If you’re looking to wow your guests this fall with a quick, fun, and downright adorable snack, you’ve got to try this Halloween Appetizer Monster Sliders Recipe. These mini sandwiches bring a quirky monster vibe with minimal fuss, and I absolutely love how they turn out every time. Easy enough for a weeknight, cute enough for a Halloween party, and tasty enough that my family goes crazy for them—trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple and Fast: You can whip these monster sliders together in less than 30 minutes, perfect when you’re short on time but big on impact.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The goofy olive eyes are a hit with the little ones, making snack time more exciting.
- Versatile Flavors: Grilled chicken and creamy guacamole are a match made in heaven, but you can easily switch things up depending on your cravings.
- Perfect Party Appetizer: These sliders are portable and mess-free, so they’re ideal for Halloween get-togethers or any festive occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Halloween Appetizer Monster Sliders Recipe come together effortlessly with flavors that complement each other perfectly. I usually keep these basics on hand for a fast snack, and the grilled chicken adds that smoky depth without extra work.
- Chicken Thighs: Using grilled chicken thighs keeps the sliders juicy and flavorful; you can use pre-cooked for convenience.
- Slider Buns: Mini buns work great here—they’re just the right size for little hands and party platters.
- Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole balances the savory chicken and adds a fresh twist.
- Green Olives: These become the “monster eyes” —you’ll want ones with pimentos for that cute red contrast.
- Toothpicks: Essential for holding your olive eyes in place, making the monster look extra spooky.
Variations
While I adore the classic grilled chicken and guacamole combo in this Halloween Appetizer Monster Sliders Recipe, I’ve found mixing things up keeps guests on their toes—plus it’s fun to get creative in the kitchen. Here are some ways you can tailor these sliders to fit your vibe:
- Veggie Version: Swap grilled chicken for a crispy black bean patty or portobello mushroom slice—I tried this for a vegetarian friend, and everyone loved it.
- Cheesy Monster: Add a slice of pepper jack or cheddar cheese to the sliders before placing the guacamole for an ooey-gooey surprise.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a little hot sauce into the guacamole or add pickled jalapeños on top if you like things fiery, like I do on busy weeknights.
- Monster Eyes Twist: Use slices of cherry tomatoes instead of olives for a sweeter, less salty option that kids seem to enjoy.
How to Make Halloween Appetizer Monster Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Warm Up Your Grilled Chicken
This part is straightforward but makes a huge difference. I like to follow the package instructions perfectly when warming the Cooked Perfect® Fire Grilled Chicken thighs—they come out juicy and tender every time. Avoid overcooking them; you want the chicken warm but not drying out. Using pre-cooked grilled chicken is one of my favorite shortcuts because it saves so much time without sacrificing flavor.
Step 2: Build Your Monster Sliders
Once your chicken is warm, place each thigh carefully onto the slider buns. Then spread or dollop a generous amount of guacamole on top—trust me, the creamy avocado is what ties these monster sliders together. You’ll find the balance of juicy chicken and smooth guac is a crowd-pleaser.
Step 3: Add the Monster Eyes
Here’s the fun and whimsical part—take toothpicks and pierce them halfway through each green olive. Then, position two olive eyes on top of each slider bun, secured with toothpicks sticking vertically to give that iconic monster stare. This little touch makes these sliders irresistible, especially around Halloween when everyone appreciates a creative snack.
Pro Tips for Making Halloween Appetizer Monster Sliders Recipe
- Use Pre-Grilled Chicken: It saves so much time and brings consistent flavor—I’ve learned this shortcut makes weeknight cooking a breeze.
- Don’t Overfill the Sliders: Too much guacamole can make the buns soggy—spread just enough for creaminess without overpowering.
- Secure Olive Eyes Properly: Poking the toothpicks halfway through olives helps them stay put and prevents slipping.
- Warm Buns Slightly: Heating buns for 10-15 seconds before assembling makes a huge difference in texture and taste.
How to Serve Halloween Appetizer Monster Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep garnishes simple with this Halloween Appetizer Monster Sliders Recipe—sometimes just a sprinkling of chopped cilantro or a few extra slices of green olives around the platter to reinforce the monster theme. For added flair, a drizzle of sriracha or a little dash of smoked paprika on the guacamole amps the flavor and gives that extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
We often serve these sliders with a side of crunchy veggie sticks and a zesty ranch dip to balance the creamy guacamole. Roasted sweet potato fries are another favorite in our house—it complements the smoky chicken beautifully and keeps the Halloween party festive and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For our last Halloween bash, I arranged these monster sliders on a platter lined with edible “grass” made of shredded lettuce and carved little pumpkin-shaped toothpick tags for names. Kids loved the “monster den” vibe! You could also use small cupcake liners to hold each slider in place or add a side of “monster claws” by cutting pickles or peppers into fun shapes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover monster sliders? They keep surprisingly well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend storing the guacamole separately if you anticipate leftovers to prevent the buns from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just reassemble and add fresh olive eyes.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze these assembled sliders because guacamole doesn’t freeze well, but you can freeze the grilled chicken thighs ahead of time. Just thaw and warm before piecing together your monster sliders for quick prep on the day of your party.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken thighs in the oven or microwave until heated through. Give the buns a quick toast or warming for softness. Then assemble with fresh guacamole and olives to keep that perfect balance of textures and flavors.
FAQs
-
Can I make the Halloween Appetizer Monster Sliders Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the slider buns for your favorite gluten-free buns or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe very adaptable.
-
What can I use instead of guacamole?
If guacamole isn’t your thing, try sour cream mixed with a little lime and cilantro or a mild herb aioli. These alternatives provide that creamy texture without overpowering the chicken’s flavor.
-
How do I keep the olive eyes from falling off?
Make sure you stick the toothpicks halfway through the olives so they have a solid grip, then press them firmly into the top of the buns. This helps the “eyes” stay put when serving or eating.
-
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can warm your grilled chicken ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. The guacamole and olive eyes are best prepared right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween Appetizer Monster Sliders Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s so joyful and fuss-free. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering, and the kids couldn’t get enough of the silly monster eyes—they kept coming back for seconds! If you want a recipe that feels festive, tastes amazing, and brings a smile to everyone’s face, give these sliders a try. I’m confident they’ll become one of your go-to Halloween appetizers too!
Print
Halloween Appetizer Monster Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Halloween Appetizer Monster Sliders are a fun and spooky treat perfect for parties. Made with grilled chicken thighs, fresh guacamole, and green olives styled as monster eyes, these sliders are easy to assemble and sure to delight both kids and adults looking for a festive, tasty bite.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Thighs (Grilled)
- 4 Slider Buns
- 1 cup Guacamole
- 4 Green Olives
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Warm the chicken: Heat the Cooked Perfect® Fire Grilled Chicken thighs according to package instructions until thoroughly warmed.
- Assemble the sliders: Place each warm chicken thigh onto a slider bun, then spread or dollop guacamole over the chicken.
- Create monster eyes: Push toothpicks halfway into the green olives, then insert two toothpicks topped with olives into each slider bun to resemble spooky monster eyes.
Notes
- These monster sliders are a fun Halloween appetizer that kids and adults will love.
- They are easy to make and perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
- You can prepare the chicken ahead of time to save on party prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 153 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
