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These fall recipes highlight all the best flavors of the season! Pick from hearty dinners, soups, salads, drinks, desserts and more.
Once the weather starts to get cool, recipes turn comforting and nostalgic. What’s better than cozying up with a cup of chili in a sweater, or the wafting aroma of pumpkin cookies? Once the season starts, we’re always clamoring to make the latest greatest fall recipes. So we thought we’d compile the best fall recipes that you must not miss this season. Browse these recipes for fall dinners, sides, salads, appetizers, breakfasts, baked goods, treats, and drink recipes: in that order!
Want to search by type? Try our 20 Best Fall Dinner Ideas, 20 Fall Appetizers, 25 Easy Fall Desserts, 20 Fall Salad Recipes, 25 Fall Soup Recipes, and 20 Fall Cocktails & Drinks.
And now…the best fall recipes to try this season!
The ultimate fall recipe: meet this Butternut Squash Soup! You’ll find the flavor is so lusciously creamy, it makes all your fall dreams come true. It makes the most of this tough-to-cut squash by transforming it into a silky orange puree.
Let's continue with fall dinner ideas: it's not fall until you've made butternut squash risotto! The smell alone of this butternut squash risotto bubbling away is reason to make it. The tender, caramelized roasted squash makes sweet pockets in the creamy Parmesan rice dotted with sage.
Here’s a fall recipe that’s jumped to the top of our favorites list: Pumpkin Chili! This one is hearty and healthy, packed with spices, sweet potato and beans. Load it up with all your favorite chili toppings, and it’s a satisfying fall dinner recipe that’s ideal for weeknights or dinner parties.
Welcome to your new favorite dinner: Butternut Squash Lasagna with Sage! The flavors are impeccable: creamy ricotta, punchy Pecorino, and fresh sage envelop the sweet squash in a cozy embrace. Every bite is a bit of sweet, savory, creamy, herby, and altogether irresistible.
Here’s an incredible fall recipe that’s impressive every time: these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas! It’s stood the test of time and has been a fan favorite for years. Tender sweet potatoes are the perfect contrast to savory black beans and tangy salsa verde. Top it off with Colby cheese, it’s the best gooey comfort food around. This one will please everyone: we guarantee it.
Here’s a rich and delicious side dish that will have everyone talking about it: this perfect Brussels Sprout Casserole! Because what’s better than making Brussels that taste like mac and cheese? Bake up those tender sprouts with a rich and creamy white cheddar cheese sauce, then top it with crunchy breadcrumbs toasted until they’re golden brown. It’s truly sublime.
This black bean chili is a fall classic! It's beyond simple to make, and the flavor is is outstanding. (We hope you’ll agree.) It’s got a hint of smokiness to highlight the tangy tomatoes and savory black beans. Top it with your favorite toppings, and it’s irresistibly hearty and savory.
This carrot ginger soup is everything cozy and fall! It's a simple pureed soup made with carrots, onion and ginger. For maximum creaminess, this one’s got coconut milk for a velvety texture. It also adds a subtle fruitiness that compliments the carrot perfectly.
Next up in our fall recipes: stuffed acorn squash! The creamy squash is roasted until tender, then it’s draped in a toasted pecan rice stuffing that makes your kitchen smell like a fall paradise! Everyone we’ve served it to becomes a believer…and then immediately asks for the recipe.
Also try: Try Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash or Roasted Acorn Squash with Wild Rice Stuffing
Why not eat everyone's favorite squash as...mac and cheese? Here it’s served in the shell for a beautiful presentation. The spaghetti squash strands are drenched in a creamy Béchamel sauce with Gruyere cheese. What are you waiting for?
Another fan favorite? Try our Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti. or Easy Pesto Spaghetti Squash.
Here’s a healthy fall recipe you’ll immediately add to your regular rotation…because it’s just that good. Try this White Bean Soup recipe, full of humble ingredients and huge flavor! It’s a new favorite over here, especially now that soup season has arrived. Tender white beans float in the cozy broth with soft potatoes and leafy kale. Lemon zest lends brightness and tarragon brings an herby nuance. It’s made of 100% vegetables and tastes like a dream.
Pumpkin puree actually makes for a creamy, irresistible pumpkin pasta sauce. Its texture melds seamlessly with Parmesan cheese, and its subtle flavor works just as well with garlic and chili powder as with pumpkin spices. Even better, this fall pasta recipe is quick to whip up: even with the penne, it takes under 30 minutes to make.
