101 Recipes That Give You a Taste of Fall

Coming from Oregon, a state famous for its cranberries, this bread is a given at our house. Each fall my husband and I scrounge around for walnuts to go in it. It's a regular on our table, and not just at Thanksgiving. I freeze the berries so I have a ready supply all year long. —Elaine Kremenak, Grants Pass, Oregon

Maple syrup is my sweet secret to these irresistible rolls. Slow-cooking the flavor-packed pork couldn’t be easier, and they’re quick to roll up. We love them for parties because they serve a packed house. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This simple but special deep-dish pie provides a down-home finish to hearty autumn meals served at home. Pecans and pumpkin-pie spices make this a comforting seasonal classic.—Paul Azzone, Shoreham, New York

Mixed greens and plenty of produce make this salad so satisfying, and it's gorgeous to serve for special occasions. —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan

I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin

These miniature trifles are so fun for fall holiday parties! The assembly takes a little longer than making one big trifle, but it's worth it to see everyone's reaction to getting their own! —Rhiannon Brownell, Newport News, Virginia

Spreading a mixture of mayo and butter on the bread creates a delightfully crispy crust with the well-loved, wonderful flavor of butter one expects on a grilled cheese sandwich.—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does. I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah

Sauteed shallots, fig jam, rosemary, lemon and sherry vinegar make a delightful sauce for both the chicken and the beans. My husband couldn’t believe how well the white beans absorbed the flavor, making this a grand slam. Matchstick carrots can be added to the bean mixture for extra color, flavor and crunch. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer pot pie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! — Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark

Cooking is a hobby I'm so happy to share with my toddler. She (and all our Christmas Eve party guests) heartily approved this new potluck favorite. Any type of winter squash works here. —Lindsay Oberhausen, Lexington, Kentucky

My neighbor gave me this recipe years ago, and I love how these pies are different from the usual chicken pot pie. The flavor combination in these pies just screams fall, but freezing them allows my family to enjoy them any time of year. They are especially good for an easy dinner during the cold winter months.—Mary Shenk, Dekalb, Illinois

Tangy ginger, tart lemon and puckery cranberries make this melt-in-your-mouth cake as crisp—and gorgeous—as autumn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Don’t be afraid to bring out the Brussels sprouts. Mellowed by roasting and tossed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California

I eliminated beans from my standard chili recipe and added peanut butter and peanuts just for fun. Wow, it was amazing! Tried it on my family and they all loved it. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

When I was young we produced several ingredients for this longtime favorite on the farm. We raised pumpkins in our large vegetable garden, and made homemade butter and lots of sour cream using milk from our dairy herd. —Evonne Wurmnest, Normal, Illinois

At our house, cranberries are a favorite. I made this dessert for the first time in the 1990s. It started out as a pineapple upside-down cake—I just changed a few things around! It keeps and travels well, so it’s perfect for taking to church dinners. And we love to share it with our son and grandchildren. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina

Put the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Even though we've lived in Florida for 3 years, I still feel like a "Vermonter". My parents send us a bushel of Vermont apples each fall, and we try to visit in the spring to do some sugaring. —Patricia Putnam, Lakeland, Florida

These bars make an excellent fall dessert. We like to warm individual servings in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It quickly became a family favorite; maybe it'll become one of your family's, too. —Carol Stuber, Osawatomie, Kansas

Here on our 1,250-acre farm, we usually have a quick breakfast on the go. So I often keep a batch of these light and moist doughnuts on hand. They disappear quickly because no one can eat just one! —Suzanne Christensen, Defiance, Iowa

Roasting chickens this way is simple but gives you that rich roast flavor. The rosemary gives it a sweet taste and blends well with the garlic, butter and parsley. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah

Don't expect this old-fashioned dessert to last long. The delicate pears and irresistible caramel topping make it a winner whenever I serve it. It's nice to have a tempting fall cake that puts the season's best pears to excellent use. —Sharon Mensing, Greenfield, Iowa

I grew up with a family that looked forward to leftovers, especially the day after Thanksgiving. But we didn’t just reheat turkey and spuds in the microwave—we took our culinary creativity to a new level with recipes likes these croquettes. Serve three per plate along with a crisp green salad for an unforgettable meal. —Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia

I love to serve this tender, flavorful pork to guests. You don’t have to toil away in the kitchen to prepare it, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. —Kimberley Scasny, Douglasville, Georgia

