As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, fall presents the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. The abundance of seasonal produce during this time of year—like pumpkins, apples, butternut squash, and root vegetables—offers endless inspiration for hearty, comforting dishes. Whether you’re looking to cook up something warm and savory for dinner or a sweet treat to enjoy by the fire, here are some seasonal recipes to try this fall that celebrate the flavors of this beautiful season.
1. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Few things say fall like a warm bowl of roasted butternut squash soup. This simple yet comforting recipe is a perfect way to showcase the natural sweetness of butternut squash while incorporating the rich flavors of sage and nutmeg.
To make this soup, start by peeling and cubing a butternut squash and roasting it in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender. In a large pot, sauté a chopped onion and a couple of cloves of garlic until fragrant, then add the roasted squash along with vegetable broth. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes before blending until smooth. Add a splash of cream and season with sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying fall meal.
2. Apple Cider Braised Chicken
For a savory dish that embodies the spirit of fall, apple cider braised chicken is an excellent choice. The natural sweetness of apple cider paired with savory herbs like thyme and rosemary creates a deliciously complex flavor that’s sure to impress.
Begin by seasoning bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in a hot skillet until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté sliced shallots and garlic until softened, then deglaze the pan with apple cider. Add chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary, then return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Serve this dish over mashed potatoes or with roasted root vegetables for a cozy fall dinner.
3. Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin isn’t just for pies—it also makes for a creamy and comforting risotto that’s perfect for chilly fall evenings. The creamy arborio rice combined with pureed pumpkin and warming spices makes this dish a seasonal favorite.
To prepare pumpkin risotto, start by heating some vegetable broth in a saucepan and keeping it warm. In a separate pot, sauté a finely chopped onion in butter until softened, then add the arborio rice and cook until it becomes slightly translucent. Gradually add the warm broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition is absorbed. Halfway through, add canned or fresh pumpkin puree and a pinch of nutmeg. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of cream for extra richness. Garnish with chopped fresh sage and serve hot.
4. Maple Glazed Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a staple of fall cooking, and a maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness that elevates this simple dish to something special. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes work especially well for this recipe.
Start by peeling and chopping an assortment of root vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. Spread the vegetables out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F until they are caramelized and tender, about 25-30 minutes. The natural sugars in the vegetables, combined with the maple syrup, create a beautiful caramelization that pairs wonderfully with any main course.
5. Caramel Apple Galette
For a dessert that celebrates the flavors of fall, look no further than a caramel apple galette. This rustic, freeform tart is easier to make than a traditional pie but just as delicious, featuring thinly sliced apples, caramel sauce, and a buttery crust.
To make the galette, roll out a sheet of pie dough on a floured surface and arrange thin apple slices in the center, leaving a border around the edges. Drizzle the apples with caramel sauce and sprinkle with cinnamon. Fold the edges of the dough up over the apples, creating a rustic crust, and brush the dough with an egg wash. Bake at 375°F until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
6. Spiced Pear Muffins
Pears are often overshadowed by apples in the fall, but they are just as flavorful and versatile. These spiced pear muffins are a great way to enjoy the fruit in a cozy, handheld treat. They’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
To make spiced pear muffins, start by whisking together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then fold in diced pears. Divide the batter among muffin cups and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The result is a tender, fragrant muffin filled with fall flavors.
7. Harvest Grain Salad with Pomegranate
A harvest grain salad is a wonderful way to incorporate the vibrant colors and flavors of fall into a healthy meal. This salad combines hearty grains like quinoa or farro with seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pecans.
Begin by cooking the grains according to the package instructions and letting them cool. Roast cubed butternut squash with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender. In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains, roasted squash, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped pecans. Toss everything with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. This salad is a beautiful mix of flavors and textures and makes a great side dish or light lunch.
8. Baked Stuffed Acorn Squash
Baked stuffed acorn squash is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect dish for a cozy fall dinner or even a holiday meal. The sweet, nutty flavor of acorn squash pairs beautifully with a savory stuffing made from grains, vegetables, and herbs.
To prepare, cut acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Brush the insides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast the squash halves cut-side down until tender. Meanwhile, prepare the stuffing by sautéing onion, garlic, celery, and mushrooms, then combining them with cooked quinoa or wild rice, chopped dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts. Fill each squash half with the stuffing mixture and return to the oven to bake until everything is heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
9. Mulled Apple Cider
Nothing says fall quite like a warm mug of mulled apple cider. This classic fall beverage is full of seasonal spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, making it perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
To make mulled cider, pour apple cider into a large pot and add a few cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and a couple of slices of fresh orange. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld for about 20-30 minutes. Strain the spices and serve warm, optionally garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange. It’s a comforting drink that warms you from the inside out.
10. Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Start your fall mornings off right with a stack of pumpkin spice pancakes. These fluffy pancakes are packed with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making them the ultimate fall breakfast.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, melted butter, and a bit of brown sugar. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Cook the pancakes on a hot griddle until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, then flip and cook until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a cozy fall breakfast.
