Fall gatherings call for dishes that are as comforting as they are delicious.
Whether you're heading to a potluck or hosting friends and family, these recipes are sure to bring warmth and flavor to your autumn table.
From hearty mains to delightful sides and sweet treats, we've rounded up some of the best to make your seasonal celebrations extra special and effortlessly enjoyable..
Table of Contents
Smoky Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Indulge in creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese elevated with the comforting flavors of pumpkin and smoky gouda.
Topped with crunchy, garlicky breadcrumbs, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and texture that's perfect for cozy autumn meals and potlucks.
It's a crowd-pleasing classic with a seasonal twist that will surely impress..
Pro Tip: To add extra crunch and flavor to the breadcrumbs, consider toasting them with finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Slow cooker apple cider pulled pork is a fall flavor sensation! This tender, juicy pork is infused with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider, making it perfect for sandwiches, bowls, or salads.
Its hands-off cooking method makes it ideal for busy schedules, and the rich, comforting taste is pure autumn bliss..
Pro Tip: For crispier pulled pork, spread the shredded meat on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the edges are slightly browned.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Vegan Butternut Squash Risotto
Experience the creamy, comforting embrace of this vegan butternut squash risotto.
Made easily in the Instant Pot, it combines sweet roasted butternut squash with savory garlic and tender arborio rice for a truly satisfying dish.
The optional pine nut and sage topping adds a beautiful touch of elegance and flavor..
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of toasted sage leaves and pine nuts just before serving for an extra layer of texture and aroma.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Butternut Squash Risotto
Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries & Pecans
Brighten up any meal with this vibrant arugula salad! The peppery greens are perfectly complemented by the sweet crunch of apples, chewy dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
Finished with a simple balsamic dressing, it’s a refreshing and festive side dish that adds a burst of color and flavor to your autumn spread..
Pro Tip: To keep the pecans from getting soggy if making ahead, add them right before serving.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries & Pecans
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
A classic for a reason, this sweet potato casserole is pure autumn comfort.
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are baked to perfection and topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan streusel.
It's a wonderfully sweet and satisfying side dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any fall meal or holiday gathering..
Pro Tip: For an extra decadent topping, add a pinch of cinnamon to the pecan mixture.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Balsamic Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Transform humble Brussels sprouts into a showstopper with this recipe! Roasted to crispy perfection and tossed in a sweet and savory balsamic maple glaze with crispy bacon, these sprouts are a flavor explosion.
They're the perfect side dish to convert even the biggest Brussels sprout skeptics into adoring fans..
Pro Tip: Use an aged balsamic vinegar that is thick and syrupy for the best sweet and glaze-like results.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Packed with the vibrant colors and flavors of fall, this harvest quinoa salad is a nutritious and satisfying option.
It features protein-rich quinoa, sweet butternut squash, crisp apples, dried cranberries, and crunchy pepitas and almonds, all tossed in a tangy cider vinaigrette.
It’s a versatile side that’s both healthy and delicious..
Pro Tip: If making the salad ahead, wait to add the toasted almonds until just before serving to keep them nice and crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Whipped Caramel Apple Dip
This light and fluffy caramel apple dip is an absolute dream! Made with cream cheese, caramel sauce, and a touch of cinnamon, it's incredibly easy to whip up and impossibly delicious.
Serve it with crisp apple slices, pears, or graham crackers for a delightful treat that's perfect for any fall gathering..
Pro Tip: To keep sliced apples fresh for dipping, toss them with a little lemon juice before serving.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Caramel Apple Dip
Fall Harvest Chili
Cozy up with a bowl of this hearty fall harvest chili! It's packed with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, perfectly complementing sweet potatoes and squash.
This one-pot wonder is a soul-satisfying meal that brings all the best flavors of autumn together in a comforting, flavorful chili..
Pro Tip: Serve this chili topped with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Chili
Roasted Carrot Soup with Za'atar Chickpeas
This velvety smooth roasted carrot soup is a delight for the senses.
The sweetness of caramelized carrots is balanced by creamy tahini and bright lemon, creating a rich and flavorful base.
Topped with crispy, earthy za'atar chickpeas, it’s a healthy, elegant, and warming soup perfect for a chilly fall day..
Pro Tip: Ensure the chickpeas are thoroughly dried before roasting for maximum crispiness.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Soup with Za'atar Chickpeas
Zesty Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
These vegetarian stuffed peppers are a flavor-packed and wholesome meal.
