Okay, it may not quite be September yet, but it seems like everywhere I turn people are already talking about fall. The other day my friend excitedly told me she had her first pumpkin spice latte of the season and then my mom called to inform me she was baking her famous apple butter bars. Then the very next day I log onto Pinterest and what do I see? Tons and tons of fall-inspired recipes, just waiting for me to make them!
Yes, it seems like the majority of us are ready to leave summer in the dust and dive right into the perks of the autumn season. One of the best perks, of course, is the food! Pumpkin doughnuts, apple pie, hearty stews and comforting chilis… I’m in heaven just thinking about it all.
If you’re as big of a fall food fan as I am, you’re going to love (or should I say “fall” in love with) these autumn-y recipes I’ve rounded up. There are your standard favorites that everyone looks forward to every September, and then I also threw in some unexpected yet delicious-looking dishes that I personally can’t wait to try this year. Get geared up for pumpkin/apple/chili/soup season and check out these mouthwatering autumn dishes!
Awesome Apple Recipes:
Apple Steusel Cake (from Chef in Training) - I love cooking with apples in the fall because they taste incredible at the peak of the season, but even more than that, they make your kitchen smell amazing. This scrumptious dessert looks like something I’m going to have a hard time resisting seconds of!
Apple Cheddar Breakfast Strata – I made this yummy breakfast bake last year and I couldn’t believe how flavorful it was! The combination of sweet apples with a savory cheese crust was unexpected but so good. In the fall, apples can be for any meal: dinner, dessert, even breakfast!
Perfect Pumpkin Recipes:
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Frappe (from Peanut Butter and Peppers) – Who needs Starbucks when you can make your own pumpkin-flavored drinks at home? This recipe is quintessential fall in a cup and I can’t wait to try it out in my own kitchen! Mmmmm…..
Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes – This fantastic fall dessert has it all. Made with pumpkin puree, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and, of course, chocolate, there’s not much more you could ask for out of an autumn treat. These sweets would be perfect for the kids on Halloween, but I’d eat them pretty much all season long!
Crazy Good Chilis:
Country Chili with Cornbread – Cozy up with a big bowl of chili as the weather gets cooler outside. I love this classic version, especially when it’s paired with homemade, fresh-out-of-the-oven cornbread. Yum!
Jen’s Hearty Chili (from Jen Loves Kev) – This chili just looked amazingly delicious to me… and that was before I found out about its surprising star ingredient: quinoa! I can’t wait to make this chili with a bit of extra added crunch.
Sensational Slow Cooker Suppers:
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon Soup (from Baked By Rachel) – Inspired by the master chef herself (Julia Child, that is), this incredible soup recipe is chocked full of fall-friendly ingredients like beef, potatoes, bacon and garlic. This dish is definitely at the top of my “Must Make” list this fall.
Hearty Sweet Potato Dressing – It wouldn’t be fall without a great recipe for stuffing, and this one beats out all the rest because it perfectly combines TWO autumn favorites in one incredible dish. This slow cooker side would be awesome for Thanksgiving this year, or just for an everyday weeknight dinner.
Tell me: What’s YOUR favorite fall food?
Ah, ha! Now I know what to do with all those apples we picked last weekend. The Apple Cheddar Breakfast Stata will be the hit of my family brunch on Saturday.