Don’t let the season go by without trying these must-make fall recipes! Each one is guaranteed to bring cozy cheer using the best foods of the season.
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! There are recipes for sweet, savory, drinks, salads, and everything in between. Ready to get cooking?
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. We made them for a crowd and everyone agreed: these are fantastic! The flavor of fall is encapsulated in each bite.
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. And that smell of shallots sauteing in butter, with a splash of white wine? DIVINE. It’s a stunner.
What's more fall than chili? This classic vegetarian chili recipe is a fan favorite, balancing three beans, green chilis, and a healthy dose of chili powder. It's filled with bulgur wheat to mimic the texture of meat (sub cooked quinoa for gluten free). Top with sour cream or nacho cheese (yep!) and it's true perfection. Serve with Easy Vegan Cornbread.
Want another chili? Try our Quinoa Vegan Chili or Mango Black Bean Chili. Or if you've got an Instant Pot, our Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili!
Hands up if you like cookies! Once the weather starts getting cooler, we immediately crave these chewy pumpkin oatmeal cookies. They taste like--get this--oatmeal cream pies! The soft cookie is full of pumpkin spices, then drizzled with a powdered sugar icing. These will kick off the fall nostalgia in no time. Said one of our readers, "Made these today!! Delicious!!!"
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. This recipe uses Boiled Butternut Squash for easy prep.
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.
Next up in our must-try fall recipes: stuffed acorn squash! Because when other than fall do you crave its fleshy, sweet goodness? 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! You know that scent of onions, celery and leeks cooking in butter? Well, this recipe delivers it in spades. 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
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.
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!
Speaking of best of the best fall recipes...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 vegan pie crust that you’d never believe has no butter (the secret: coconut oil). Said one reader: "WOW. This is seriously amazing pot pie. I’ve had a couple of vegan pot pies before, but this is my favorite!"
Also try: Try our Cozy Vegetarian Pot Pie.
Fuzzy blankets, wool sweaters and hot cider can’t hold a candle to this one. Yes, this pumpkin bread is spelled C-O-Z-Y. It’s perfectly moist and pumpkin spiced. Even better, it’s light and fluffy: so you get your pumpkin spice fix without it being overly heavy or rich. It’s a seriously good pumpkin bread that happens to be plant-based, too.
Also try: Pumpkin Banana Bread
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.
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. It’s ideal for fall dinner parties, Halloween, Thanksgiving…or really anytime you’re craving pumpkin goodness!
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.
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.
Another great fall recipe? Brussels sprouts with maple glaze! These really are next level, and here’s why. They’re impossibly crispy, baked until they’re caramelized and the outside layers flake off into darkened crunchy chips. Then they’re draped in a tangy maple balsamic glaze that heightens the flavors to their peak. One bite of these, and everyone around the table will be asking how you did it.
Please tell us you will not let fall go by without making this easy fall recipe? Yes 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
But why not enjoy all the flavors in a healthy and delicious way? 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. Our son Larson was very into this one (especially sipping it out of his new pumpkin mug.) Bring on the pumpkin!
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. It's a symphony of good for you flavors that are all fall.
Once the temperatures start to cool down, we immediately dust off this one: pumpkin pasta sauce! 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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
And to round out our fall recipes...soup. Butternut squash soup isn't really about the food: it's about a fall tradition! Every year we make this soup with butternut squash from the market. And why make butternut squash soup when you can make curried butternut squash soup? Yes, the Thai flavors of coconut, ginger and curry are the perfect match to this lightly sweet orange squash. Yep, you've got to try it to believe it with this one!
Also try: Butternut Squash Lentil Soup or Easy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
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.
- Top Fall Salads 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.
Fall Recipes: Pumpkin Muffins & More!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
This pumpkin spice muffins recipe comes out moist and perfectly spiced! Bake up a batch to celebrate the season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons pumpkin pie spices, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup neutral oil
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- Granulated sugar, for the topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add 12 muffin cups to a muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of the pumpkin pie spices, baking soda, baking powder and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil and applesauce. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fill the muffin cups evenly, mounding the batter in the center with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar with the remaining ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spices. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the tops of the muffins.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove the muffins and place them on a cooling rack to fully cool. Store up to 4 days in a sealed container with a paper towel on the bottom and top, refrigerated up to 1 week or more, or frozen up to 3 months.
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Fall
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: Fall recipes