10+ Fall Recipes to Cozy Up Your Meal Time

Fall recipes just feel right when the air gets chilly. You get all those warm, comforting dishes that make dinner feel extra inviting.

These recipes let you dive into the flavors of fall with easy, tasty meals to share with family and friends.

Some folks crave sweet treats, others want something hearty for dinner. Fall cooking gives you options for both.

Try out simple recipes that highlight autumn’s best produce and spices. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy cooking this time of year.

1) Butternut Squash Soup with Sage

This soup is one of those go-tos when you want something warm and simple. Start by cooking butternut squash with onions and fresh sage until everything smells amazing.

Sage brings an earthy note that works so well with the sweetness of squash. Once it’s all soft, blend it up until it’s nice and creamy.

Add a little butter or olive oil at the end for extra richness. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up on a weeknight without much fuss.

Find a step-by-step version at Love and Lemons if you want a bit more guidance.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 fresh sage leaves
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast butternut squash cubes for 25-30 minutes until soft.
3. Melt butter or heat oil in a large pot.
4. Add onion and sage, cook until soft (about 15 minutes).
5. Add roasted squash and broth, simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Blend the soup until smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

2) Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Pumpkin spice pancakes are a cozy way to start a fall morning. They’re fluffy and soft, with real pumpkin and all those warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg.

You can use canned or fresh pumpkin, honestly, whatever you have on hand. Buttermilk gives the pancakes a nice texture and a little tang.

Top them with syrup, whipped cream, or even caramel if you’re feeling fancy. The smell alone will make you want to linger in the kitchen.

Once you mix the batter, just cook on a hot griddle until golden. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for lazy weekends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup canned or fresh pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
2. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, pumpkin, egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed.
4. Heat a griddle to medium heat (about 375°F / 190°C). Lightly grease it.
5. Pour batter onto the griddle, about 1/4 cup per pancake.
6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

For more pumpkin pancake tips, check this Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe.

3) Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake

Apple cinnamon oatmeal bake is the kind of breakfast that makes you want to stay in your pajamas a little longer. Sweet apples, cinnamon, and oats come together for a filling dish that’s easy to prep.

You can throw on some nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup if you like. It keeps well, so you’ll have breakfast sorted for a couple of days.

The flavors are simple, but that’s what makes it so comforting.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups milk (any kind)
• 1 large apple, diced
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Whisk together milk, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla.
4. Stir wet ingredients into dry. Add diced apples.
5. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden on top.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

4) Maple-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Maple glaze on Brussels sprouts? It’s honestly a game changer. Roasting brings out their best side—crispy edges, tender centers.

The glaze is just maple syrup with a splash of balsamic or olive oil. If you like a little heat, toss in some chili flakes or black pepper.

Roast them at 400°F (200°C) until they’re caramelized and golden. The maple syrup gives them a shiny, sweet finish.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Brussels sprouts
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper or black pepper (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
3. Mix olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Toss Brussels sprouts in the mixture until well coated.
5. Spread them on a baking sheet in one layer.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Classic Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie just belongs on the fall table. You’ll whip up a creamy filling with pumpkin, eggs, milk or cream, and plenty of warm spices.

Pour it into a crisp crust and bake until it’s set. Use fresh pumpkin if you’re feeling ambitious, or canned pumpkin if you want to keep it simple.

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give the pie that unmistakable autumn flavor. Top it with whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon if you want to be fancy.

Ingredients

• 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Add sugar, spices, salt, and pumpkin. Mix well.
3. Slowly stir in milk until the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
6. Lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes more.
7. Check if the pie is set by gently shaking it; it should be mostly firm.
8. Cool completely before serving.

For more tips on pumpkin pie, see this Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe.

6) Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Sweet potato and black bean chili is one of those meals that just feels right in the fall. It’s warm, filling, and comes together without much effort.

The sweet potatoes bring a little sweetness, while the black beans add some heft. Chili powder and chipotle give it a smoky kick, but it’s not overpowering.

Serve it with avocado or cornbread for a little extra comfort. This one’s great if you want a meatless dinner that still feels hearty.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add bell pepper and jalapeño; cook for 5 minutes while stirring.
3. Stir in chili powder, chipotle, and cumin.
4. Add sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Season with salt and stir occasionally before serving.

7) Spiced Apple Cider

Spiced apple cider is just what you want on a cool day. You can make it on the stove or let it simmer in a slow cooker.

Toss in cinnamon, cloves, and allspice with your cider. A splash of spiced rum or a bit of maple syrup makes it even better.

Lemon or orange peel adds a citrusy note. While it warms, your house will smell like fall in the best way.

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups apple cider
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 3-4 allspice berries
• Peel of 1 lemon or orange
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
• 1 ounce spiced rum (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour apple cider into a pot or slow cooker.
2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and citrus peel.
3. Heat on low for 20-30 minutes or until warm (about 140°F / 60°C).
4. Stir in maple syrup and rum if using.
5. Serve hot with a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Learn more about making spiced apple cider here.

8) Roast Leg of Lamb with Root Vegetables

Roast leg of lamb with root vegetables just screams fall to me. The way lamb, garlic, and herbs mingle with carrots, potatoes, and onions—yeah, it’s a combo that works.

You’ll notice how the meat juices soak right into the veggies. That’s half the magic.

Start by rubbing olive oil, garlic, and rosemary all over the lamb. Don’t be shy with the seasoning.

Toss the lamb and your chopped root veggies in one big roasting pan. Easy cleanup, too.

Pop everything in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. When it’s done, let the meat rest—it really does help keep things juicy.

Ingredients:

• 1 leg of lamb
• 8 cloves garlic
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp rosemary or Herbs de Provence
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 potatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Rub lamb with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Place lamb in a roasting pan.
4. Arrange carrots, potatoes, and onion around lamb.
5. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, let rest 10 minutes.
7. Serve meat with the roasted vegetables.

If you want more details or tips, check out this link.

9) Caramel Apple Crisp

Caramel apple crisp is one of those desserts that feels like a hug. You start with tart sliced apples and drown them in caramel.

The oat topping gives a crunchy bite that’s just right. I usually serve it warm, sometimes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if I’m feeling fancy.

Granny Smith apples keep things from getting too sweet. Baking at 350°F (175°C) softens the apples but keeps the topping crisp.

Ingredients

• 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and caramel sauce.
3. Pour apple mixture into a baking dish.
4. Mix oats, flour, butter, and salt to make topping.
5. Spread topping evenly over apples.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly.

10) One-Pan Chicken and Sausage with Fall Veggies

This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights—chicken, sausage, and fall veggies all on one pan. It smells amazing and tastes even better.

I usually go for butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, but sweet potatoes or apples work too. The savory sausage ties it all together.

Everything roasts on a single sheet pan, so cleanup’s a breeze. Crank up the oven and let those veggies get a little caramelized.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or breasts
• Chicken sausage (apple or sweet variety)
• Butternut squash, cubed
• Brussels sprouts, halved
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh rosemary and thyme (optional)
• Garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Crank your oven up to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the veggies in olive oil. Sprinkle on some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and whatever herbs you love.
3. Scatter sausage and chicken pieces across a sheet pan. Add the veggies all around them.
4. Slide it all into the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Flip everything once halfway through so it cooks evenly.
5. Give the chicken a quick check to make sure it’s cooked through. Serve it up while it’s still warm.

If you want more ideas, or just need a little inspiration, check out this sheet pan chicken sausage with fall vegetables recipe.