October is a festive month from beginning to end. We are ramping up for the big holidays just around the corner—but not before we go apple picking and costume shopping for Halloween first. And as we’re watching the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, we’re getting inspired in the kitchen, too.
Autumn cooking has us ready to indulge in cozy comfort foods and fall favorites. From hearty stews to spooky treats, we’ve got a lineup of recipes that will have you swapping out that witch’s hat for an apron and your wand for a wooden spoon. Let’s dive into the culinary magic that awaits us.
Baked Oatmeal
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Senior Editor Courtney Kassel says this is the ideal breakfast for fall, and we agree. The recipe page explains that this dish hails from Pennsylvania Amish country—and it couldn’t be easier to mix together and bake in your trusty 9×13 pan. “Add some apples, and you’re set,” Courtney advises.
The Best Caramel Apples
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Keep the apples out for this treat, too. Editorial Director Devon O’Brien gets inspired this time of year, explaining she’s “a sucker for a good caramel apple.” Take fresh apples from your trip to the orchard and adorn them with tasty toppings, “like salted peanuts, chocolate sprinkles, and chopped chocolate peanut butter cups,” she suggests. You don’t have to tell us twice.
Maple Streusel Cake
Kim Shups
“This maple streusel cake has maple flavor and warm autumn spices in both the crumble topping and the cake, and gets an extra boost of flavor from the addition of browned butter,” notes creator and Allrecipes Allstar Kim. It’s perfect for any gathering this month.
Simple Turkey Chili
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Just as we’ve been waiting for cooler weather to enjoy all things maple and apple, we’ve also been dreaming of chili. Senior Editor Corey Williams stands by this version that’s “even better on the second day.”
Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Allrecipes Member
Need a fun way to use up seasonal produce? This recipe has “a really hearty casserole feel and is packed with vegetables,” according to Editorial Fellow Carmella D’Acquisto. It also boasts “autumnal flavors with the sausage, fennel, and thyme of it all.” Her tweak is to use a Parmesan and breadcrumb topping along with a cream sauce instead of pouring whipping cream on top. Most importantly, it’s “tasty and made tons” so you can feed a crowd or have leftovers for days.
Meatball Gnocchi Sheet Pan Dinner
Photographer: Grant Webster / Food Styling: Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Sue Mitchell
As Courtney can attest, this is the time of year for store-bought shortcuts to help us get dinner on the table. This sheet pan meal starring frozen meatballs and a package of potato gnocchi “takes 30 minutes and has zero cleanup—that’s a weeknight meal I will come back to.” It’s customizable as well so you can make it your own.
Chicken Stroganoff
Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling: Sue Mitchel
Tuck into this dish that takes traditional stroganoff for a spin with chicken bathed in a cozy, rich mushroom sauce. Senior Content Manager Frances Crouter comments, “If I’m feeling fancy, I might make homemade noodles to go with it,” and gives us a pro tip: “Crème fraîche is key for me, because I can accidentally bring the sauce to a boil without breaking it, which might happen with sour cream.”
Stick of Butter French Onion Rice
Allrecipes / Kim Shupe
Allrecipes Allstar Nicole Russell gives us a deliciously comforting side to serve with any meal. “It’s super easy to put together, and tastes amazing.” You know we can’t resist anything with a whole stick of butter.
Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn
Allrecipes / Julia Hartbeck
Another side that bridges the gap between seasons and makes the perfect addition to any game day spread is this creamed corn with a spicy spin. “Frozen corn is jazzed up with all the elements of jalapeño poppers—bacon, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and of course, jalapeños, for a little kick!” explains Allstar Brenda Venable.
Cream Cheese Biscuits
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Next up? Let’s follow Corey’s lead again, whether we’re serving these with chili or another favorite fall soup. “These cream cheese biscuits are tender, fluffy, and slightly sweet, with a hint of tangy buttermilk, and they are very delicious,” she assures. You can even get ahead of the game and freeze a batch to serve on Thanksgiving.
Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling: Sue Mitchell
Recipe creator Juliana Hale sells on this one: “Tasty ground beef topped with cheesy mashed potatoes—this slow cooker shepherd’s pie hits all the spots if you’re looking for a hearty comfort dish” (and, yes, we are).
Ginger Chicken
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This delectable Chinese-inspired chicken dish is ideal for any night of the week this month. It’s quick and easy and packs the flavor, thanks to soy sauce, brown sugar, scallions, garlic, and fresh ginger. Serve it with rice and a side of broccoli.
Hot Dog Mummies
Allrecipes / Diana Chistruga
Entering into spooky season, who can resist playing with food to get into the spirit? Allrecipes community member DessertQueen123 makes these irresistible hot dog mummies every Halloween, and says they’re “super simple and fun to do with just two ingredients! The kids love to decorate them with mustard eyes.”
Halloween Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Chef John
Chef John is coming through with a Halloween must-make just in time for the season. The recipe may look elaborate, but he insists: “Once you see how easy it is to do, you’ll have to try it. No artistic experience needed!”
Pumpkin Chai Latte Bars
Kim Shupe
If you’re looking for something a little different (yet totally decadent) to bring to a Halloween party or fall potluck, Editor Bridget Olson suggests looking no further than these treats. But plan ahead, these pumpkin-pie-like bars with a buttery shortbread crust require time to set in the fridge. However, the chai flavor upgrade makes it all worthwhile.
Coffee Cold Foam
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Save money in October by skipping the drive-thru and making your coffeehouse favorite at home. Cold foam is so easy and fun to customize. Grab the Torani syrup flavor of your choice (or make that, too) and whip up a chocolate cream cold brew, apple pie latte, or pumpkin chai.
Allstar Paula exclaims, “My cold foam turned out perfectly with these instructions, and I saved $5.00 by not going to a coffee shop!”
Spiced Pear Old-Fashioned
AR Magazine
Finally, our test kitchen will be toasting with this drink to welcome the changing leaves. As creator Juliana Hale says, “This old-fashioned with rosemary and pear is the perfect fall cocktail.” Pro tip: “If you can’t find cardamom bitters, you can use orange or Angostura bitters instead and add a pinch of ground cardamom.”
Happy fall y’all!
More Inspiration
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
