Beyond the Black Hamburger Bun: 7 Ways to Spookify Your Food This Halloween

Unless you've been living under a pumpkin, you've probably heard about the major fast food chain that's offering a special black hamburger bun for Halloween (and about the bun's...um...spooky side effects). Reactions around the web were mixed: "I'd try it!" to "No way!" Whichever stance you took on the black bun, we've found a few more creepy takes on your favorite foods for you to consider this season. Would you dare serve these sinister-looking snacks at your next Halloween bash? Get the recipes below.
Goat Cheese Fingers

Yikes! Using goat cheese, roasted red peppers and almonds, you can create these surprisingly realistic "fingers." Serve them with an assortment of crackers and flatbread.
Make This: Spooky Goat Cheese Fingers
Cheesy Eyeballs

Sam Henderson
All it takes is a few olives and red gel food color to transform unassuming mini cheese rounds into eerie-looking eyeballs that will have your Halloween party guests doing double takes. Despite their unnerving appearance, they're a healthy snack option when paired with fresh veggies and whole wheat crackers.
Make This: Cheesy Eyeballs
Potato Beetles

If they don't crawl off the platter first, your Halloween party guests will love these tasty fingerling potato beetles. Use cream cheese to create the eyes and stripes, and wild rice for creepy-crawly legs.
Make This: Potato Beetles
Hairy Eyeballs

Beryl Cohen
Corn silk lends a "hairy" appearance to these fried polenta poppers. Garnish them with marinara sauce for a bloodshot eyeball effect.
Make This: Hairy Eyeballs
Black Candy Apples

Melissa Caughey
We've all enjoyed a classic red candy apple during the fall months, but would you try these lethal-looking alternatives? Complete the "poison apple" look by using branches from your garden in lieu of lollipop or popsicle sticks. (Maple, birch and fruit tree branches are all safe to use.)
Make This: Black Candy Apples
Bloody Brain Shooters

Photo by Steve Murello
Channel your inner mad scientist and mix up this bloody brain shooter. When you combine acidic lime juice with Irish cream, the cream curdles and creates brain-like strands in the shot. Weird, huh? Add a splash of grenadine for a bloody finishing touch.
Make This: Bloody Brain Shooter
Healthy Black Hamburger Buns

Finally, if you wanted to try the infamous black hamburger bun but were deterred by the unpleasant side effects, try making your own. This healthy recipe uses takesumi (or bamboo charcoal) for coloring, which is popular in Japan as a food additive and detoxifying supplement.
Make This: Healthy Black Hamburger Buns