Another variation: Baked Gnocchi with Pumpkin Sauce
This cozy Vegetable Pot Pie is next level. The earthy potatoes and onions are slathered in a savory, creamy sauce, along with fried shallots and white beans. And on top, a flaky sage pie crust. Said one reader: "WOW. This is seriously amazing pot pie!"
Also try: Try our Cozy Vegetarian Pot Pie.
Want to make pumpkin soup, but don’t want to roast an entire pumpkin? This is the recipe for you! All you need is a can of pumpkin puree. It’s got another secret ingredient too, that makes it more filling than a standard creamy soup: red lentils! The lentils thicken this soup and give it creamy body. Top sour cream swirls and crunchy homemade croutons, and well: it’s a cozy masterpiece.
Here’s a fall recipe that’s simple, hearty and pleases a crowd: this easy Stuffed Shells! Stuff pasta shells with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and spinach, then bake them up in a bath of garlicky tomato sauce. It makes your kitchen smell heavenly, and the first bite into one of those jumbo shells confirms it’s just as tasty as the smell.
There’s just something about silky caramelized onions topped golden, crusty cheese that takes your breath away every time. This is classic French cooking at its finest. It’s not just the flavor. It’s the promise that while the outside world is cold and brutal, every spoonful of French onion soup is pure bliss.
There’s nothing quite like the crispy perfection of Roasted Brussels Sprouts! The humble sprout has come a long way in the last few decades, from a hated vegetable to the trendiest one on the block. This roasted Brussels sprouts recipe to bring those crispy, French-fry like addictiveness of these veggies to your home.
Here’s a dreamy fall recipe if there ever was one: this brilliant Pear Salad! It’s a study in contrasts: fresh, juicy pear against funky gorgonzola cheese; bright pomegranate against savory shallot. Throw in some toasted pecans and cover it in tangy poppy seed dressing, and well: it’s absolutely irresistible.
Let's transition to fall side and salad recipes! One of the easiest and tastiest ways to cook this ubiquitous orange squash is simply roasting it in a hot oven. Roasting butternut squash cubes in a very hot oven turns the squash irresistibly sweet and caramelized. It's a total fall treat!
If you’re a Brussels lover, this recipe is a must-try. Boil them, smash them, then roast them with Parmesan cheese until they’re crispy at the edges. It’s like roasted Brussels sprouts taken up two notches, because the interior is creamy and smooth.
Here’s a standout fall recipe starring everyone’s favorite ingredient: Butternut Squash Salad! This one is a symphony in a bowl: hearty sweet squash pairs with crisp apple, chewy cranberries and a citrusy orange vinaigrette. All the best flavors of fall and winter ingredients sing together in perfect harmony
After all these cozy, gooey, comfort food-y recipes, here's a fall recipe that's crisp and fresh! This shaved Brussels sprout salad features sprouts in their raw form: which taste a bit like a sweet blend of cabbage and lettuce! Top that with a tangy sweet vinaigrette, tart apples and pomegranate seeds.
Here’s a fantastic fall recipe that’s about as quintessentially cozy as they come: Mashed Butternut Squash! The flavor is bold and sweet, with a nutty undertone. Sage, butter, and Parmesan cheese make the baked butternut squash sing! Mash it with a potato masher or even better: whip it for a light and fluffy Butternut Squash Puree.
Another great fall recipe: try this Sweet Potato Salad! You won’t be able to stop shoveling in bites of this healthy side dish (we couldn’t, at least). The contrast of garlic roasted sweet potato cubes, feathery baby arugula, cranberries and creamy goat cheese hit it out of the park.
Once it's apple picking season, homemade applesauce is a must make fall recipe! Making applesauce at home is easier than you think. This recipe skips the extra sugars of the store bought kind! If you'd like, add cinnamon and a splash of maple syrup: or leave it unsweetened. Pick from two methods: stovetop or Instant Pot.
Looking for a quick and easy fall appetizer? Try Cranberry Goat Cheese! This festive appetizer is perfect for parties, pairing the flavors of cranberry, pistachio and fresh rosemary with the tangy cheese. Drizzle honey over the top before serving for a sweet pop. It’s fast to put together and ideal for snack tables, scooped up with crackers or crostini.
Please tell us you will not let fall go by without making this easy fall recipe? Pumpkin hummus is where it's at! Combining this ubiquitous fall vegetable with chickpeas into a savory hummus might seem a little odd at first. But it’s surprisingly good! It's creamy and savory, with an undertone of autumnal goodness.
