As the leaves begin to change and a crispness enters the air, our minds turn to the comforting flavors of fall. This seasonal shift has inspired generations to celebrate the bounty of autumn’s harvest through warm, hearty meals. The 25 viral Pinterest recipes I’ve detailed represent the epitome of fall’s cozy cuisine.
From pumpkin-infused chilis and pastas to slow-braised meats and roasted squashes, these dishes encapsulate the quintessential tastes of the season. Capturing the magic of cool weather cooking is an art, which is why you should learn these recipes from me. I’ve meticulously laid out each recipe with descriptive flavors, complete ingredients lists, and step-by-step instructions to guide you every step of the way. Allow me to be your knowledgeable autumn mentor as you embrace the flavors of fall.
1. Butternut Squash Soup
Bold, creamy, slightly sweet and warmly spiced taste
Ingredients: butternut squash, onions, garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, pepper
- Roast cubed squash at 400°F for 25-30 mins until tender
- In a pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic in butter or olive oil until translucent
- Add roasted squash and broth, simmer for 15 mins
- Purée with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy
- Stir in heavy cream, grated nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste
Total Cook Time: 1 hour
2. Pumpkin Chili
Hearty, slightly sweet, savory with a kick of spice taste
Ingredients: ground beef or turkey, onions, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, beef broth, kidney beans
- In a large pot, brown the ground meat with diced onions and bell peppers
- Add chili powder, cumin and garlic, cook for 2 mins to toast the spices
- Add diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, beef broth and drained kidney beans
- Simmer for 30-45 mins to allow flavors to meld
- Topping options: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions
Total Cook Time: 1 hour
3. Honey Baked Ham
Sweet and salty, tender and juicy glazed ham taste
Ingredients: fully cooked ham, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cider vinegar
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep
- In a bowl, make the glaze by whisking together honey, brown sugar, mustard and vinegar
- Place ham in a roasting pan and brush all over with some of the glaze
- Bake at 325°F for 2-2.5 hours, basting every 30 mins with the remaining glaze
Total Cook Time: 2.5 hours
4. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone beef with rich gravy taste
Ingredients: beef chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, dry red wine, fresh thyme, rosemary
- Pat the roast dry and generously season all over with salt and pepper
- In a skillet, sear the beef all over in hot oil until browned
- Place the seared roast in the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours until beef is fork-tender
- Remove beef and shred with two forks, stir shredded beef into the gravy
Total Cook Time: 8-10 hours
5. Apple Cider Braised Chicken
Juicy chicken infused with sweet-tart apple cider flavor
Ingredients: bone-in chicken pieces, apple cider, onions, garlic, fresh thyme, chicken broth
- Pat chicken dry and season all over with salt and pepper
- In a dutch oven, brown the chicken in batches in hot oil
- Remove chicken and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until soft
- Add thyme and deglaze pan with apple cider and chicken broth
- Return chicken to pot, cover and simmer for 45-60 mins until cooked through
Total Cook Time: 1.5 hours
6. Harvest Grain Bowl
Hearty, nutty, sweet and savory with roasted veggies.
Ingredients: farro or quinoa, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, kale, pecans, dried cranberries, maple vinaigrette
- Cook the grains according to package instructions
- Toss cubed sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper and roast at 400°F for 20-25 mins
- Trim brussels sprouts and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper on a baking sheet
- Roast brussels sprouts for 15-20 mins until browned and tender
- Toss roasted veggies, grains, kale, pecans and cranberries with the dressing Total
Cook Time: 45 mins
7. Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Smoky, savory, hearty and creamy baked sweet potatoes.
Ingredients: sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, cheddar cheese, cilantro lime crema
- Scrub and prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork
- Bake directly on oven rack at 400°F for 50-60 minutes until very soft
- In a skillet, sauté black beans, corn, bell pepper and onion
- Split open potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork
- Top with sautéed veggies, shredded cheese and drizzle with crema Total Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins
8. Pumpkin Pasta Bake
Rich and creamy with a blend of sweet and savory pumpkin flavors.
Ingredients: penne pasta, pumpkin puree, cream or milk, parmesan, garlic, sage, olive oil, panko breadcrumbs
- Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions
- Make sauce by sautéing garlic and sage in olive oil
- Whisk in pumpkin puree and cream/milk, simmer 5 mins
- Toss cooked pasta with pumpkin sauce and half the parmesan
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with panko and remaining parmesan
- Bake at 375°F for 20 mins until browned and bubbling
Total Cook Time: 40 mins
9. Beef Bourguignon
Deeply flavored, melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked beef stew.
