86 Fall Cooking Recipes Ideas
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like retreating to a warm kitchen filled with the comforting aromas of fall cooking. This season invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and indulge in heartier meals made with love—and plenty of seasonal produce.
Fall is nature’s final harvest celebration—a time when the farmers’ markets overflow with color and flavor. Think vibrant squash, sweet apples, earthy mushrooms, and crisp kale—all waiting to be transformed into simple, satisfying meals.
Cooking in the fall is all about honoring the season: embracing slow roasting, gentle simmering, and the rich, deep flavors that only autumn ingredients can deliver. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or just beginning to explore seasonal cooking, these fall-inspired recipes are packed with farm-fresh goodness and cozy charm that will nourish you all season long.
Fall Cooking Recipes Ideas To Inspire
From rich stews to oven-roasted vegetables, spiced baked goods to soul-warming soups, fall is a time to lean into flavor, texture, and nostalgia. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or simply soothing, these fall recipes are designed to wrap you in warmth, one delicious bite at a time.
Fall Charcuterie Board
Create the perfect fall charcuterie board with an easy-to-assemble selection of cheese, nuts, and seasonal fruits—the ideal Thanksgiving appetizer platter! Go to recipe.
Baked Feta Dip Recipe with Dates, Hazelnuts and Honey
This 5-ingredient easy baked feta dip with dates and hazelnuts is drizzled with honey and olive oil for a simple appetizer. Spread creamy roasted feta cheese on crackers, toast it on crostini or serve with pita bread for scooping! Go to recipe.
Roasted Grapes Phyllo Cup Appetizer
This roasted grapes phyllo cup appetizer will delight your guests with its sweet and savory combination of roasted grapes, thyme, blue cheese, and walnuts. Go to recipe.
Cheesy Polenta Bites Recipe with Mushroom Topping
My polenta bites: Golden brown on the outside, creamy on the inside, and topped with garlicky mushrooms and a shower of salty Pecorino Romano… they’re earthy, savory, and exactly what your next gathering needs. Go to recipe.
Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Warm, hearty, and full of bold Italian flavors, this sausage and white bean soup is the cozy comfort food you’ll be craving all season. Go to recipe.
Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup
Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup is a meatless soup recipe packed full of flavor! Cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika and cinnamon complement the red lentils and carrots, creating a creamy, filling soup. This soup freezes great too! Go to recipe.
Turkey Lentil Soup
This hearty and delicious turkey lentil soup is a simple one pot meal that only takes 45 minutes to make! It contains simple and fresh ingredients, including lentils, ground turkey, vegetables, diced tomatoes, and spices. The perfect family-friendly meal that’s pack with protein! Go to recipe.
Creamy Sausage Pumpkin Soup with Tortellini and Kale
This pumpkin tortellini soup with sausage and kale is a a must-make for fall! It’s hearty, creamy, and full of flavor! Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Tomato Soup
This creamy pumpkin tomato soup blends simple pantry staples into a velvety, satisfying bowl of fall comfort that cooks up in under an hour. The recipe delivers a balanced harmony of sweet pumpkin and tangy tomato flavors into a filling and customizable meal. Go to recipe.
Creamy Pumpkin Curry Soup
This Creamy Pumpkin Curry Soup is perfect for cozy soup season! It is perfectly spiced, packed full of veggies, and is super creamy – you would never know it was dairy free! Perfect for a simple weeknight meal, as a side, or as a vegan option at your Thanksgiving table! Go to recipe.
Healing Sweet Potato Turmeric Soup with Coconut Milk
This healing sweet potato soup with turmeric and spices is just the thing you want when the days get colder. It tastes delicious and looks gorgeous! Go to recipe.
Sweet Potato Soup
Grab a spoon and enjoy this creamy loaded sweet potato soup, where buttery sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, and fragrant rosemary come together in one insanely delicious and cozy bowl. Go to recipe.
Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup
This Chicken and Potato Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup that is easy to make and packed with coziness throughout! Tender potatoes, bacon, chicken, and vegetables combined in a hearty broth that is perfect comfort food! Go to recipe.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Soup
This is a Romanian delish, a traditional chicken soup with sour cream and garlic (ciorba radauteana) which is absolutely fabulous. Go to recipe.
