As the leaves change colors and the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting fall dinner to bring people together. Whether you’re hosting a cozy night in with family or friends, or just looking for a way to brighten up a chilly evening, these 18 heartwarming recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and fill your home with the cozy aromas of the season.
From creamy risottos and hearty stews, to roasted vegetables and savory tarts, our collection of fall dinner recipes has something for everyone. So go ahead, grab a sweater, and get ready to indulge in the flavors of the season.
Pumpkin Sage Risotto
This creamy risotto combines the warmth of roasted pumpkin with the earthy flavor of sage, perfect for a cozy fall dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin puree (see note)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
5. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in the roasted pumpkin puree and chopped sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Butternut Squash Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of roasted butternut squash soup, perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch. This recipe is easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs, such as parsley or sage, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Roast the squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 45 minutes, or until tender.
4. Scoop the roasted squash flesh into a blender or food processor.
5. Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and heavy cream (if using). Blend until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops
Elevate your pork chops game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the flavors of apple cider, brown sugar, and spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 lbs)
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze all over the pork chops, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Place the pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potatoes game with the deep flavor of roasted garlic! This recipe is a simple twist on a classic comfort food that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: butter, sour cream, or grated cheese for added richness
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until soft and caramelized.
3. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain potatoes and mash with roasted garlic, broth, salt, and pepper.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add butter, sour cream, or grated cheese for extra flavor.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Tart
This sweet and savory tart is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. Caramelized onions add a deep, rich flavor to the buttery pastry crust, while Gruyère cheese adds a creamy and indulgent touch.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and dark brown.
4. Spread the cooked onions over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese evenly over the onions.
6. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
7. Brush the crust with beaten egg for glaze.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole
A comforting side dish perfect for the holidays or a cozy night in, this sweet potato casserole is infused with warm spices and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Add heavy cream and melted butter; mix until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix together pecan halves and granulated sugar.
6. Top the sweet potato mixture with the pecan streusel.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Roasting a turkey breast with fresh herbs and lemon is a simple yet impressive way to elevate your next meal. This recipe yields a moist, flavorful bird that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Place the turkey breast on a roasting pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the herb mixture evenly over both sides of the turkey breast.
5. Place sliced lemon on top of the turkey breast.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cranberry Balsamic Chicken
This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the rich flavor of balsamic glaze, creating a sweet and savory chicken dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar + 1 tablespoon honey)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, balsamic glaze, and 1 tablespoon water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Brush the balsamic-cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken breasts during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Mushroom Stroganoff
A hearty and flavorful dish that combines the earthy flavors of wild mushrooms with the richness of beef and cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, cremini, and shiitake), cleaned and sliced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked egg noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook the beef strips in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in paprika, beef broth, and heavy cream. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve over cooked egg noodles.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple yet impressive side dish that combines the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts with a rich maple glaze. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special holidays.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together maple syrup and 1 tablespoon water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Remove Brussels sprouts from oven and toss with the warm maple glaze.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped nuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Barley Stew
A comforting and flavorful stew perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe combines tender beef with nutty barley and a medley of vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef over medium-high heat. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add barley, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Return the browned beef to the pot, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until the barley is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli
Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli Recipe: A Delightful Autumn Treat
Roasted Root Vegetable Medley
Roasted Root Vegetable Medley Recipe
A flavorful and colorful medley of roasted root vegetables, perfect as a side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium turnips, peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: herbs of your choice (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnip, and turnips.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. If using herbs, add them now and toss to combine.
5. Spread the vegetable medley in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
This hearty recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted acorn squash with the savory flavors of sausage, apples, and herbs. Perfect for a cozy fall evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 large acorn squash (about 2 lbs)
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or other firm variety)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced apple to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stuff each squash half with the sausage mixture, dividing evenly.
6. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with dried sage.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Transform your slow cooker into a French kitchen with this rich and flavorful beef stew, reminiscent of the classic dish from Lyon.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the same skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. In the slow cooker, combine the browned beef, cooked onion mixture, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low), 4-6 hours (high)
Cider Braised Short Ribs
A tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the rich flavors of short ribs with the sweetness of apple cider, resulting in fall-off-the-bone meat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in beef short ribs
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the apple cider, garlic, and browned short ribs back to the pot. Cover with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
This sweet and savory salad combines the natural sweetness of roasted beets with the tanginess of goat cheese, all on a bed of crisp greens. A perfect combination for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let beets cool, then peel and slice into wedges.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped parsley.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (roasting time), plus assembly and serving.
Harvest Vegetable Pot Pie
Harvest Vegetable Pot Pie Recipe
A warm and comforting pie filled with a medley of autumnal vegetables, perfect for a cozy harvest dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, and turnips), peeled and chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mixed vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place into a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Fill the pie crust with the cooked vegetable mixture, sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. In a small bowl, mix flour and heavy cream until smooth. Pour the mixture over the vegetables.
6. Roll out remaining puff pastry to fit the top of the pie. Place on top, pressing edges to seal.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Summary
Get cozy this fall with these 18 heartwarming dinner recipes. From creamy Pumpkin Sage Risotto to savory Butternut Squash Soup, and from tender Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops to comforting Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, there’s something for everyone. Hearty dishes like Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole and Beef and Barley Stew are perfect for a chilly evening, while elegant options like Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli and Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Tart are sure to impress guests. Whatever your taste, these recipes will keep you warm and satisfied all season long.