Ingredients: beef chuck, bacon, pearl onions, mushrooms, red wine, beef stock, garlic, thyme, butter, flour
- In a dutch oven, cook bacon until crispy and set aside
- Dry beef and brown it in batches in the bacon fat
- Sauté onions and mushrooms, then sprinkle with flour and cook 2 mins
- Add wine, scraping up browned bits, then add stock, bacon, and herbs
- Return beef to pot, cover and braise in 325°F oven for 2.5-3 hrs
Total Cook Time: 3.5 hours
10. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creamy, cheesy, comforting soup with a pop of broccoli flavor.
Ingredients: broccoli, cheddar cheese, carrots, onions, garlic, chicken or veggie broth, heavy cream
- In a pot, sauté onions and garlic in butter or olive oil until soft
- Add broth, carrots and broccoli stems and simmer for 15 mins
- Add broccoli florets and cook for 5 more mins until vibrant green
- Remove from heat and blend half of the soup until smooth
- Return blended soup to pot and stir in cream and shredded cheese
- Total Cook Time: 45 mins
11. Maple Glazed Salmon
Sweet and savory salmon with a sticky maple glaze.
Ingredients: salmon fillets, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet
- Generously brush or spoon the maple glaze over the top of the salmon
- Bake at 400°F for 12-15 mins until salmon is opaque throughout
Total Cook Time: 20 mins
12. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Hearty, protein-packed vegetarian shepherd’s pie.
Ingredients: lentils, mushrooms, carrots, peas, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, red wine, mashed potatoes
- Cook lentils according to package, drain and set aside
- Sauté mushrooms, carrots, onions and garlic
- Add cooked lentils, peas, broth and wine, simmer for 10 mins
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes
- Bake at 400°F for 20 mins until lightly browned
Total Cook Time: 1 hour
13. Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy and indulgent with sweet roasted squash.
Ingredients: butternut squash, arborio rice, onion, garlic, parmesan, vegetable broth, white wine, butter, sage
- Roast cubed squash tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper at 400°F for 25 mins
- In a pot, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent
- Add rice and toast for 2 mins, then deglaze with wine
- Ladle in hot broth 1 cup at a time, stirring frequently until absorbed before adding more
- Fold in roasted squash, butter, parmesan and sage once rice is al dente
Total Cook Time: 1 hour
14. Chicken Pot Pie
Quintessential creamy and comforting chicken pot pie.
Ingredients: cooked chicken, frozen veggie mix, pie crust, onion, garlic, chicken broth, butter, flour, cream, eggs
- Make a roux by cooking butter and flour for 2 mins
- Whisk in broth and cream, bring to a simmer
- Add cooked chicken, veggies, onions and garlic, season with salt & pepper
- Pour filling into a pie plate and top with pie crust, crimping the edges
- Brush crust with an egg wash and cut vents
- Bake at 400°F for 30-35 mins until crust is golden brown Total Cook Time: 1 hour
15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Crispy brussels sprouts with smoky, savory bacon. Ingredients: brussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, salt, pepper
- Trim brussels sprouts and cut in half
- Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper on a baking sheet
- Roast at 400°F for 20 mins, shaking pan halfway
- Chop bacon and add to the brussels sprouts, drizzle with balsamic and maple
- Return to oven and roast 5-10 more mins until bacon is crispy
Total Cook Time: 35 mins
16. Acorn Squash Stuffed with Sausage
Sweet roasted squash filled with savory sausage stuffing.
Ingredients: acorn squash, Italian sausage, bread cubes, onion, celery, garlic, parsley, butter, broth
- Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds, rub with olive oil and roast cut-side down for 30 mins
- Cook sausage, breaking it up as it browns, then drain excess fat
- Sauté onion, celery, and garlic, then add bread cubes and parsley
- Mix in sausage and enough broth to moisten the stuffing
- Fill squash cavities with stuffing and bake 20 more mins
Total Cook Time: 1 hour
17. French Onion Soup
Rich, savory broth with caramelized onions and toasted bread.
Ingredients: yellow onions, beef broth, white wine, thyme, bay leaf, butter, gruyere, bread
- Slowly caramelize sliced onions in butter over low heat for 45-60 mins
- Add wine and deglaze pot, letting reduce slightly
- Add broth, thyme, and bay leaf and simmer 20-30 mins
- Ladle into oven-safe bowls and top with bread and shredded gruyere
- Broil for 2-3 mins until cheese is melted and bubbly
Total Cook Time: 1.5 hours
18. Pumpkin Ravioli
Sweet pumpkin filling enveloped in tender pasta pillows.
