By: Author Kathie Lapcevic
Posted on - Last updated:
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Categories Autumn
Bring the harvest season directly to your dining table with this collection of fall recipes.
Featuring seasonal produce these recipes are guaranteed to keep you eating well and in harmony with the fall season.
Whether you’re looking for comforting foods or healthy fall recipes (or some combination of the two), we’ve got your meal plan covered.
Meal Planning Ideas for Fall
As always, keep it as simple or involved as your schedule and inclination allow. No need for fancy or complicated meals ever if it’s not your thing. Even if you like to cook, sometimes those more involved recipes are best left for weekends or days off.
Do create an actual seasonal meal plan and make sure that it features fall seasonal foods. Write it down on paper or chalkboard.
It’s so much easier to have a plan of food to make and change your mind if inspiration strikes, rather than have no idea and succumb to fast food or take out so much that it hurts the budget.
Unless you have a super strong aversion to leftovers, plan for them. Many soups are better the second day. Winter squashes tend to be large and can be used in multiple fall dishes.
Don’t be afraid of simple or repeating meal themes.
Oatmeal with fresh fruit for breakfast can work most days or scrambled eggs with toast.
Lunches can be simple salads with hearty greens or filling soups.
Dinners of hearty casseroles or simply cooked protein and vegetables get us to the table quickly while providing healthy nutrition.
Snacks, Desserts, & Extras
Snacks might not be a formal part of the meal plan but they are important parts of our pantries and lives. Keep favorites on hand and use them as necessary.
Desserts are a part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Eat them sparingly but do include them now and then.
Be ready with warm drink supplies. Have mulling spices in the pantry for cider or wine. Keep all the herbs stocked for tea drinking. Maintain a small supply of chocolate and cocoa for rich and indulgent treats.
Cooking Methods
Fall is the time for low and slow cooking. If time doesn’t allow for that use the slow cooker.
Do cook the soup on the stove for hours. Bake a fresh loaf of bread from scratch on a weekend to go with the soup.
Cook the roast or chicken for hours in the oven while hanging out a home with a good book or doing something with the family.
Looking to connect to the Fall Season more deeply and in simple doable fashion? Check out my Fall into Autumn’s Bounty E-course for a guided and fun experience!
Fall Recipes for Every Meal
Use these easy fall recipes as a point of inspiration for your Autumn meal plan and have seasonal food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
Breakfast Recipes
Start the day off on the right foot and highlight frugal, wholesome ingredients at the same time.
Applesauce Peanut Butter Granola
If you've got a bit of leftover applesauce sitting around, this is a great way to use it up. Crunchy and hearty it is delicious simply served with milk or yogurt for breakfast, it also packs delightfully for an afternoon snack.
Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
Perfect for serving at a holiday brunch or sharing with co-workers at the office, this moist and sweet cake comes complete with a cinnamon streusel that is as gorgeous looking as it is delicious to eat.
Acorn Squash Bread Recipe
Photo Credit:kneadygirl.com
Have some leftover acorn squash from dinner? Bake it up in a quick bread that is moist and spicy. Serve slices with hot drinks for a warming and easy breakfast on weekdays.
Pumpkin Oat Breakfast Bars
Full of hearty nuts and oats these lightly sweet bars are great for breakfasts on the run.
Apple Cream Cheese Braid
Photo Credit:kneadygirl.com
A rich yeasted dough, wraps itself around a sweet and creamy filling that will remind you of apple pie. Easy to make and yet impressive looking enough to serve to guests.
Apple Spice Muffins
Photo Credit:kneadygirl.com
Lightly sweet and full of apple bits this is a simple recipe to highlight your apple picking adventures. They freeze incredibly well too, meaning you can make a big batch and have some easily on hand for later.
Cranberry Sweet Rolls
Photo Credit:kneadygirl.com
Use leftover cranberry sauce in some completely over-the-top breakfast sweet rolls that are great for lounging around during Sunday brunch with the newspaper.
Pumpkin Lentil Muffins
Photo Credit:rootsy.org
Moist, sweet, and full pumpkin flavor, these muffins feature additional hidden veggies and protein by adding lentils to the mix. No one will know and the whole family will love them!
Roasted Brussels Sprout Quiche
Photo Credit:jellytoastblog.com
A hearty egg breakfast full of fall produce and loaded with flavor thanks to the roasting. A perfect fall weekend brunch dish.
Cranberry Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal
Photo Credit:reciperunner.com
Fresh cranberries have such a short season, so take advantage of that by baking them up in a tasty and hearty oatmeal to keep yourself fueled up for busy mornings.
Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
Photo Credit:www.upstateramblings.com
Combine colorful and nutritious sweet potatoes with eggs and more for healthy start to your autumn mornings.
Pumpkin Apple Muffins
Photo Credit:www.attainable-sustainable.net
Two of Fall's most popular flavors combine into one moist and delicious muffin perfect for sharing!
Pumpkin Granola
Photo Credit:www.attainable-sustainable.net
Crunchy and golden brown, this granola is sweetened with maple syrup for extra fall flavor that feels warming even if served cold.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Photo Credit:www.corriecooks.com
Because really, is there anything more comforting than seasonal pancakes for breakfast? Fluffy and delicious these are a great way to enjoy a slow start to the day.
Soups & Stews
These fall soups are great for serving at lunch for simple but hearty meals to keep everyone fueled for busy afternoons.
This creamy soup is actually dairy free and gets all of its creaminess from canned coconut milk. Hearty and rich this is a meal in a bowl.
Sweet Potato Stew
A quick and hearty meal that makes the most of humble ingredients likely already in the pantry this sweet potato stew is sure to become a family favorite.
Cabbage Lentil Soup
Frugal and filling, this basic soup is one of those healthy recipes you can feel good about tucking into thermal bottles for lunches all season long.
Lentil Bacon Soup
In keeping the frugal lentil theme, add some smoky bacon for a heartier bowl for lunch or dinner.
Spicy Carrot Sunflower Soup
Carrots, like may root vegetables, get sweeter after a frost making them even more delightful in this soup full of spice and sunflower butter and seeds.
Beef and Cabbage Stew
All of the meat in a slightly less thick stew than the typical beef and potato version. This simple soup is warm and frugal - serve it with some crusty bread and you can feed a large crowd on a tight budget.
Cabbage Roll Soup
All the flavors of a cabbage roll with much less fuss - Rice, meat, cabbage, and veggies, all nestled in a rich tomato broth for a great soup to serve at lunch or dinner.
Hearty & Easy Lentil Stew Recipe
Photo Credit:rootsy.org
This version includes plenty of frugal lentils, a bit of beef, and seasonal sweet potatoes for simple way to warm up a cool day.
Butternut Squash Chili
Photo Credit:cheflindseyfarr.com
This vegan dish is one of those hearty fall recipes most anyone will love. It's full of frugal beans, seasonal winter squash and plenty of warm spices to take the chill off.
Creamy Tomato Carrot Soup with Basil
Photo Credit:naturallieplantbased.com
This is a great recipe for using up some summer produce with the fall as the seasons begin their change over and allowing yourself to get back into making hot soups as the summer heat winds down.
Main Dishes
Whether you're looking for simple dinners or something you can serve at a feast, these seasonal recipes will help you make the most of fresh produce in nourishing, comforting meals.
Applesauce Barbecue Chicken
This is one of those easy fall dinner ideas that will have you putting dinner on the table in no time. It's a great way to use leftover chicken (or a rotisserie chicken from the store) and other leftovers for a simple pulled meat sandwich that is delicious and incredibly filling.
Squash Millet Casserole
Combine hearty millet with butternut squash, apples, and hazelnuts for a filling dinner that is a perfect fall recipe.
Spaghetti Squash Gratin
Photo Credit:thebutteredhome.com
Full of cheese and creamy flavor on top of the original pasta shaped veggie, this gratin can easily be served as a main course or a side dish depending your needs on any given day
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cheese and Bacon
Photo Credit:thebutteredhome.com
Winter squash is stuffed with bacon, cheese, onions, and breadcrumbs for a filling main dish that also looks incredibly impressive.
Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
Photo Credit:karalydon.com
Want to skip the meat but still serve some stuffed squash? This version uses chickpeas alongside kale and plenty of parmesan cheese for an amazing meatless main dish.
Bacon and Pumpkin Pasta
Photo Credit:dizzybusyandhungry.com
Bacon, pureed pumpkin, cream, and spices are poured onto pasta for what can only be described as delicious seasonal comfort food.
Pumpkin Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk
Photo Credit:easyindiancookbook.com
This easy and gluten-free vegan meal comes together in the instapot meaning you can still get a delicious homemade meal on the table even on busy weeknights.
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Butter Sage Sauce
Photo Credit:www.christinascucina.com
Homemade gnocchi made from pumpkin and potato start off this rustic but amazing main course full of sage and butter for flavor in every bite.
Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops Recipe
Photo Credit:thehelpfulgf.com
The apple and pork combination is always delicious but is something extra special in the Autumn. Be sure to make this after picking apples from your local orchard.
Crockpot Ham with Curry Honey Sauce {plus fried apples and onions}
Photo Credit:www.schneiderpeeps.com
Apples don't have to only be in sweet dishes; pair them with onions to make a fantastic fall side dish for a crockpot ham.