Mom loves sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting baked sweet potato casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost serve as a dessert. It's a yummy treat! —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee

These wholesome rolls are a pleasant addition to any entree. I get so many requests for them at holiday time. I make about 100 dozen in December! —Ula Kessler, Liberty Center, Ohio

Among all my pumpkin bread recipes, this caramel-glazed creation is the pick of the crop. Often, I'll wrap up a lovely loaf as a homemade gift for teachers and Sunday school leaders. —Brenda Jackson, Garden City, Kansas

I mixed and matched several recipes to come up with this one. I'm always happy to adapt recipes for my slow cooker. It's so easy to prepare a meal that way. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

My mom made this stew when I was young, and it was always a hit. Since it's not time-consuming to make I can fix it on a weekend for our children, who love the tender dumplings. —Becky Mohr, Appleton, Wisconsin

My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

As one of the cooks at the firehouse, I used to prepare meals for 10 men. This chili recipe was among their favorites. —Richard Clements, San Dimas, California

These rolls are the lightest, most delicious ones I've ever tasted...and everyone else seems to agree. The pumpkin gives them mild flavor, moist texture and a pretty golden color. At our house, it wouldn't be the holidays without them. —Dianna Shimizu Issaquah, Washington

Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson of Dover, Delaware

These delightful golden rolls are always requested at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The recipe is one we’ve enjoyed for years. —Vivian Eccles, Gridley, Kansas

For a standout holiday dinner, start with this change-of-pace entree. Begin by simmering the chops in apple juice, then drizzle with sweet maple syrup and top with crunchy pecans. —Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I came across this recipe in a local newspaper about 10 years ago, and I still make the bread on a regular basis. The recipe conveniently yields a number of mini loaves, making gift-giving easy. —Linda Wood, Roanoke, Virginia

Even those who aren't fans of squash enjoy this side dish. Sweet slices of butternut squash are topped with apples covered in a cinnamon-sugar glaze for a quick and easy dinner accompaniment. —Ellie Klopping, Toledo, Ohio

Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas

This fabulous cake and caramel frosting are so tender, it melts in your mouth. It's been a family favorite since the '70s and it goes over really well at church potluck meals. —Anna Jean Allen, West Liberty, Kentucky

"This recipe was passed on to me by a friend. I've altered it slightly to suit our tastes," Leann Hilmer from Sylvan Grove, Kansas says of the simple skillet supper. "We like it with a fresh green salad."

You'll love the smell in your kitchen—and the smiles on everybody's faces—when you make this scrumptious caramel apple pie recipe. It takes me back home to Virginia and being at my granny's table. —Jean Castro, Phoenix, Arizona

I received this recipe from my great-grandmother. She brought this over from England, where they enjoyed leeks immensely during the fall and winter. —Suzanne Kesel, Cohocton, New York

I think the slow cooker was invented with brisket in mind. This sweet and savory version is perfection itself, because it melts in your mouth. It's very important to buy "first-cut" or "flat-cut" brisket, which has far less fat than other cuts.—Lana Gryga, Glen Flora, Wisconsin

Because my husband loves pumpkin pie, I've looked high and low for that "perfect" recipe. But as soon as he tasted this tart, he told me to stop searching, declaring this the best he's ever tried! —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri

I've never met a creme brulee that I didn't love! I'm not a big pumpkin fan, but this is fantastic. —Tamara Leonard Merritt, Raleigh, North Carolina

The sweetness of the apples and onions really complements the roast pork. With its crisp skin and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this is my family's favorite weekend dinner. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

I like to make this recipe in the fall and winter for special occasions because it's very colorful, tasty and healthy. It's a hearty side that complements many different meat dishes. —Krystine Kercher, Lincoln, Nebraska

Corn and black beans give this satisfying chili Mexican flair the whole family will love. Adjust the cayenne if you have small children or are looking for a little less zip. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, West Chester, Ohio

Sauerkraut gives these beer-simmered brats a big flavor boost, but it’s the special chili sauce and melted cheese that put them over the top. Top your favorite burger with some of the chili sauce; you won't be sorry. —Alana Simmons, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

I adapted a recipe I saw on public television to create this caramel-coated pumpkin bread. It makes an impressive hostess gift or bake sale contribution. My young ones love to help roll the dough and cream cheese into balls.—Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri

If you want a dessert that will take the cake at a St. Patrick's Day celebration, look no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt flavor that's perfectly complemented by the Irish cream frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Jersey

The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit by cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas

I was determined to make a healthier version of this pumpkin- and spice-laden cake. Judging by the compliments, it worked. Even a picky 4-year-old eater asked for more.—Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon

This hearty and healthy stew will warm your family right down to their toes! Serve with cornbread or rolls to soak up every last morsel. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

After tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. The pesto adds an extra-nice Italian flavor that is often missing from other gnocchi soups. —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa t

This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes—and one that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey

My kids love chicken potpie, and I really like that this is so quick and easy to put together with frozen veggies and store-bought gravy. To make it even simpler, my friend and I decided to top it with a biscuit crust instead of homemade pastry. It’s delicious! —Linda Drees, Palestine, Texas

This recipe simplifies our busy lives and lets us celebrate family time with a hearty meal that is on the table fast. — Donna Harp, Cincinnati, Ohio

Need a warm, soothing meal for a blustery night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew loaded with sweet potatoes and kale. And the shredded pork is oh-so-tender! —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin

This recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original.—Laura Davis, Pocomoke City, Maryland

There is a standing joke among friends that when I'm asked to bring a dish to a party, it always contains bacon. My partner loves bacon-wrapped dates and my grandmother got me hooked on date-nut bread, so I made a sweet and salty combination of these recipes.—Terrie Gammon, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Rustic and comforting, I found this rich and cheesy lasagna to be a great way to get kids to eat healthy greens—it's such a tasty casserole they'll never know the Swiss chard is there! —Candace Morehouse, Show Low, Arizona

Even people who normally don't care for Brussels sprouts will ask for a second helping of these. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

I made this for a family get-together on my husband's birthday. The homemade rosemary applesauce adds an extra layer of comfort to the tender pork. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey

Finding healthy recipes the family will eat is a challenge. This elegant squash is one we love, and it works with pork, turkey and chicken sausage. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

My husband is a lifelong veggie hater, but he tried these deep-fried pumpkin bites and fell in love. Serve them with chipotle mayo or ranch dressing. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

When I want to show family and friends some culinary love, I roast a tenderloin and serve it with a sweet-tart pomegranate and apple chutney. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

My pork chili is brimming with poblano and sweet red peppers for a hearty kick. Serve it with sour cream, Monterey Jack and tortilla chips. —Anthony Bolton, Bellevue, Nebraska

Squash and beer make my risotto different and delicious. Plus, cooking it in the oven cuts down on hands-on time making it. Win-win. —Katie Ferrier Gage, Houston, TX

We like a touch of rum for the holidays, and this orangey rum cake is decadent alone or with big swoops of whipped cream. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

I converted many people to Brussels sprouts with this recipe, and it has since become my most requested dish. The richness of the hazelnuts and the sweetness of pomegranate and orange elevate the sprouts to a new level. —Melanie Stevenson, Reading, Pennsylvania

This main dish is simple enough for a weeknight, but the cranberries also make it a perfect choice for a Christmas dinner. It's colorful, juicy and easy. After all, it comes together in less than 30 minutes so you're out of the kitchen and with your family at the table in no time. —Roxanna Chan, Albany, CA

I wanted to up my veggie game, so I smothered Brussels sprouts with garlic and goat cheese. It's really a side dish, but I love to eat it for lunch! —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California

When my whole family comes over for dinner, I make a big platter of roast chicken with sweet potatoes, carrots and fennel. My dad leads the fan club. —Kelly Ferguson, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

I've made this recipe for years. Words I hear whenever I serve it are "Yummy!" and "Pass the brisket, please!" —Terri Singer, Ottawa, Ontario

Eating dinner as a family every night is really important to us, and this recipe is one that we all love. It's our favorite skillet chicken dish. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

These apple cider pork chops are a must for fall family dinners. I serve them with buttered egg noodles to soak up more of that delicious sauce. The recipe is easy to double when company pops in. —Debiana Casterline, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

I can never get enough of this baked sweet potato fries recipe! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull them out of my garden and chop them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

Spicy butternut squash makes a great base for these vegetarian tacos. I'm always looking for quick and nutritious weeknight dinners for my family, and these are delicious, too! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

