Leaves crunching under your boots, no humidity, a PSL or two (or twelve)—fall is finally here! It’s the best time of the year, if you ask me. It means kids are in school and the AC stops running. And as much as I’ll miss munching on a farm-fresh watermelon, there’s something to be said about fall flavors. The fall harvest brings so much to the table (literally). There are apples, pumpkins, squash, cranberries, sweet potatoes, grains, and a lot more. We’ve scoured the Internet looking for the best fall recipes that everyone in your family will love. From dinner to dessert and breakfast the next morning, try out these seasonal recipes to really get yourself in the fall mood.
1. Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken
Apples aren’t only for dessert when it comes to enjoying fall foods. Apple cider glazed chicken is perfect for a chilly night in with the family. The subtle apple taste blends with the natural flavor of the chicken. You can use the apple cider you just bought at the orchard or pick up your favorite brand from the grocery store. Pair this fall recipe with fresh beans and rice to pull it all together.
Check out the recipe from Spicy Southern Kitchen
2. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Your family’s pickiest eaters don’t have to miss out on all the best fall flavors. Everyone loves mac and cheese, and this recipe using butternut squash is perfect for kids and adults alike. The addition of the squash adds a healthy kick to this creamy, melt-in-your-mouth side dish. You can use a fresh-picked butternut squash or find frozen cubes at the grocery store. It won’t take long to whip this up.
The Comfort of Cooking has the full recipe.
3. Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili
You can never have too much pumpkin in your life. This pumpkin chicken chili will definitely warm you up once the temperature starts to drop and leaves start to fall. It has a creamy texture and uses just the right amount of spice. Amy from Wholesomelicious has the recipe, and she even has two options to choose from. There’s the extra creamy version using cream cheese, and there’s also a dairy-free alternative using coconut oil. Why not try them both and see which one you like best?
Snag the full recipe here.
4. Pumpkin Soup
It can’t be fall without pumpkin soup. It’s good for you, deliciously creamy, and it’ll keep you and the family cozy for both lunch and dinner. Best yet, having this meal on the menu will give you yet another excuse to hit up that pumpkin patch/corn maze. Pick your favorite type of pumpkin or squash and get cooking!
We found this great recipe from Delish.
5. Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta
We seriously can’t get enough pumpkin this fall. This fall recipe combines the pumpkin taste you love with a dish that’s already a family favorite. Alfredo pasta is what you make when you have mouths to feed and not a lot of time to prepare. And pumpkin Alfredo pasta is what you make when it’s finally chilly outside and you want to celebrate those fall feelings.
Check out this tasty recipe from Delish.
6. Chicken Stew
There is no better comfort food than chicken stew. This fall recipe includes fresh carrots, potatoes, celery, and thyme. It’ll cheer you up if the change in season gives you the sniffles, and it’ll fill everyone’s belly for multiple days in a row. I love making chicken stew for days I know the whole family won’t be sitting down at once. You can leave it warming up on the stove, and everyone can grab a bowl when they have the time. It’ll stay delicious, and the leftovers are always the best.
You can get a great chicken stew recipe from Delish.
7. Acorn Squash
Not only does acorn squash scream fall, it’s also packed full of flavor and nutrition. Your first step will be buying your produce. Search through the bins to find an acorn squash that is deep green in color. Put it back if it’s too light or if it has cracks or soft spots. Once you have the perfect specimen, roasting an acorn squash takes less than an hour. And then you can scoop out the middle to serve. Your vegetarian and vegan friends will be especially pleased.
Spend With Pennies has a great recipe.
8. Apple Cranberry Bread
This fall recipe combines two of the season’s best fruits—apples and cranberries. You don’t even need a mixer to make this quick bread. It’s great for your holiday feast or bring it to dinner with your spouse’s new boss. It’s sweet in all the right ways and has a hint of spice.
Try out this recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats.
9. Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Muffins
Sometimes you just need something sweet and tasty to get you through the day. That’s where this fall recipe comes in. Pumpkin cheesecake is already a classic fall favorite. Putting that flavor into muffin form makes it even better. You can grab one of these tasty little muffins on your way to work or bring them as a dessert to a friend’s party. We have to warn you though, these aren’t your healthiest option when it comes to pumpkin-flavored foods. But with bathing suit season behind us, it’s okay to indulge every now and then.
Get the full recipe from The Busy Baker.
10. Pumpkin Spice Krispie Treats
Pumpkin spice can be added to just about anything these days. It’s in your coffee and your cereal, so why not put it in your rice krispie treats? You and your kids already love this simple treat, and a little fall flavor makes them the perfect way to celebrate the changing of the season. As always, there’s no baking involved, and it only takes about 10 minutes to whip up this family-favorite fall recipe.
Visit Mom Makes Joy for the recipe.
11. Spiced Pumpkin Apple Pancakes
Last but not least, we can’t forget about the most important meal of the day. Fall weekends are full of leaf piles, pumpkin carving, and apple picking, and you can kick off the day with these spiced pumpkin apple pancakes. Once you have your apples grated, it doesn’t take long to put together this pancake mix. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can add toppings like nuts or more chopped apples. Your kids will never want to eat cereal again.
Baked Broiled and Basted has the full recipe.
