- Apple Cider
Like with all great meals, we’ll start with a beverage! If you typically purchase your apple cider from the grocery store, you’re missing out. If you can’t find locally produced, straight from the farm apple cider in your area, it’s pretty simple to make a gallon yourself.
If this is your first time attempting apple cider making, we recommend starting with this extremely easy, four-ingredient recipe. Once you’ve got the recipe down, you can start playing with different apple varieties like golden delicious apples for a sweeter cider or pink lady apples for a tart finish. We recommend a combination of different apple varieties, but your options are limitless!
If you’re looking to craft a grown-up version of our favorite fall beverage, consider mixing up a Hot Apple Toddy for a cozy, boozy treat. This cocktail is similar to the classic hot toddy with a spiced-up, fruity twist. Add a bit of whipped cream for the perfect adult dessert.
- Fall Harvest Salad
Salads get a bad rep for being a boring starter, but this Fall Harvest Salad recipe stands on its own as a delicious main course. The pairing of pecans and cranberries truly make this satisfying salad stand out from your typical autumn-inspired greens.
We highly suggest you focus on high-quality ingredients to make this dish shine. If possible, visit your local farmer’s market for produce, including the acorn squash, spinach, and bosc pear. The fresher the produce the better. Also, invest in some quality blue cheese. This doesn’t have to be expensive. If you have Trader Joes in your area, check out their cheese selection for affordable options.
If you want to stretch this salad, consider adding some protein to bulk it up. Grilled chicken or pork would pair nicely with the blue cheese and maple cider dressing. If meat isn’t your thing, throwing in some chickpeas or quinoa will provide some additional protein, helping to keep you full.
- Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup
Nothing says autumn like a hearty bowl of warming soup on a brisk day. This Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup is perfect for a light lunch or the first course at your next dinner party.
The sweetness of the apples and honey compliment the flavor of the curry perfectly. Let us assure you, this is not just another boring soup to fill your family up on a budget. It is crafted perfectly with ingredients that mix to form a wonderful balance of sophisticated flavors.
In addition to the velvety texture and intriguing taste, this soup is also packed full of healthy ingredients. Carrots are a wonderful source of beta carotene, fiber, and potassium. Sweet Potatoes, while incredibly delicious, are also a rich source of health-promoting vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
We recommend serving this delicious soup with a side of crusty bread like a French loaf or some homemade sourdough. Both breads are great for dipping and sopping up the bottom-of-the-bowl soup, so not a drop gets left behind!
- Pot Roast
When we think of a hearty, tummy-warming meal, a steaming, delicious dish of meat and potatoes comes right to mind. That’s why we had to include a fabulous pot roast entree on our list of cozy fall recipes. What we love most about this recipe is the flexibility! This Pot Roast can be adapted and skillfully prepared using numerous cooking methods including your oven, crockpot (our personal favorite), or even an Insta Pot.
If you’re looking for something green to serve with this dish, which we’ll admit is a little heavy, let us suggest some lightly seasoned green beans to cut through the richness of the meat and gravy.
The best part about cooking a pot roast is the leftovers! If you’re looking for a clever way to use the meat you’ll surely have leftover, consider grabbing some hoagies from your local bakery and creating a “pot roast sandwich” with a cheese of your choice (we prefer a melty swiss), and a homemade horseradish sauce.
- Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread
Apple bread has been a classic autumn staple for years, but the recipe for Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread puts a versatile twist on this seasonal favorite, providing flexibility in how and when you serve it!
This delicious bread can be shared with your family for a quick breakfast with some whipped butter or seasonal apple butter spread. Or serve the sliced bread warmed and topped with some vanilla ice cream for an inventive after-dinner treat. Additionally, this loaf also makes for a wonderful, homemade fall gift to give family and friends for special occasions, or just because!
Pro Tip: When your bread starts to get a little stale, it’s the perfect time to make a batch of French toast! Stale bread is perfect for soaking up the egg-milk mixture without getting too soggy.
We’ll be honest – it was tough to pick just five of our favorite fall recipes! Yet, you now have a balanced list of dishes you can serve throughout the season within a variety of settings. Remember to choose local produce, dairy, and meat products whenever possible as it does make a difference in the quality of your meals. We hope these recipes will bring joy to your kitchen, and your stomach, all season long.