Fall is my favorite season for a few reasons, including rosy cheeks, football season, pumpkins, flannels, and bonfires. However, what I most look forward to during these chilly few months is the food. The cold is approaching and we have to store for the winter, right?
During the autumn months, there's nothing better than a warm, filling meal followed by a bonfire, or a thick slice of pumpkin bread with coffee on a Sunday morning. In order to get in the fall spirit and leave the hot summer months behind, try these 20 cozy foods.
1. Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Doughnuts
Even though these are doughnuts, they have sweet potato and pumpkin in them, so they're basically a serving of fruits and veggies. Enjoy these doughnuts on a weekend morning with coffee and a good book. Who needs Dunkin' Donuts?
2. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, so get in the fall spirit with a slightly healthier version. This mac and cheese incorporates a popular fall vegetable, butternut squash, to make the recipe that much better.
3. Ricotta, Honey, and Fig Crostinis
These crostinis combine the three distinct flavors of fig, ricotta, and honey that fit the fall spirit. The deep sweetness of the fig complements the cut of the cheese for a finger food appropriate for any fall gathering.
4. Honey and Curry Roasted Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a fall staple, but why not add an even more unique seasonal flavor? Sweet honey and spicy curry combine to make this a side dish that fits any fall dinner. Additionally, check out these other acorn squash recipes.
5. Sweet and Spicy Chickpea Curry
A bowl of anything warm in the fall is ideal. Go one step further from stew or soup and make a chickpea curry. You'll feel like a professional chef as you add all of the many ingredients and end up with filling and hearty meal. Not only is this recipe extremely healthy, but it's vegan too.
6. Butternut Squash Soup
There's gazpacho for the summer, clam chowder for the winter, and chicken noodle soup for all the time, but the ultimate fall soup is butternut squash soup.
Make your own to step it up another level and cozy up with a bowl of this easy five-ingredient recipe.7. Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes
We all know that Michelle Obama loves sweet potatoes. Therefore, you should love them too. Amp them up even more with brown sugar for an added sweetness. These will become your fall go-to.
8. Apple Cider Sangria
If you're hosting a gathering this fall, entertain your guests according to the season with this apple cider sangria. It incorporates real apples and brandy in addition to wine for a fall twist on this Spanish drink.
9. Pumpkin Spice Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a personal favorite of mine. There is nothing better than crispy seasoned Brussels sprouts—well, maybe except for pumpkin spice-seasoned Brussels sprouts.
Just imagine how well these would go with your Thanksgiving turkey and mashed potatoes.
10. Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Risotto
This risotto is the definition of comfort. After a chilly fall day, this cheesy rice, mushroom, white wine, and spinach dish will warm you up instantly.
#SpoonTip: Make an entire recipe, then save the leftovers for the rest of the week to save time and have a cozy dinner every night.
11. Pumpkin Bread
To me, pumpkin bread is the epitome of fall treats; I could live off of this during the fall. This classic pumpkin bread recipe is the only recipe you'll ever need, trust me.
Want to be even more creative? Make pumpkin bread French toast.
12. Tomato Pie
If you thought there was nothing better than pizza, think again. This tomato pie definitely gives pizza a run for its money. I like to call it "pizza with a fall twist."
The crumbly crust and the thick layer of tomatoes and cheese makes for a satisfying fall meal that resembles deep dish pizza, but without the grease.
13. Bacon Pumpkin Quinoa
Bacon and pumpkin together? Try bacon, pumpkin, and quinoa together. Yeah, you read that right. Make this unusual-yet-genius autumn breakfast for a healthy and satisfying start to your day. Who says bacon and pumpkin have to be exclusive?
14. White Chocolate-Dipped Molasses Cookies
What goes best with your pumpkin spice latte? A cookie, of course. Try these molasses cookies for even more fall flavor.
In addition to their sugary and seasonal flavor, the aroma of the molasses and the spices will leave your kitchen smelling like a giant Yankee candle.15. French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese
French onion soup is a popular warm comfort food, and so is grilled cheese, so why not combine them? This French onion soup grilled cheese is the easiest way to eat yourself into a cheesy coma this fall.
16. Four Flavor Cookie Skillet
A gooey cookie skillet is one of the best creations; a four-flavor cookie skillet almost seems too good to be true. This cookie skillet recipe calls for gingerbread, pumpkin, apple cinnamon and snickerdoodle cookie mix to make a giant all-in-one fall cookie.
The seasonal flavors combined with the gooeyness of a skillet cookie make this to a fall treat that is to die for.
17. Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes
Potatoes are a cold weather staple. However, mashed and baked potatoes can get old after some time. Hasselback potatoes are a smart way to switch it up.
Each ring is encased by a hearty amount of cheese, butter, and any other toppings you choose like sour cream, bacon, and scallions, so that every bite is equally satisfying.18. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
If you're looking for a dessert to wow your party guests this fall, make these pumpkin cheesecake bars. The incorporation of the pumpkin is an effortless way to make a seasonal dessert that isn't too extravagant and will be a crowd pleaser for sure.
19. Pumpkin Butter Pecan Gingersnap Rolls
If you are looking for a dessert that's more extravagant or non-conventional, these pumpkin butter pecan ginger-snap rolls are for you. They are easy to make, and combine three different seasonal flavors into one flavorful roll. Anyone who tries one is sure to be impressed.
20. Cinnamon Apple and Peanut Butter Breakfast Quinoa
Oatmeal for breakfast is so ordinary, so try having quinoa for breakfast for something different. More specifically, try this cinnamon apple and peanut butter breakfast quinoa for a warm, filling, and healthy meal on a chilly fall day.
Now, all I need is for this summer heat to finally be gone so I can enjoy these cozy foods with the fall weather. And remember, you can never have too much pumpkin.