As September rolls in, the air grows cooler, mornings carry a crisp freshness, and the first golden leaves begin to fall. It’s the season of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and kitchens filled with the aromas of cinnamon, pumpkin, and apples.
At Dish A Day, we love celebrating the flavors of each season. This September, we’re bringing you 10 comforting fall recipes that highlight autumn’s best ingredients. From hearty stews to pumpkin-spiced treats, these dishes will make your home feel like a true autumn retreat—no matter where you are in the world.
1. Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Why we love them: Soft, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these donuts capture the essence of fall.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 egg
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Reduce the apple cider in a saucepan to ½ cup. Let cool.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another.
- Combine and spoon into a greased donut pan.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes.
- Toss in cinnamon sugar while warm.
2. Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Toasted Pepitas
Why we love it: Smooth, velvety, and slightly spiced—perfect for cozy lunches.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup cream or coconut milk
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg
- Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Instructions:
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, broth, and spices. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend until smooth, stir in cream.
Top with toasted pepitas.
3. Hearty Chicken and Root Vegetable Stew
Why we love it: A comforting, one-pot meal loaded with tender chicken and seasonal root veggies.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken thighs, cubed
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 parsnip (optional)
- 1 onion
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt, pepper, thyme
Instructions:
- Brown chicken in oil. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion, add vegetables and tomato paste.
- Return chicken, pour in broth, and season.
Simmer 45 minutes until tender.
4. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Why we love it: A healthier, colorful twist on classic mac and cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups macaroni
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, mashed
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt, pepper
Instructions:
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- In a pan, melt butter, add milk, whisk in squash.
- Stir in cheese until creamy.
- Mix with pasta and serve hot.
5. Maple-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Why we love them: Even sprout skeptics will love the caramelized sweetness paired with crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
- 500g Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 4 strips of turkey or chicken bacon
Instructions:
- Toss sprouts with oil and maple syrup.
- Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes.
- Add crispy bacon pieces on top.
6. Apple and Chicken Stuffed Acorn Squash
Why we love it: Beautiful, wholesome, and filled with sweet-savory flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
- 250g ground chicken
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- Fresh herbs (sage, thyme)
Instructions:
- Roast squash halves at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes.
- Cook chicken with onions and apples, then season with herbs.
- Fill the roasted squash halves and bake for 10 more minutes.
7. Chai-Spiced Snickerdoodles
Why we love them: Classic cookies elevated with cozy chai spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cardamom
- ¼ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugar, add egg.
- Combine, roll into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
8. Autumn Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Why we love it: A colorful, crunchy, and nutrient-packed celebration of fall produce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 roasted sweet potato, cubed
- ¼ cup pecans
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup goat cheese
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt, pepper
Instructions:
- Toss salad ingredients together.
- Whisk dressing, drizzle on top.
9. Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Why we love them: Fluffy, golden, and perfect for weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger
- 1 egg
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup milk
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another.
- Combine and cook on a greased skillet.
- Serve with maple syrup or cream cheese glaze.
10. Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Why we love it: Sweet, spiced, and versatile—it’s autumn in a jar.
Ingredients:
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Blend until smooth, store in jars.
Final Thoughts
From spiced donuts to apple-stuffed squash, these fall recipes are the perfect way to celebrate September. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, weekend brunches, or cozy nights in, these dishes bring comfort and seasonal flavor to every table.
👉 Which recipe will you try first? Share your favorites in the comments at Dish A Day and let’s celebrate fall together!