Vegan Tom Yum Noodle Soup
This Tom Yum Noodle Soup recipe is a bold, tangy, and aromatic Thai classic made without fish sauce or shrimp broth. Instead, it’s vegan and packed with fragrant lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, mushrooms, tofu, and rice noodles, all in a spicy, sour, and savory broth, andit’s ready in about 30 minutes. Go to recipe.
Chicken Tomato Vegetable Soup
This hearty, cozy, nutritious and full of color chicken sour soup is packed with vitamins and full of flavor and goodness. It’s one of the most cooked and loved Romanian soups, enjoyed year-round not just in colder seasons. Go to recipe.
Smoked Pork Knuckle Noodle Soup
This Romanian smoked pork knuckle noodle soup is very nutritious and full of veggies. Making noodles at home is not a big deal and is something I love making. Go to recipe.
Romanian Meatball Soup
This tasteful Romanian meatball soup with tomatoes and lots of vegetables (ciorba de perisoare) is full of color and vitamins. Go to recipe.
Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup
This Tuscan white bean and kale soup delivers incredible flavor and satisfying plant-based protein in every spoonful! What makes our recipe stand out is the perfect balance of hearty white beans and lentils that create a filling, nutritious meal without being heavy or cream-based. Go to recipe.
Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili recipe is the best dump-and-go recipe for a chilly night! Prep everything in less than 15 minutes, then let the crockpot do all the work! Go to recipe.
Beef Stew (with Potatoes)
This One-Pot Beef Stew offers big flavors with little mess. It’s a comforting, delicious meal any day of the week. Healthy and immensely satisfying. Go to recipe.
Beef and Barley Stew
If you’re looking for a big ‘n hearty stew that warms the family on a chilly night, you’ve hit the jackpot. This Beef and Barley Stew is made in the slow cooker for a tender, flavorful, and super easy dinner. Go to recipe.
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
The proud winner of multiple chili cook-offs, this Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is your new go-to for a hearty and incredibly flavorful meal. With lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and black beans, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it both nutritious and delicious. Go to recipe.
Slow Cooker Turkey Stew
Slow Cooker Turkey Stew has ground turkey, sweet potato, red bell pepper, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili garlic sauce and coconut milk! And this recipe with Thai-inspired flavors is high in protein! Go to recipe.
Chili Con Carne Recipe
This rich and authentic chili con carne recipe is a spicy stew of tender beef slowly simmered in a mouth-watering chili sauce, irresistible, and easy! Make it with or without beans. You can also make it with tomatoes, if desired. It’s very simple to customize to your own preferred spice level. Go to recipe.
Butternut Squash Curry
This butternut squash curry will become your new favorite quick and easy weeknight meal! It’s cozy, delicious plant-based and super fast to make (especially if you use frozen cubed butternut squash). Go to recipe.
Best Chanterelle Mushroom Stew
Chanterelle mushroom stew is one of my all-time favorite fall and winter dinners. This vegetarian stew has deep, rich and delicious flavor from caramelized onions and a variety of chanterelle and wild mushrooms and is guaranteed to satisfy. Go to recipe.
Romanian Pork And Potato Stew
This Romanian pork and potato stew is easy to make, hearty and full of tastiness. I’m cooking it all year long and you can easily make it vegetarian leaving the meat out. Go to recipe.
Green Beans And Pork Stew
This green beans and pork stew is another favorite of mine. Hearty, tasteful and comforting, this bean recipe is full of flavor and nutritious. Go to recipe.
Eggplant Pork & Tomato Stew
Delicious fried eggplant slices cooked in tomato garlic sauce and tasteful pork coming together in a fabulous recipe. Go to recipe.
Stewed Cabbage And Sausage
Stewed cabbage and sausage – tender sautéed cabbage in sweet tomato sauce flavored with sausages and lots of fresh dill for complete deliciousness. Go to recipe.
Chicken Meatloaf
This ground chicken meatloaf recipe is healthy and delicious, and it takes only a few minutes of prep work to make this lightened-up version of a comfort food classic. Go to recipe.
Easy Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
Savory Italian flavors make this easy one-pan recipe for Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli a standout dinner any night of the week. Quick to prep and fast to get on the table with a flavor that tastes like “more” — you’re gonna love it! Go to recipe.