Serve with: Homemade Pita Chips
Are you ready for the best, coziest fall appetizer to hit your table this season? Try this easy Pumpkin Dip! It tastes like everything you love about the season: pumpkin, maple, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. And it takes only 5 minutes to stir together.
Here’s a cozy fall breakfast recipe: cozy pumpkin pancakes! Adding pumpkin puree gives the pancakes a fluffy, hearty texture and satisfying mouthfeel. They’re seasoned with a hefty dose of warm pumpkin spices. Drizzled with pure maple syrup, each bite is lusciously sweet and spiced.
This one's a fall recipe people can't stop talking about: these pumpkin baked oatmeal. These nutrient-dense oats are mixed with pumpkin puree, pecans and spices and baked up in the oven. The result? A healthy version of pumpkin pie. Also try: Cozy Pumpkin Oatmeal.
This oatmeal recipe is cozy and comforting, made with real fresh fruit and seasoned with brown sugar, cinnamon and a hint of allspice. When it comes to cozy fall breakfasts, it’s king! It's ideal for chunky sweaters and chilly mornings.
It’s fall and that means: cue the pumpkin recipes! It’s our goal to turn just about everything imaginable into a pumpkin flavored version of itself. These Pumpkin Waffles are the ideal fall breakfast, featuring cozy spices and pumpkin puree. They’re just sweet enough and topped with a little pure maple syrup…let’s just say they went over like a charm over here.
Here’s a fall recipe for cozy mornings that’s got a secret…it’s a healthy breakfast idea, too. Meet these Apple Pancakes! They’re fluffy, cinnamon-spiced, and guess what? They’re made of 100% oats, no flour! Using oats lends a warm, homey flavor and makes them more filling and nutrient-dense than the traditional pancake.
At the top of our favorite fall recipes is this luscious apple crisp! It's absolutely classic, harnessing all that cozy nostalgia of the season. The crumble topping is the ideal texture: crispy but not crunchy, and buttery but not soft. The fruit layer below will make your heart sing: cinnamon, a hint of ginger and allspice set off just a hint of orange and lemon zest.
Also try: Best Gluten Free Apple Crisp
Looking for a great fall recipe to welcome the season? Try these Pumpkin Spice Muffins! These muffins are the perfect level of sweetness, moist and cozy scented with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Tfantastic! The flavor of fall is encapsulated in each bite.
Here’s our ultimate fall treat: Pumpkin Cookies! These sweet morsels are lusciously pillowy and chewy, scented with a burst of fall spices and a hint of molasses. The exterior has a subtle sugar crunch and a drizzle of simple sweet icing. Even better, the soft texture holds up for days.
Here’s a fall recipe that’s just right for the season: this classic Pumpkin Cake! It’s beautifully thick and moist, scented with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. The best part? A layer of tangy, fluffy cream cheese frosting is its ideal flavor match. It’s so classic and irresistible, you’ll want to make it for every gathering.
A good pumpkin bread recipe is as essential to fall as a puffy jacket, and here’s our favorite one. The scent wafting through your kitchen transports you to an autumn paradise, and the loaf falls just so into deliciously cozy-spiced slices. It’s tender and moist, but not too fluffy or too dense. The best part? It’s simple to whip up: one bowl, no special equipment; just dump and stir!
Here’s an impressive dessert that’s got fall entertaining written all over it: Pumpkin Bread Pudding! Imagine, bread cubes baked in a pumpkin-spiced custard until puffed and golden. Drizzle it with a golden bourbon butter sauce and wowza! It’s a little bit of heaven.
Wow, will this beautiful bite have you meditating on it for hours. The moist cake is cozy-scented and just sweet enough, since after all it really is a muffin. Top that with a generous gooey mound of maple cream cheese, and each bite is like eating cheesecake and a muffin all at once.
Apple crisp or apple crumble? For us, it’s this perfect Apple Crumble! Golden, crunchy brown sugar crumbles top a sweet tart filling of warm spiced fruit, seasoned with cinnamon, allspice and ginger. Bake this one on repeat all fall and winter, and you’ll never tire of it.
There’s nothing better than a baked sweet potato, but what about turning this bright orange root vegetable into a baked good? Try these Sweet Potato Muffins! Adding mashed sweet potato to baked goods makes them deliciously moist. These tall, fluffy muffins are perfectly cinnamon spiced and the ideal side dish for a fall meal.
Here’s a quick bread that’s begging to be part of your fall baking repertoire: Sweet Potato Bread! This alterative to pumpkin bread is even more fun than the classic, we think. Why? It’s incredibly moist and sweetly spiced, with cinnamon and a beautiful nuance from the sweet potato. This recipe makes a tall, fluffy loaf that looks impressive.
