What better season than fall to cozy up in your kitchen and whip up some comforting, heartwarming dishes using the bounty of fresh autumn produce that's available? From hearty soups to delightful desserts, and even some vegan and vegetarian options, we've gathered a collection of easy fall recipes that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. So, grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Start your fall culinary adventure with a bowl of velvety butternut squash soup. This recipe from Half Baked Harvest combines roasted butternut squash with brie and crispy, salty pancetta for a creamy, savory delight that's perfect for chilly evenings.
Roasted Root Vegetables with Herbs
Turn humble root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes into a mouthwatering side dish no one can refuse! Roast your veggies with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for an amazingly simple yet delicious accompaniment to any fall meal.
Apple Butter and Sage Pork Chops
Another Half Baked Harvest favorite that truly celebrates the flavors of fall by searing pork chops with apple butter and sage, resulting in a juicy, flavorful (and easy!) meal that's perfect for Sunday family dinner.
Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts get a crispy and delicious makeover courtesy of A Couple Cooks with a drizzle of pure maple syrup. These sweet and savory sprouts are a caramelized crowd-pleaser, even for non-brussels sprouts fans. Oh, and it's vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free!
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Start your day with the flavors of fall with the Ambitious Kitchen by blending up a pumpkin pie smoothie. This healthy treat combines pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spices, frozen bananas and Greek yogurt for a creamy, satisfying and high-protein breakfast. Yum!
Caramel Apple Crisp
Nothing says fall like the combination of caramel and apples. This easy dessert from Fifteen Spatulas features tender, spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat and caramel topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence and thank us later!
Cranberry Orange Scones
Enjoy a cozy afternoon tea with homemade cranberry orange scones, recipe courtesy of Epicurious. These flaky, buttery delights are studded with tart cranberries and bright citrus zest—a perfect accompaniment to your favorite fall tea.
Hearty Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is a comforting dish that's even better in the fall when mushrooms are in season. This recipe is simplified for any first time risotto maker and features a luxurious caramelized leek topping to die for. With a few easy swaps, it’s a vegan, non-dairy recipe to boot.
Pumpkin and Sage Stuffed Shells
Upgrade your pasta night - fall style - with pumpkin and sage stuffed shells! These sweet and savory pasta shells are filled with a mouthwatering pumpkin and pecorino mixture, seasoned with fresh sage and then baked to perfection for a warm, filling and hearty family night meal.
Harvest Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
This vibrant salad from All The Healthy Things blends the best of fall produce, including crisp apples and pears plus tender butternut squash with smoky bacon, salty feta and crunchy candied pecans. And yet the best part is yet to come: when you toss it all together with a homemade maple-mustard vinaigrette dressing! This is a gluten-free salad that can also be easily modified to be dairy-free as well.
Sausage and Butternut Squash Skillet
This one-pot skillet dinner truly showcases the unique flavors of the season! Sweet butternut squash pairs perfectly with spicy, savory italian sausage in this easy-to-make, one-pan meal. Add a fall-inspired side dish like oven baked carrot fries or the fall harvest salad for a complete, absolutely delectable weeknight dinner.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Acorn squash halves make the perfect vessel for a flavorful stuffing of protein-packed quinoa, cranberries, apples, savory sauteed onions and mushrooms, celery and warm spices. This vegan dish from Vegan Huggs is both visually appealing and delicious, making it a great option for a fall dinner.
Fall is all about savoring the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals made with love and fresh, seasonal ingredients - and with these easy fall recipes in your culinary repertoire, you're now ready to embrace the flavors of the season! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these dishes are sure to impress your family and friends. Put on your coziest sweater and start cooking your way through this delightful fall menu. Happy cooking and happy fall!