Creamy Cider Chicken with Apples Cranberries and Bacon
Tender chicken simmered in a rich cider cream sauce with sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crispy bacon — cozy, flavorful, and perfect for a fall dinner that feels special but is simple to make. Go to recipe.
Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Thighs
These skillet chicken thighs are seasoned and seared for crispy skin, then finished with the most delicious pan sauce. Go to recipe.
Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
Rich, creamy, and oh so delicious, chicken Alfredo spaghetti squash is the perfect healthy meal! The flavorful, cheesy sauce is served over pan-seared chicken and roasted spaghetti squash for an easy dish you’ll make again and again. Go to recipe.
Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
These Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls require only a few simple ingredients and are packed with flavor! Each crescent roll is stuffed with shredded chicken, cheese, and seasonings! Topped with a creamy, cheese sauce…this chicken rolls recipe is one you don’t want to pass up! Go to recipe.
Savory Pumpkin Tart with Mushrooms
A savory pumpkin tart us taken to the next level with a French twist of mushrooms, sage and chestnut. Go to recipe.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
This stuffed acorn squash is packed with fall flavors and ingredients. These roasted fall veggies make the perfect side dish! Go to recipe.
Vegan Pumpkin Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms
Vegan Pumpkin Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms is a delicious and healthy fall-inspired dinner ready in 30 minutes. Everyone will enjoy this flavorful pumpkin pasta sauce tossed with savory vegetables and whole grain noodles. Go to recipe.
Black Trumpet Risotto
Black trumpets are pure forest magic – like little delicate treasures brimming with an irresistible umami flavor that feels almost otherworldly. What better way to showcase their enchanting aroma than fusing them into a creamy, buttery black trumpet risotto? Go to recipe.
Fondant Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Thyme Glaze
Golden and caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside — these sweet potatoes are finished with a buttery maple-thyme glaze that feels a little fancy but is totally doable for any fall meal. Go to recipe.
Scalloped Potatoes
Looking for a tasty side dish for your next family dinner? Look no further than this simple and delicious Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Perfectly creamy and flavorful, your loved ones will be begging for seconds. Go to recipe.
Vegan Potato Pancakes
These vegan, gluten-free pancakes are inspired by Czech Bramboráky, come together without flour, eggs, onion, or dairy, and are the perfect cozy dish for fall, featuring two surprising ingredients that are rather unusual for potato pancakes. Go to recipe.
Hasselback Turnips
Hasselback turnips are an easy and elegant side dish! Sliced thin, topped with seasoned butter and bacon and roasted until tender and golden, these delicious (yes!) turnips are irresistible and won’t disappoint! Go to recipe.
Easy Pumpkin Chili Sauce
This 5-ingredient Easy Pumpkin Chili Sauce is spicy, sweet, and oh so scrumptious. This sauce can be prepared in less than 10 minutes and pairs perfectly with everything from appetizers, mains, and sides. Go to recipe.
Fall Harvest Salad
Fall Harvest Salad made with fresh apples, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, feta or blue cheese, crispy bacon all tossed with arugula or spring mix in a homemade apple cider vinegar dressing. Go to recipe.
Butternut Squash and Apple Kale Salad
This Butternut Squash and Apple Kale Salad makes a great simple fall or winter salad. The crunchy pecans, crisp apples, sweet raisins, and roasted warm butternut squash creates what I consider the best Autumn harvest salad recipe. Go to recipe.
Eton Mess Recipe with Cinnamon and Pears
Featuring layers of cinnamon meringue, apple compote, ginger whipped cream, and fresh pears, this autumn-inspired twist on the traditional British Eton mess recipe is one of my favorite desserts for fall. Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Custard
Rich and silky, this easy pumpkin custard makes an elegant Thanksgiving dessert or a cozy fall treat, topped with whipped cream or cinnamon. Go to recipe.
Old Fashioned Rice Pudding
This easy, homemade old fashioned stove top rice pudding recipe is one of my favorite childhood desserts. Go to recipe.
European Oven Baked Rice Pudding
This oven-baked rice pudding is a warm and comforting dessert that’s creamy on the inside with a light, golden crust on top. Unlike stovetop rice pudding, this version gets its airy texture from beaten egg whites, making it fluffy and delicate, and perfect to use up leftover rice pudding. Go to recipe.
