As the days grow cooler and the evenings longer, fall is the season to gather around the table, savor comforting flavors, and fill your home with delicious aromas. These five tried-and-true fall recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, casual entertaining, or just cozy nights in.
1. Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
PHOTO: COOKIE + KATE
Why we love it: Smooth, velvety, and full of fall flavor—this soup feels like autumn in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled & cubed
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (or cream)
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme
Instructions:
- Roast squash, carrots, onion, and garlic at 400°F until tender.
- Blend roasted vegetables with broth until smooth.
- Stir in coconut milk, season, and serve warm with crusty bread.
2. Apple Cider Braised Chicken
PHOTO: HALF-BAKED HARVEST
Why we love it: Juicy chicken thighs simmered in apple cider with herbs and onions make a cozy one-pan dinner.
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
Instructions:
- Sear chicken thighs until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions, then deglaze pan with cider.
- Stir in mustard and rosemary, then return chicken to pan.
- Simmer until chicken is tender and sauce is slightly thickened.
3. Pumpkin Risotto with Sage
PHOTO: BARLEY & SAGE
Why we love it: Creamy risotto with pumpkin purée and crispy sage is the ultimate fall comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth (warm)
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 onion, diced
- ½ cup white wine
- ½ cup Parmesan (or vegan parm)
- Fresh sage leaves, butter or olive oil
Instructions:
- Sauté onion in butter until soft.
- Stir in rice, toast for 2 minutes, then deglaze with wine.
- Add broth gradually, stirring until creamy.
- Fold in pumpkin and cheese.
- Fry sage leaves in butter until crispy, and garnish on top.
4. Caramel Apple Galette
PHOTO: SALLY'S BAKING
Why we love it: A rustic free-form pie that’s easier than traditional pie but just as delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust
- 3 apples, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions:
- Arrange apples in the center of rolled-out crust.
- Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, dot with butter.
- Fold crust edges over filling.
- Bake at 375°F until golden.
- Drizzle with caramel before serving.
5. Spiced Pear & Cranberry Mocktail
PHOTO: STREET SMART KITCHEN
Why we love it: A festive, non-alcoholic drink that pairs perfectly with cozy dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pear juice
- ½ cup cranberry juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Sparkling water
- Fresh pear & cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
- Warm pear and cranberry juice with cinnamon stick (don’t boil).
- Remove cinnamon, chill, and pour into glasses.
- Top with sparkling water and garnish with fruit.
Fall is the season of slowing down, savoring comfort, and bringing warmth into our homes—not just through décor, but also through the food we share. From the silky smoothness of roasted butternut squash soup to the rustic charm of a caramel apple galette, these recipes are more than meals—they’re experiences that connect us with the season.
Cooking in autumn is about leaning into coziness: simmering pots on the stove, the aroma of cinnamon filling the air, and the golden glow of candles flickering while dinner is served. Each recipe here is designed to be approachable, beautiful, and perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones.
Whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a quiet night in, or looking for family-friendly dishes that feel festive without being complicated, these five recipes will bring the essence of fall right into your kitchen. Pair them with soft textures, natural accents, and warm seasonal colors in your décor, and you’ll create a home that feels just as nourishing as the food on your table.
So grab your favorite mug, light a pumpkin-scented candle, and let these recipes inspire you to celebrate the little joys of the season. After all, fall only comes once a year—make every cozy moment count.
