As the seasons change, so do our cravings. We can go from craving something cold and sweet to nutty and soft the second we retire our short-sleeved shirts in favour of sweaters. While everyone else was scrambling to find soup recipes and meal plan according to the colder weather, I was thinking about something a little more important: fall snacks.

For me, meals are great and I think about them often, but snacks are what I live for. More specifically, afternoon snacks and finger foods at gatherings. Autumn is generally the time of year where I have a hot cup of tea and a light snack when I get home after work. It’s also the season when I attend and host a lot more social gatherings than the rest of the year, so snacking is on my mind a lot. Generally, these snacks are a little heartier than your average spring or summer snack. Fall snacks and finger foods you can make at home are one of the major food highlights of my year.

From nutty bars to unconventional veggie finger foods, autumn is the best season for snacking:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls

Simple, fun, and a great way to get your kids involved with snack preparation (which in my opinion is just as important as meal preparation). These popcorn balls bring together the wonders of chocolate and peanut butter while adding the sweet and distinct flavour of organic maple syrup. Perfect for a Halloween party!

Cranberry Sauce Skillet Scones

Cranberry sauce is, unfortunately, the condiment that often gets stuffed back into the fridge, and stays there for months and months. This year, use it up before it has a chance to get comfy among the other sauces by throwing it into a batch of scones. The tartness of the cranberry sauce is the perfect complement to the buttery goodness of these baked treats. Have it with an afternoon cup of tea and unwind.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are quick to make, highly adaptable, and easy to pack for on-the-go snacking! Whether you have a sweet tooth, love salty treats, or want flavourful, roasted pumpkin seeds are the way to go!

Rainbow Falafel Balls

Falafels may not seem like something you need to be making at home, but these delicious little balls will find their way into everything. Flatten them and top with a poached egg for a twist on the benny, throw a handful in a salad, or go traditional and serve in a pita. But, of course, they make for a great party snack! We’ve amped up the flavour, nutrition, and cuteness by mixing in beet juice, turmeric, or spinach to make this rainbow version.

Speedy Spinach Stuffed Mushroom Caps

These easy to make stuffed mushroom caps are warm, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. Having a few people over for a dinner party? Make these as a pre-dinner snack to hold ‘em over until the main dishes are served.

Curried Deviled Eggs With Sprouts

Curried eggs weren’t really on my “top fall foods” list until very recently. These things are packed with flavour and you wouldn’t believe how simple they are to make!

Baked Brie with Mushrooms and Thyme

Sounds fancy, huh? Well, you’re going to need something to go with that red wine in your hand! This rich and warm appetizer will be talked about for weeks after your party is over and rightfully so. Serve warm for the best flavour!

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Where are the vegans/vegetarians at? Well wherever they are, once they smell this delicious appetizer cooking up, they’ll come running. The perfect substitute for chicken wings (and arguably more delicious with less of a mess!). These also double up as a great snack for whenever you’re craving something with a kick!

Autumn is the best time of year to try out some new recipes and these are the some of the best! Have some fall snacks and appies you’re willing to share? Share the recipe with us!