Honeynut Squash Recipe
This Honeynut Squash Recipe is a delicious fall vegetable dish that is great for weeknights or even holidays. On the table in only 30 minutes. Go to recipe.
Jello Fruit Cake
This beautiful and colorful layered fruit cake is made with fresh seasonal fruit, perfect for fall and winter time! It’s a simple and easy no-bake dessert with natural homemade jello made from apple juice. Go to recipe.
Easy Candy Corn Fudge
Candy Corn Fudge is a fun and festive Fall treat! This no-bake white chocolate fudge only requires 4 ingredients and 10 minutes to make (+ chill time!). You’re going to love whipping this up for Fall or a fun Halloween treat! Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes are the epitome of fall! With warm spices, vanilla, and pumpkin, these festive pancakes are the ultimate autumn breakfast! Go to recipe.
The Best Copycat Panera Bread Pumpkin Muffin Recipe
This copycat Panera Bread pumpkin muffin recipe features moist, bakery-style muffins made with warm fall spices and topped with a sweet, buttery streusel. It’s an easy homemade version that delivers the same rich pumpkin flavor and tender texture as the NOW DISCONTINUED café favorite. Go to recipe.
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Spice Donuts
These baked pumpkin donuts are made with a little spice, are super tender, fluffy, yet cakey and have a perfect coating of cinnamon sugar on the outside. They’re absolutely perfect for fall, but can totally be enjoyed throughout the year, too! Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Banana Muffins
A deliciously nutritious, light and fluffy muffin that will please everyone! Make 6 large or 12 small muffins. Go to recipe.
Easy Candied Pecans Recipe
Perfectly caramelized with a hint of spice, they’re ideal for topping salads and grain bowls, gifting during the holidays, or simply enjoying as a sweet, crunchy snack. Go to recipe.
Easy Southern Pecan Pralines
These Easy Southern Pecan Pralines are creamy, crunchy candies made with simple ingredients. They’re ready in about 30 minutes and no candy thermometer needed! Go to recipe.
Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites
Caramel apple pretzel bites with chocolate are the perfect fall treat! These sweet and salty bites are ideal for parties, Halloween, or any occasion. Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Cut-Out Cookies
These pumpkin cut-out cookies are a fall twist on a classic sugar cookie! Use pumpkin cookie cutters to cut the soft sugar cookies into shapes then decorate with icing. Go to recipe.
Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Streusel
These cinnamon oatmeal cookies with streusel combine the cozy warmth of fall spices with a chewy oatmeal base and a buttery crisp streusel topping for the ultimate comfort cookie that requires no chilling time. Go to recipe.
Chocolate chip cinnamon cookies
I never thought I would say this but chocolate chip cinnamon cookies in the air fryer are a dream come true. It is the perfect combination of buttery dough, filled with ooey gooey chocolate chips, and Fall spices with a soft middle with crunchy edges. Go to recipe.
Air Fryer Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie: Festive Dessert!
Cranberry desserts are one of my favorites for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the holiday season in general! They’re sweet, tart, vibrant, and delicious as well. I love making a mini crustless cranberry pie in my air fryer since it’s quick, and keeps the oven open for other things! Go to recipe.
Cranberry Orange Scones: Air Fryer or Oven!
Scones are one of those versatile baked goods that can be enjoyed for breakfast, afternoon tea, a snack, or even dessert if you want! One of my favorite fall flavor options for them are these cranberry orange scones, though you can totally make them for a Christmas brunch too. Go to recipe.
Eclair Cake
Eclair cake is an easy, no-bake dessert that layers creamy vanilla filling with crisp graham crackers and a rich chocolate ganache, using instant pudding, whipped topping, and graham crackers for a treat that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to eat, and after some chill time, the flavors come together into a smooth, decadent cake reminiscent of a classic eclair. Go to recipe.
Apple Eclair Cake
This super easy no bake apple eclair cake is so refreshing and goes so well with your favorite tea or cup of coffee. It has layers of biscuits, apples and vanilla pudding. Go to recipe.
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
Apple crisp shortbread bars are an actual thing. They’re made with a shortbread crust, mascarpone filling, and honey crisp apple and crumbly oat topping. Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
Pumpkin Swirl Brownies are the perfect fall treat that combines two classic flavors: rich chocolate and creamy pumpkin. These brownies are moist and fudgy, and have a beautiful marbled pattern of pumpkin cheesecake. Go to recipe.
Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe
It doesn’t get better than this simple creamy mini pumpkin pies recipe! This easy version includes a homemade crust and is perfect for intimate get-togethers. Go to recipe.
Fresh Pumpkin Squares
These pumpkin squares are homemade from scratch using fresh pumpkin. This is one from many Romanian style pumpkin pie recipes. Two layers of shortbread pastry dough filled with cinnamon flavored fresh pumpkin filling. Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Bars With Cranberries and Glaze
Fall in love with these pumpkin spice bars made with pumpkin and cinnamon. Topped with a luscious glaze, it’s the perfect fall party dessert! Go to recipe.
Apple Upside Down Cake
This caramel apple upside-down cake is just irresistible – both for the eyes and your taste buds. It may look complicated but it’s easy to make and not so heavy on sugar, rather refreshing. Go to recipe.
Healthy Cinnamon Sweet Potato Rolls
Healthy Cinnamon Sweet Potato Rolls recipe, perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch. These rolls are delicious, moist, fluffy and easy to make! Go to recipe.
Glazed Applesauce Fritters Recipe
This applesauce fritters recipe is everything we love about fall – sweet, warm, spiced goodness! The fritters are speckled with fresh apple pieces and have golden, crispy edges, and a soft, fluffy center. Go to recipe.
Costco Pecan Pie
This pecan pie recipe is rich, gooey, and loaded with that signature caramel-like filling and toasty pecans, all tucked into a buttery, flaky crust. It’s big, bold, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for holiday tables, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a slice of comfort. Go to recipe.
Fluffy Vegan Plum Pie
Can you believe that this fluffy, delicious-looking plum pie contains neither eggs nor dairy? That’s why I love using mineral water; it works magic with the most ordinary of batters. Go to recipe.
Upside Down Plum Cake
Easy and simple autumn’s upside down plum cake recipe that will quickly evaporate from your plate. Ripe, juicy plums in sweet caramel with a hint of cinnamon on top of a fluffy sponge. Sounds great? It really looks delicious. Go to recipe.
German Plum Cake with Streusel and Shortcrust Pastry
A traditional German plum cake recipe topped with crunchy streusel on simple shortcrust pastry! Zwetschgendatschi is classic German baking at its best! Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Latte with Syrup, Fall’s Ultimate Comfort Drink
Forget Starbucks; this homemade pumpkin spice latte uses homemade pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice syrup, and whipped cream for an easy fall drink! Go to recipe.
Easy Pumpkin Protein Shake
Pumpkin Protein Shake is a sweet and healthy way to enjoy your favorite fall flavor with it’s creamy rich texture and pie-like flavor. This easy pumpkin spice protein shake is a delicious way to boost your protein intake. Go to recipe.
Maple Cinnamon Latte (Dairy-Free)
Cozy up with a mug of this maple syrup latte and enjoy the fall flavors! Made with real maple syrup, this latte recipe comes out rich and decadent regardless of whether it’s served warm or cold! Go to recipe.
Easy Hazel Nut Oat Milk Latte – Creamy, Iced & Dairy-Free
This Hazel Nut Oat Milk Latte is creamy, nutty, and ready in under 5 minutes—basically your favorite coffee shop drink without the line (or the $7 price tag). Go to recipe.
Apple Cider Margaritas
Apple Cider Margaritas are a fresh, autumn twist on a classic favorite! Combining the crisp sweetness of apple cider with the zesty kick of tequila and a hint of citrus, this margarita is a seasonal cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of fall! Go to recipe.
More fall bakes and desserts here.
Final Thoughts
Fall is all about getting back into rhythm—school routines, cooler nights, and weekend meals that bring everyone back to the table. It’s the season of one-pot wonders, easy casseroles, warm breads, and anything spiced with cinnamon.
These fall recipes aren’t fussy—they’re meant to be enjoyed with family, friends, or even solo with a cozy blanket and your favorite show on in the background. Whether you’re whipping up something quick for a weeknight dinner or planning a relaxed Sunday bake-a-thon, these recipes are your go-to for making the most of everything autumn has to offer.
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