Easy Halloween Ravioli Skewers! This festive finger food makes a quick and easy Halloween appetizer! Store-bought pumpkin ravioli is skewered onto sticks with a few simple additions for a fun bite to sink your fangs into.
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Note: This recipe was originally published on October 23, 2019 and updated on October 4, 2021.
Without a doubt, fall is the busiest time of year {for me, anyway}. It seems like every weekend is a gathering or holiday, and that means that kitchen activity usually ramps up, too.
I like to save the majority of my steam for all the cooking and baking that comes with November, so Halloween usually falls by the wayside when it comes to in-depth kitchen projects. That's precisely why these Easy Halloween Ravioli Skewers are the perfect thing to add to my Halloween entertaining menu! They're ridiculously simple and you can get all of the ingredients at Trader Joe's or your local grocery store.
This recipe is vegetarian. See tips below for variations.
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Ingredients
The entire reason I made this easy Halloween appetizer is because I spied these festive orange Honey-Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli in the fresh pasta aisle at Trader Joe's. They're bright orange on one side, bright yellow on the other and stuffed with a cheesy pumpkin filling. If that doesn't scream "Halloween" to you, I just don't know what will.
I thought back to the Marinated Zucchini & Tortellini Skewers I made a few summers ago, and decided I'd try to make something similar with a Halloween-y twist.
To go with the Halloween color scheme, I decided to use:
- Mozzarella cheese balls {Ciliegine}
- Fresh Basil
- Extra Large {Pitted} Black Olives
Together, they make a delightfully delicious pattern of black, green, yellow, orange and white! If you can't find the pumpkin ravioli, then you can use regular ravioli or even green (spinach) tortellini for an alternative twist.
Though these are the ingredients that ended up in my cart, I highly suggest experimenting with different kinds of cheese, and other veggies and additions that fall into the same color scheme like marinated artichokes, roasted butternut squash pieces, roasted mushrooms and different types of cheese. The best part about these kinds of recipes is their versatility and adaptability to your tastes!
Directions
If you've been around for a while, you know that when I decide to add the word "Easy" to the recipe title, I'm not exaggerating. These cute Halloween bites are so easy, that even eager little helpers can lend a hand at putting them together!
First, you'll need to cook the ravioli. Luckily, that only takes 2 ½ minutes! {These are some of the perks of using "fresh" pasta!} It'll take longer to let them cool to a temperature that is safe for handling than it will to actually cook them.
Next, you'll want to set up a skewering station with your ingredients. Have everything you need close at hand, including skewers and accessories. For the skewers shown here, I used some caramel apple skewers that I purchased at the craft store because I liked the length, but honestly, they were a little too chubby and made it hard to harpoon the mozzarella balls without splitting them, so I'd purchase some regular bamboo skewers, in the shorter length, for grilling.
I also used a few Halloween themed party picks that I had in my cupcake-making collection from a few years ago -- these aren't necessary, but they sure are cute.
Once your ravioli have cooled, you'll want to gently skewer them along with the other ingredients in a pattern of your liking. There's no right or wrong way here, so have fun with it! It'll be tasty no matter what.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, I like to serve these up room temperature. That doesn't mean you can't make them a few hours ahead of time and wrap them up in the refrigerator before guests arrive, so feel free to do so if you're a plan-ahead kinda partier.
I love the idea of serving this Halloween appetizer with a simple pesto dip like traditional Pesto Alla Genovese or Vegan Kale Cashew Pesto (both available at Trader Joe's), or your favorite kind of pasta sauce. Either would work and add to that spooky, toxic-sludge vibe... without a toxic sludge taste, of course. 🙂
So, when it comes to last-minute Halloween parties and end of October entertaining, I've got you covered! No sweat, and no screams... just satisfied guys and ghouls getting their nosh on!
Substitutions
It's always a good idea to have some options that would work for the most common dietary needs such as gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Here are some alternatives:
- Gluten-free: Swap out your favorite gluten-free ravioli or filled pasta for these pumpkin ravioli or make your own at home!
- Try a dairy-free ravioli such as Kite Hill.
- Add different vegetables such as roasted pumpkin or butternut squash, artichoke hearts and green olives!
More Halloween Party Recipes
Looking for more frighteningly delicious recipes to serve at your Halloween party? Check out some of my favorites:
- Pumpkin Chili Cheese Dip
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cornbread
- Spooky Eyeball Sweet Rolls
- Frankenstein Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Easy Halloween Ravioli Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 9 ounce package Trader Joe's Honey-Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli
- 10 large black olives pitted
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 10 fresh mozzarella balls {ciliegine}
Instructions
- Cook ravioli. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat with a teaspoon of salt. Once boiling, cook ravioli to package directions. Drain and set aside until cool enough to handle.
- When ready to assemble, take a skewer and thread a black olive and a piece of fresh basil onto the skewer, followed by a piece of cooked ravioli.
- Thread another piece of fresh basil onto the skewer, followed by a fresh mozzarella ball. Continue until all the skewers are complete.
- Serve at room temperature with your preferred dipping sauce, such as pesto.
Notes
- Gluten-free: Swap out your favorite gluten-free ravioli or filled pasta for these pumpkin ravioli or make your own at home!
- Try a dairy-free ravioli such as Kite Hill.
- Add different vegetables such as roasted pumpkin or butternut squash, artichoke hearts and green olives!
