Seasonal fall recipes to try this year (move over the pumpkin!)

October 29, 2025Last Updated: October 29, 2025

0 10 minutes read

Seasonal fall recipes to try this year (move over the pumpkin!)

By Casey McKee | Published: 2025-10-17 10:00:00 | Source: Camille Styles

As someone who typically lives and breathes pumpkin from late September through early December (thanks, Trader Joe’s!), there comes a moment when even the most devoted PSL fans feel enough has been enough. The comforting, spiced sweetness that felt nostalgic can start to taste a little…predictable. However, the beauty of fall is that the season is full of ingredients that are just as comforting — and in many ways more exciting — than pumpkin. Think earthy root vegetables, crunchy apples, and caramelized squash, which add depth and freshness to every dish.

A cozy table featuring seasonal fall recipes.

Seasonal fall recipes to warm up every meal

Right now, the markets are flooded with products that shine when the temperature drops. Sweet potatoes are roasted to caramelized perfection with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, while delicious butternut squash tossed in salads adds a buttery, nutty touch to every dish. And don’t sleep on leafy greens like cabbage and chard, which become tender and delicious when sautéed with garlic or folded into soup. With so many vibrant flavors at their peak, this year it’ll be easier than ever to trade in pumpkin spice for a nutritious and dynamic kind of fall comfort. And that’s exactly where these seasonal fall recipes come into play.

Apple recipes

Nothing captures the feeling of fall quite like apples. Crunchy, sweet, and a little tart—they’re just as at home in a salad as they’re baked into something golden and buttery. Whether you’re boiling applesauce on the stove, folding slices into a galette, or roasting them alongside ham or root vegetables, apples add a touch of brightness that makes every dish feel hearty and lively.

Apples crumble

The perfect comforting dessert for crisp fall nights, these crumbly layers layer soft baked apples with a buttery oat topping to create the dessert of the season. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt and a cup of warm applesauce.

Apple pie with cooked oats

This baked oatmeal is a seasonal twist on the breakfast classic we know and love. It combines the best aspects of apple pie into a nutritious meal, warming you from the inside out.

Apple and walnut salad

This bright and crunchy salad balances sweet seasonal apples, walnuts, and crunchy greens for a refreshing dish that celebrates the best produce of fall. Bonus: It’s the perfect Thanksgiving side dish that you’ll actually want the next day.

Apple cider glazed chicken thighs

In this one-pan meal, rich, caramelized chicken thighs are paired with a sweet, tangy applesauce glaze that captures the essence of fall comfort food, without all the fuss.

Squash recipes

If fall has a signature ingredient, it just might be pumpkin. Roasted until caramelized, blended into soups, or tossed into grain bowls, they add natural sweetness and satisfying depth to every bite. Aside from nuts, varieties like delicata and kabocha shine this season, proof that comfort food can be as nutritious as it is enjoyable.

Roasted Delicata Squash with Feta, Almonds and Herbs

Delicata squash’s delicate skin and naturally sweet flavor make it an easy, amazing ingredient for roasting—no peeling needed, just golden, caramelized perfection.

Roasted acorn squash

With its nutty flavor and velvety-smooth texture, roasted acorn squash is the perfect fall side dish. Pair it with hearty fall dishes, like apple cider-glazed chicken thighs, or a meal packed with protein and root vegetables.

Squash and farro salad with apples, goat cheese and pecans

This hearty salad hits all the flavors of fall—roasted squash, crumbly cheese, and nutty farro—for a dish that’s as satisfying and colorful as it is delicious.

Roasted butternut squash with hot honey, pecans and rosemary

Sweet meets heat in this simple, elevated fall recipe. When I’m looking to wow a crowd, this butternut squash brings a spicy kick of hot honey blended perfectly with a little crumbled goat cheese.

Pumpkin and ricotta tart

There’s never been a fall recipe that works better as a main event and centerpiece. With fluffy, full-fat ricotta layered with pumpkin and crunchy baked apples, this tart is the crowd-pleasing dish you need this fall.

Mushroom recipes

When you want something earthy and grounded, mushrooms deliver. Their umami flavor anchors everything from creamy pastas to warm soups, adding richness without the weight. Fry them until golden, roast them with herbs, or let them shine as a main event – they’re a quiet fall luxury, adding depth and comfort to any meal.

Vegetarian mushroom bolognese

Proof that comfort doesn’t need cream—this vegetarian Bolognese is rich, flavorful, and full of umami magic that’s far superior to the meat-based classic.

Garlic mushroom pasta with sausage and arugula

This recipe is the weekend hero we all need. Garlic-butter mushrooms tangled in pasta that tastes like they’ve been simmering all day are ready in less than 30 minutes.

Sweet potato gnocchi with wild mushrooms, brown butter, and sage

Sweet potato gnocchi meets earthy mushrooms and sage for a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Other fall flavors

Of course, the beauty of fall cooking lies in its variety. In addition to the classics, this season offers unexpected favorites: figs and pears, pecans, spiced stocks, and slow-cooked stews that fill the kitchen with warmth. Think of these recipes as your invitation to experience comforting flavors that celebrate the season’s abundance in new and inspiring ways.