The vibrant bell peppers are filled with a zesty rice, black bean, and corn mixture, seasoned with lime, cumin, and cilantro.
They’re baked until tender and topped with melted cheese for a satisfying dish that’s both fresh and comforting..
Pro Tip: Leftover filling can be served as a side for tacos or used as a base for a burrito bowl.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Maple Roasted Carrots
Simple yet spectacular, these maple roasted carrots are a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, enhanced by a glaze of buttery maple syrup.
They have a tender texture with slightly caramelized edges, making them an irresistible addition to your autumn meal rotation..
Pro Tip: Cut carrots in half lengthwise to ensure they cook faster and more evenly.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Carrots
Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
This hearty pasta salad is a celebration of fall's bounty.
Roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts mingle with crisp apples, dried cranberries, pecans, and pasta, all brought together by a tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette.
It’s a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, perfect for make-ahead lunches or potlucks..
Pro Tip: This salad is excellent for meal prep, lasting up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Give it a good toss before serving.
Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Warm your soul with this wonderfully creamy curried butternut squash soup.
It’s infused with the comforting flavors of curry powder and coconut milk, creating a subtly spiced and deeply satisfying dish.
Simple to make and packed with nutrients, it’s the perfect bowl of autumn comfort for a chilly day..
Pro Tip: This soup is fantastic for making ahead; its flavors often deepen overnight.
Get the Recipe: Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Pumpkin Sage Biscuits
Add a savory touch to your fall table with these tender, fluffy pumpkin sage biscuits.
Infused with pumpkin puree and fresh sage, they offer a warm, earthy, and subtly autumnal flavor.
These are simple to make and are the perfect companion to any fall feast or cozy meal..
Pro Tip: If you're not a fan of sage, you can omit it or swap it for other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Sage Biscuits
Crisp Apple Slaw with Creamy Tahini Dressing
This vibrant apple slaw is a delightful mix of crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, hearty chickpeas, and tangy cranberries, all brought together with a creamy, savory tahini dressing.
It’s a refreshing and satisfying side dish that brings a burst of flavor and texture to any meal, especially perfect for those cooler autumn days when you crave something both light and nourishing..
Pro Tip: Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain the slaw's crispiness.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Apple Slaw with Creamy Tahini Dressing
Jeweled Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Pistachios
Experience the stunning beauty and delightful flavors of this beet salad.
Earthy roasted beets are paired with peppery arugula, sweet orange segments, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios, all drizzled with a bright citrus dressing.
It's a visually appealing and incredibly flavorful salad that's as delightful for a holiday meal as it is for a light, satisfying lunch..
Pro Tip: Roast beets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for quick assembly.
Get the Recipe: Jeweled Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Pistachios
Perfectly Sweet & Moist Cornbread
Whip up a batch of this incredibly easy and satisfying sweet cornbread.
It's moist, tender, and boasts just the right amount of sweetness, making it the ideal companion for hearty soups and chilis.
Forget the box mixes; this from-scratch version is quick to make and delivers a comforting, homemade taste that’s sure to become a favorite..
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a few chopped jalapeños to the batter.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Sweet & Moist Cornbread
Warm Harvest Grain Bowl
This comforting grain bowl is a perfect blend of textures and hearty flavors, featuring nutty wild rice mixed with roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and creamy feta cheese.
A scattering of dried cranberries and walnuts adds a delightful chew and crunch.
It’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a warm embrace on a chilly autumn day..
Pro Tip: Prep the roasted vegetables and cooked grains over the weekend for a quick and easy weekday meal.
Get the Recipe: Warm Harvest Grain Bowl
Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Unlock the natural sweetness and creamy texture of sweet potatoes with this simple roasting method.
Whether you keep the skins on for a little extra chew or peel them for pure tenderness, these cubed sweet potatoes are seasoned and roasted to perfection.
They make a wonderfully versatile and comforting side dish that complements a wide array of fall meals..
Pro Tip: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give the sweet potato cubes plenty of space for crispy edges.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Quick & Bright Cranberry Relish
This fresh cranberry relish is incredibly simple, requiring just three ingredients and minutes to prepare.
The vibrant, zesty combination of raw cranberries and orange zest with a touch of sweetness offers a bright counterpoint to richer fall dishes.
It’s a no-cook wonder that can be made ahead, adding a burst of festive flavor to your holiday table..
Pro Tip: Chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Bright Cranberry Relish