Sausage, Cabbage, and Apple Skillet
Photo Credit:www.momskitchenhandbook.com
For a frugal and comforting main dish in no time give this easy recipe a try.
Salads and Sides
If you need a seasonal and delicious side dish or some hearty salads this list will keep you focused on using up the harvest in fantastic style.
Chunky Applesauce
Make applesauce quickly and easily with this recipe to serve alongside most any meal or simply eat as a snack.
Easy Apple Sauerkraut Side Dish
Apples are braised in sauerkraut for tart and sweet side dish perfect for serving alongside any roasted meat.
Sweet Potato Balls
Mashed sweet potatoes are combined with spice and a bit of bacon and then formed into balls and rolled in crushed nuts before baking for a side dish full of texture and flavor.
Pumpkin Casserole
This is one of those savory pumpkin recipes you'll turn to over and over again because it is just so darn simple and delicious with its combination of flavor and texture.
Butternut Squash Grits
Serve creamy grits full of amazing color thanks to the squash. Rich and flavorful this is perfect for any holiday meal.
Cranberry Honey Mustard
Smear a bit of this cranberry mustard on your favorite bread for serving leftover turkey sandwiches. Or use it as a dip for veggies or even soft pretzels.
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Photo Credit:kneadygirl.com
Use up winter squash of any type in fluffy, soft dinner rolls that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Sweet Potato Buns
Photo Credit:kneadygirl.com
Make buns for all your leftovers or even the final bits of summer barbecues with seasonal sweet potatoes for a subtle sweetness that is perfect alongside many savory fillings.
Wild Rice Cranberry Bread
Photo Credit:kneadygirl.com
Savory with a crusty outside and soft inside these loaves are great for toasting and sandwiches.
Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Photo Credit:rootsy.org
Most holiday tables aren't complete without some kind of cranberry sauce present. This recipe is easy to make and includes orange and spice to hit all the seasonal and holiday favorites.
Harvest Salad with Applesauce Vinaigrette
Photo Credit:rootsy.org
This grain based salad includes plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables topped with a homemade applesauce dressing for a filling salad.
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
Photo Credit:weeatatlast.com
Cabbage is steamed with other veggies for a simple but delicious side dish to go with most any meal.
Simple Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Photo Credit:juliasalbum.com
The combination of beets and goat cheese is something wonderful and this salad is a great lunch on a fall day.
Simple Maple Cranberry Yams or Sweet Potatoes
Photo Credit:thecarrotunderground.com
Get several of fall's best flavors in this one easy to whip up side dish that is as great on the weeknight table as it is on the feast table.
Pumpkin Risotto: A Flavorful Easy Recipe
Photo Credit:www.the-bella-vita.com
Rich and comforting pumpkin and rice combine for an amazing side dish that seems complicated but is actually quite easy to pull together.
Dessert
Gather your favorite ingredients and make these sweet and delicious fall recipes to serve after meals or for sharing at potlucks and bake sales.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Thick and chewy like an oatmeal cookie should be but with the added sweetness and delight of pumpkin because of the fall season.
Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze
A simple bundt cake loaded with apples and drizzled with caramel glaze for a your favorite fall festival treat in cake form.
Apple Cider Cupcakes
Highlight fresh apple cider from your local orchards in these delicious cupcakes perfect for sharing
Pumpkin Coconut Macaroons
These gluten-free cookies are full of pumpkin and coconut for a chewy dessert that is great plain or dipped in chocolate.
Apple Molasses Cake
Dark, sweet, and rich this cake has plenty of spice and molasses alongside chunks of apple for a warming fall treat.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pie
Soft pumpkin cookies sandwich themselves around a cream cheese filling for a fall twist on the Amish classic whoopie pie.
Apple Butter Bars
Make soft and moist dessert bars from apple butter for an easy dessert great for serving as part of an afternoon tea or coffee break.
Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Coffee Frosting
All of the flavor of a pumpkin spice latte in cake form. This pumpkin cake with cinnamon coffee frosting is a quick and easy dessert sure to please.
Chocolate Cranberry Bars
Leftover cranberry sauce is layered between a soft, sweet biscuit dough with some chocolate chips for a sweet and fluffy dessert.
Pumpkin Custard
Photo Credit:www.attainable-sustainable.net
If you're in the mood for something creamy and full of pumpkin while also being naturally gluten-free - give this easy custard recipe a try.
Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
Photo Credit:rootsy.org
This moist chocolate bundt cake 'hides' plenty of pumpkin and spice for a simple and yet elegant dessert for the chocolate lovers in your life.