We love the combination of classic fall fruits in this cake. I bake the apples on the bottom to keep them plump and moist, then flip the cake so they're on top. This is best served warm with vanilla ice cream, but we enjoy digging in any time of day. —Christina Yahraes, San Francisco, California

Treat your sweet-salty tooth! Sweet potatoes dressed with buttery, herby, garlicky goodness make for a stunning, delicious side dish. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This is a super-easy recipe full of sweet fall flavor. The maple flavor really shines through. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York

Whenever I have leftover chicken, these turnovers are on the menu. The tasty secret is in the curry. —Laverne Kohut, Manning, Alberta

This cake is easy to make on a lazy day and a guaranteed-delicious dessert for several days, if you can make it last that long. It's wonderful for the fall and even the holidays. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

I love that I can top this creamy soup with anything my heart desires, which means I can eat it several days in a row without ever having to have it the same way twice. You can substitute fresh onions and celery in this recipe if you prefer, but using the dried version makes it easy to throw together on a weekday morning. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

I'd just been apple picking and wanted to bake something new with the bounty. I decided on apple chicken by throwing them in the slow cooker with some barbecue sauce. The dish fills my whole house with the most delicious smell. —Caitlyn Hauser, Brookline, New Hampshire

My husband's grandma made the most amazing honey gingerbread. It's wonderful all on its own, but when you add it to a trifle, your guests are sure to ask for the recipe. —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska

This recipe hits all the flavor points and makes a fantastic Thanksgiving or Christmas side. Plus, you've got to love a dish that requires minimal effort and doesn't take up oven space. You can always omit the bacon if you need a vegetarian option. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Plenty of herbs and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. It?s just the thing we need on nippy days and nights. —Laura Magee, Houlton, WI

My husband and I have created many wonderful memories by sharing this meal with our friends. In the winter, we bake it indoors; in the summer, it works well on the grill, too! Either way the chicken pretty much cooks itself, leaving you plenty of time to visit with friends and family. —Ashlie Delshad, West Lafayett, Indiana

This recipe is a twist on baked Brie. My family always requests these during the holidays. They are delicious and make the kitchen smell amazing! —Jacquie Franklin, Hot Springs, Montana

After discovering I had multiple food sensitivities, I began developing holiday recipes that would be safe for me, but enjoyable for others, too. These tarts are delicious—with no gluten, eggs or dairy! —Chantale Michaud, Guelph, Ontario

Who said bread pudding has to be for dessert? I love to serve this for brunch or dinner when I want something hearty and a little unusual. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A sweet and spicy combo is the perfect accent for meaty chops. With a fresh green veggie on the side, this is a hearty summer meal. It’s easy, yet impressive enough to serve to company. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia

I started out fixing another recipe but didn't have all the ingredients, so I came up with this one! The spice gives it a flavorful kick. You can make your own five-spice powder by combining cloves, cinnamon, anise and nutmeg. I love that you can make this dish on the stovetop or the grill. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana

Folks in New Hampshire apparently appreciate maple syrup almost as much as we do in Vermont. When my husband and I took a road trip through New Hampshire, we discovered this pie at a number of diners and restaurants. We loved it so much we created our own version. —Laurie Herr, Westford, Vermont

I love how a hint of heat with a touch of sweetness from the Gustus Vitae spicy chocolate cinnamon cane sugar adds another layer of flavor to this contest-winning chili recipe from Jeanne Larson of Rancho Santa Margarita, California. —Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Food Editor

When pumpkin season rolls around, I like to find new ways to enjoy it in almost all my cooking. This creamy dessert feels so festive this time of year—it gives you classic pumpkin pie flavor with just a kiss of orange. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas

After enjoying a similar dish at a Spanish tapas restaurant, my husband and I were eager to make our own version of this saucy chicken at home. If I want to make it extra healthy, I remove the skin from the chicken after browning. —Ryan Haley, San Diego, California

This recipe is one of my go-tos when entertaining. It's simple, elegant and you can entertain your guests instead of spending the entire time in the kitchen. It is always a crowd pleaser and everyone always asks for the recipe. The whole pieces of garlic in this dish become so sweet, a lovely complement to the sweet grapes and spicy sausage. I serve this over rustic hand-mashed red potatoes. —Melissa Zienter, Las Vegas, Nevada