Ingredients: wonton wrappers, pumpkin puree, ricotta, parmesan, nutmeg, butter, sage, pine nuts
- Mix pumpkin, ricotta, parmesan, nutmeg and salt
- Place 1 tbsp filling in center of each wonton wrapper
- Brush edges with water and fold into a triangle, pressing to seal
- In a skillet, brown butter with sage leaves until crispy
- Boil ravioli for 2-3 mins until they float, then toss with browned butter and top with pine nuts
Total Cook Time: 45 mins
19. Beef Stew
Hearty, fall-apart beef in a rich, deeply flavored gravy.
Ingredients: beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme
- Season beef and sear in batches in a hot dutch oven
- Sauté onions and garlic, sprinkle with flour and cook 2 mins
- Deglaze with red wine, scraping up browned bits
- Add beef back along with broth, tomato paste, thyme and veggies
- Bring to a simmer, cover and braise in oven at 325°F for 2.5-3 hours
Total Cook Time: 3.5 hours
20. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet, creamy, crunchy casserole with pecan streusel topping.
Ingredients: sweet potatoes, butter, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, pecans, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg
- Boil cubed sweet potatoes until very tender, drain and mash
- Mix in butter, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt
- Spread into a baking dish and top with pecan streusel (pecans, flour, butter, brown sugar)
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 mins until hot throughout and streusel is browned
Total Cook Time: 1 hour
21. Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Tender and caramelized cauliflower steaks with bold flavors.
Ingredients: head of cauliflower, olive oil, lemon, garlic, parmesan, parsley, panko breadcrumbs
- Remove outer leaves and trim stem from cauliflower head
- Cut into 1-inch thick “steaks” from the center portion
- Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
- Roast at 400°F for 20 mins, flipping halfway through
- Make topping with panko, parmesan, parsley, lemon zest and garlic
- Top roasted steaks with panko mixture and broil 2-3 mins to crisp Total Cook Time: 35 mins
22. Mushroom Stroganoff
Creamy mushroom gravy over tender egg noodles.
Ingredients: mushrooms, onions, garlic, beef broth, sour cream, egg noodles, thyme, parsley, worcestershire
- Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in butter until browned
- Add garlic and thyme, cook 1 minute more
- Whisk in beef broth and worcestershire, simmer 10 mins
- Stir in sour cream and parsley, season with salt and pepper
- Serve stroganoff sauce over cooked egg noodles Total Cook Time: 35 mins
23. Maple Dijon Chicken
Sweet and tangy baked chicken smothered in a maple dijon sauce.
Ingredients: chicken breasts, dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, thyme
- Pound chicken to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper
- Make sauce by whisking mustard, maple, vinegar and olive oil
- Pour some sauce into a baking dish and add chicken, turning to coat
- Bake at 400°F for 20-25 mins, basting chicken with remaining sauce frequently
- Garnish with fresh thyme
Total Cook Time: 30 mins
24. Vegetarian Chili
Hearty, protein-packed vegetarian chili with bold spices.
Ingredients: kidney beans, black beans, bell peppers, onion, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, potato, avocado
- Sauté onions and bell peppers until softened
- Add spices and toast for 1 minute
- Add diced tomatoes, beans and broth
- Simmer for 30-45 mins, allowing flavors to meld
- Garnish with cilantro, avocado, cheese, etc.
Total Cook Time: 1 hour
25. Cheddar Apple Bacon Bread
Sweet apples with savory cheddar and smoky bacon in a moist bread.
Ingredients: apples, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, eggs, milk, butter, flour, baking powder, salt
- Grate apples and cheddar, chop or crumble bacon
- Make batter by whisking together eggs, milk and melted butter
- Fold in flour, baking powder, salt, apples, cheddar and bacon
- Pour into a greased loaf pan
- Bake at 350°F for 55-65 mins until a toothpick inserted comes out clean
Total Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Conclusion
With these 25 viral Pinterest recipes, you now have an arsenal of amazing fall dishes at your fingertips. From creamy soups and hearty stews to roasted veggie sides and sweet breads, there’s something for every autumn craving.
As the seasons change, make sure to take advantage of fresh fall produce like pumpkins, squash, apples, Brussels sprouts and more that are bursting with flavor. Welcome friends and family over to share in the cozy atmosphere and flavors of these autumnal meals.
No matter which recipe you try first, you can feel confident knowing you have clear instructions from a knowledgeable guide. Celebrate fall’s bounty through cooking, and let these recipes become new seasonal traditions. Grab some cider or pumpkin ale, queue up the Thanksgiving tunes, and savor the tastes of the harvest season.