Get in the Fall Spirit with These 8 Seasonal Recipes

Today isn’t any old Friday—it also marks the first day of fall. Although autumn often gets overshadowed by its predecessor, summer, there are so many incredible things to look forward to when it reappears each year, from the saturated yellow, orange and red colors in nature to pumpkin spiced espresso drinks and the return of apple season (and fresh apple cider).

Whether you’ve been counting down the days ’til the season starts or you’re reluctant to part ways with warm weather, we’ve got eight recipe ideas that are sure to get your ramped up for the season ahead. Which will you make?

#1: Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Thyme

Who would’ve thought that four simple ingredients could produce a dish with such amazing flavor? Crispy, buttery and aromatic with fresh thyme, these potatoes are the perfect partner for everything from the roast chicken to grilled meats and fish. If you prefer, substitute fresh sage or rosemary for the thyme.

#2: Butternut Squash Ravioli

Incredibly delicious and perhaps the fastest sauce you’ll ever make, sage-infused brown butter is a great accompaniment to this ravioli, which can also be made with sweet potatoes or carrots instead of the butternut squash. The uncooked ravioli can be frozen; when ready to serve them, place the frozen ravioli directly in boiling water, as directed, and increase the boiling time by about 2 minutes.

#3: Pumpkin Soup with Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

#4: Apple Galettes with Salted Caramel

A generous measure of salt heightens the seductive buttery flavor of the caramel that tops these rustic tartlets. The result is a deep caramel essence that pairs perfectly with the lemony apples and flaky crust.

#5: Roast Chicken and Vegetables with Fall Spices

The warm flavors of cumin, coriander and sweet paprika simple scream fall. By roasting chicken in pieces instead of whole, you can speed up the cooking time; this dinner comes together in just 30 minutes! Toss lettuce with mustard vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of this dish.

#6: Cheddar and Hard Cider Soup with Fresh Shallots

Apples and cheddar cheese are a classic pairing of tart and sharp flavors. Here, this classic combo tastes even better, as it’s matched with thinly slivered shallot rings that have taken a dive into hot oil to create a crispy, crunch topping. Serve a crisp, lightly dressed salad on the side, and ready yourself for the compliments from your dinner guests.

#7: Roasted Pumpkin with Garlic, Sweet Potatoes and Cherry Tomatoes 

This medley of roasted vegetables transitions between the seasons with summer’s last tomatoes and autumn’s first root vegetables and firm squashes. If you’ve never combined maple syrup and olive oil before, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Garnish the dish with toasted pumpkin seeds and serve over farro if you like. There is plenty of extra jus to moisten the grains.

#8: Bucatini with Bacon, Kale and Winter Squash

Bucatini, a pasta that is slightly thicker than spaghetti and has a hollow center, is a good choice for a hearty autumn pasta. Fried sage leaves offer a contrast in texture and a familiar, comforting flavor.