Here's the perfect fall cocktail to add to your repertoire: the Pumpkin Martini! It’s creamy, it’s cozy pie spiced, and it’s made with real pumpkin for the best natural flavor. Even better, coat the glass rim in crushed graham crackers and you get a hint of crunchy sweet in each sip!
Get ready to be amazed by the best fall drink recipe! This Fall Sangria recipe pairs sparkling apple cider with red wine, orange and cinnamon. In a word: wow. It's just sweet enough, more like a traditional Spanish sangria. If you'd like, pour it in layers to make the the beautiful two-tones. And don't forget the garnish: a rosemary sprig, orange slice, and cinnamon stick!
Here’s a classic that’s required for fall, in our opinion: Hot Spiked Apple Cider! There’s something about the combination of sweet cinnamon and cloves with the subtle spicy finish of rum or bourbon that’s absolutely soul warming. The liquor melds seamlessly into the hot cider, making a smooth sip and a cozy finish.
This Pumpkin Smoothie is creamy and full of pumpkin-spiced flavor: and made with Greek yogurt and fruit! It’s a deliciously cozy way to usher in the season…without the sugar high. It’s also packed with protein from the yogurt. Bring on the pumpkin!
Once apple cider season rolls around, there’s one cocktail you absolutely must make with it. This Apple Cider Margarita! It’s tangy and balanced: the zingy tequila and lime pairs beautifully with the sweet cider. Top it off with a cinnamon sugar rim, and every sip is a delight. This one is ideal as a fall cocktail or winter drink: make the pitcher variation if you’re serving a crowd!
If there’s one fall recipe that’s perfect for ushering in the cool weather, it’s the Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte! This Starbucks special might be a little basic, but honestly: we’re here for it. Make it at home and it’s even better than at a coffeeshop: creamy and cozy-spiced, with a hint of vanilla and real pumpkin puree. It’s easy to whip up this pumpkin drink and when you take the first sip: you’ll want to make it on repeat. Also try: Pumpkin Spice Latte
Looking for a drink to warm up on a chilly evening? A hot toddy is one thing, but even better? Try an Apple Cider Hot Toddy! Apple cider is the ideal balance in a hot toddy: it brings just the right sweet tart nuance to the flavor.
Best flavors of fall
What are the best seasonal fall foods? These are the top vegetables and fruits to include in your cooking! Of course, availability will vary based on your location. Bonus points if you can find them at a local farmers market! Here are recipes based on the seasonal produce you can find this time of year:
- Sweet Potato Recipes
- Butternut Squash Recipes
- Acorn Squash Recipes
- Spaghetti Squash Recipes
- Pumpkin Recipes
- Cauliflower Recipes
- Brussels Sprouts Recipes
- Apple Recipes
- Beet Recipes
More fall recipes
Looking for specific types of recipes? Here are more recipes organized by category:
- Best Fall Dinner Recipes Don’t miss out! Try everything from cozy pot pie to hearty chili.
- 20 Tasty Fall Appetizers Opt for these cozy starters for a meal.
- Top Fall Salads and 15 Fall Soups These recipes highlight the best the season has to offer!
- 10 Easy Fall Desserts These cozy recipes go big on autumn spices and seasonal fruits.
- Fall Cocktails for the Season or Fantastic Fall Drinks Featuring apple, pear, cranberry, and cinnamon, these drinks are positively cozy. See also: Fall Bourbon Cocktails or Fall Vodka Cocktails.
50 Best Fall Recipes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 1x
Description
This classic butternut squash soup recipe has just the right fall flavor! Creamy and cozy, serve it with crusty bread for an easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon peeled and finely grated ginger
- 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots (about 2 medium or 1 very large)
- 1 medium butternut squash (4 cups chopped)*
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 quart vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk, plus more to garnish
- Optional garnishes: fresh chopped parsley, pepitas
Instructions
- Dice the onion. Mince the garlic. Peel and cut the ginger. Peel and chop the carrots. Peel and dice the butternut squash.
- In a medium stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute until lightly browned and fragrant.
- Add the carrots, squash, vegetable broth, dried sage, and kosher salt and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cook until carrots and squash are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and the coconut milk. Use a liquid measuring cup to carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth (puree it in batches if it’s a standard size blender). Taste and add a little more salt if necessary. If desired, drizzle with a bit of coconut milk before serving.
Notes
*To speed up prep, substitute frozen butternut squash.
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fall
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: Fall recipes