the experience without the work.

When you order from a catering company that specializes in Halloween menus, you’re getting themed food that actually tastes good. Not those sad, pre-made platters that sit in a grocery store case. We’re talking real food, made fresh, delivered ready to serve. Your guests walk in and see a spread that’s both spooky and sophisticated. And honestly, that’s the move right now in New York.

October is busy in NYC. The weather’s perfect for events. Everyone wants to do something fun before the holidays kick into overdrive. If you’re thinking about hosting a Halloween party or office event, booking your caterer early is smart. Most catering companies in the city fill up their October calendars by mid-September. We recommend placing your order at least a week in advance to lock in availability and ensure your team can deliver exactly when you need us.

Building Your Perfect Halloween Menu

The beauty of Halloween catering is that you’re not stuck with one pre-set option. Your menu should reflect your guests, your venue, and your vibe. Here’s how we approach it with clients across the five boroughs.

Start with Appetizers

This is where you set the tone. Think beyond the typical veggie tray or plain cheese board. Spooky appetizers get people talking. Imagine witches’ fingers made from pastry and almonds, bloody mozzarella skewers with red pepper coulis, or deviled eggs topped with olive “pupils.” These aren’t complicated to eat, but they’re memorable. Guests feel like you went the extra mile. And you did—by hiring the right caterer. Browse our occasions catering menus to see what works best for your crowd.

Main Courses Deserve Attention

Some clients lean into comfort food with a Halloween twist. “Dracula’s Pasta” (black pasta with red sauce), “Monster Meatloaf” served with spooky plating, or a build-your-own taco bar where guests can customize their plates. Others prefer more elegant fare—a sliced roasted turkey with autumn sides, or gourmet sandwiches and wraps that fit the season. The key is choosing something that works for your guest count and venue setup. If you’re going buffet style, something like our catering lunch buffet menu can be adapted with Halloween touches.

Desserts Are Where People Lose Their Minds

A proper Halloween catering menu always saves room for sweets. Pumpkin cupcakes with orange frosting, chocolate-dipped pretzels shaped like broomsticks, candy corn fudge, or a dessert table with gummy worms and crushed Oreos. Some of our clients go for a full dessert spread, almost like a candy bar but elevated. Others prefer individual items so guests can grab something as they mingle.

Corporate Halloween Parties Need a Different Approach

If you’re throwing a Halloween event at your office in Manhattan or anywhere in the city, the menu needs to walk a line. It should feel festive, yes. But it also needs to feel professional. You’re still at work, after all. Halloween at the office is about boosting morale and celebrating the team, not turning the conference room into a haunted house.

Corporate Halloween menus typically lean toward elegant appetizers, a mix of hot and cold options, and sweets that don’t scream chaos. We’ve done plenty of office events where the food was the highlight. A few things that work really well in corporate settings: sliders with spooky toppings, charcuterie boards arranged in Halloween-themed shapes, individual boxed lunch options so employees can eat at their desks, and a beverage station with hot apple cider and spiced coffee alongside the regular options.

Many companies we work with in NYC like to add a little mystery to the food. Maybe the sandwich labels have playful names. Perhaps the salad station is set up with a “mad scientist” vibe. It’s about creating an atmosphere where people feel the season without things getting weird. Our corporate lunch catering service can absolutely be tailored for Halloween. We take care of the logistics so your HR team can just enjoy the party.

Planning Your Halloween Catering Order in New York City

Here’s what we tell every client who reaches out about Halloween catering. First, know your numbers. How many people? Is this an office event, a family gathering, a mix? Your guest count drives everything else—menu options, delivery logistics, setup requirements. Second, think about your space. Are you in an apartment in Manhattan? A rooftop in Brooklyn? An office in Queens? Different venues mean different catering approaches.

Third, be honest about what you want. Do you want fully themed food where every dish has a Halloween name? Or do you prefer subtle touches—a pumpkin here, orange and black napkins there—with food that’s just really good? Both work. We’ve catered both types of events all across the five boroughs, and the results are always strong when clients know what they want.

Dietary restrictions are also important to mention upfront. We work with clients who have vegan guests, gluten-free requirements, nut allergies, and everything in between. Our team can build a menu that accommodates everyone without making it feel like an afterthought. Halloween shouldn’t mean leaving people out.

What to Order When You’re Catering Halloween in NYC

The most popular Halloween catering approach we see in New York involves a mix-and-match strategy. Clients pick a couple of appetizers, one or two main options, a side salad or two, and then desserts. This creates variety without overwhelming your catering budget. It also gives guests choices, which people appreciate.

If you’re going full-on themed, start with our occasions catering menus and let’s customize from there. We can add spooky plating, themed labels, dry ice effects on serving trays, or even coordinate with your existing decorations. If you prefer subtlety, we have you covered too. Just good food, well-prepared, delivered fresh.

Portions matter. Over-catering is easy. Under-catering is a nightmare. We help you find the middle ground. For a typical office event with around 30 people, you’re looking at maybe 4-5 appetizers per person if it’s a 2-hour event, plus one full main course option, sides, and desserts. For a party event, the math shifts a bit—people tend to eat more casually and graze longer.

Delivery and Setup Across the Five Boroughs

Susan’s Kitchen Catering delivers across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. October is peak season, so booking early helps. We’ve got the logistics down. Our team knows the neighborhoods. We know traffic patterns. We know how to navigate apartment building deliveries in Manhattan and rooftop access in Brooklyn. We handle everything so your event runs smoothly.

Delivery fees vary depending on your location and the complexity of your order. If you’re ordering from our corporate lunch menu or one of our sandwich catering options, those typically ship with standard delivery. Larger events or those outside our immediate delivery zone might have additional fees, but we always quote upfront so there are no surprises.

Timing and Logistics

Here’s the practical side of Halloween catering in NYC. We need at least a week’s notice to guarantee your preferred menu options and delivery time. Two weeks is better. Three weeks is ideal, especially if you want customizations or themed plating. October fills up fast. If you’re throwing a party on Halloween night itself (October 31st), the 24-48 hours before are absolutely packed for every catering company in the city.

Our team can coordinate delivery for morning events (perfect for office gatherings) or afternoon/early evening slots (ideal for parties). We can set up a buffet station, drop off and go, or handle the full service depending on your needs. If you’re working with our event and corporate planning team, we can help with the whole picture—food, timing, setup, even cleanup if that’s part of your package.

Making Your Halloween Catering Stand Out

With so many catering options in New York, what makes a Halloween event truly memorable? Honestly, it’s the details. A menu that’s actually fun, not just themed. Staff who care about presentation. Food that tastes incredible, not like it sat under heat lamps all day. We’ve been doing this for 25 years across NYC, and those details matter.

Some clients get really creative. They’ll pair our catering with a grazing table setup from our custom boxed lunch options, add some homemade decorations, and create something totally unique. Others keep it simple—just high-quality food, good presentation, and let that speak for itself. Both approaches work beautifully.

One thing we always suggest: don’t forget beverages. A hot apple cider station, spiced coffee, or a simple punch bar adds atmosphere without much effort. If you’re doing alcohol, work with a caterer who can coordinate that safely. We handle beer and wine service regularly across the five boroughs.

Booking a Halloween Event with Susan’s Kitchen

Halloween events in NYC tend to fill fast, especially when they overlap with fall weddings or end-of-quarter corporate activations. We recommend reaching out 4–6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date, especially if your event includes custom styling, on-site service, or equipment rentals.

Our team handles every element—from seasonal menu design to service coordination and day-of logistics. Whether your vision is dramatic and theatrical or subtle and seasonal, we’ll bring it to life through food that guests remember long after the last bite.