You are in official Halloween weather watch mode, when you finally decide: do I have to wear a jacket over my awesome costume!?
Your friends at the CIA are rooting for you, and our fingers are crossed for clear skies and warm breezes for your candy-gathering adventures!
But before you pull your pillow out of its case (you guys still do that, right?), you need to do a little planning to make sure you and your parents have dinner plan in place for the big night. No matter how cool your get-up is, a trick-or-treater has to eat (and not just candy!).
Here’s a round-up of some of our favorite make-ahead recipes. Some are great at room temperature, best eaten standing up while your friends scream, “HURRY UP!” from the sidewalk. Some can be kept piping hot in a slow-cooker to enjoy during a break to warm your candy hands.
Banh Mi-inspired Chicken Salad
This salad is ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Save the dressing in a jar to dress individual plates of salad so the rest doesn’t get soggy.
Beef Chili
Use this fall staple to make fun, hand-held Frito pies, layered with corn chips, scallions, shredded cheese, and sour cream, if you like it.
Boston Baked Beans
These sweet and tangy beans are a meal in themselves! They’re warm and cozy, and perfect ladled into a hot bowl after a cold evening running around in the rain.
Double-Cheese Breakfast Burritos
Wrap these sausage burritos in tinfoil and pop them in a 400°F oven for ten minutes to reheat them. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them until they’re hot in the middle, about 1 minute.
Chilled Chile-Garlic Noodles
Every part of this dish can be made ahead and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to build a bowl.
Roasted Veggie Fajita Bowls
Roasted veggies are surprisingly good at room temperature, so put these bowls together whenever the hunger strikes! Add your favorite salsas or toppings to make it your own.
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Keep the pulled pork hot in the slow-cooker, and serve alongside hamburger buns, baked potatoes, or even tortillas for a quick little taco. Don’t forget the pickles!
Spinach and Cheddar Frittata
Eat this frittata at room temperature, on its own or slapped between two pieces of bread for an on-the-go sandwich.
White Beans with Salsa Verde
Put these beans out with a loaf of crusty bread and some items from your store’s olive bar for a filling snack-style meal.
Happy Halloween, friends!