30 Delicious Fall Dinner Recipe Ideas

When the leaves begin to fall, it’s time to add cozy, comforting meals to your dinner rotation. Here I’m sharing 30 delicious fall dinner recipes that are worthy of a spot on your family table. Try classics like creamy chicken noodle soup and turkey pot pie, or a vegetarian favorite like butternut squash mac and cheese.

collage of fall dinner recipe photos including pictures of meatballs in marinara sauce, creamy lemon chicken, pumpkin chili, maple salmon, and turkey pot pie.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or taking in a weekend football game from the comfort of your couch, here are 30+ delicious fall dinner recipes to add to your menu this season.


If you’re looking for a savory way to use up all those seasonal apples, my apple cider chicken has been very popular with readers. It’s a quick and easy 1-skillet meal, and the flavors are abundant with the sweet sautéed apples and herbed chicken.

apple cider chicken fall dinner.

If fall weather gets you excited for soups, I have lots to share. Although my website focuses mainly on dessert recipes, my creamy chicken noodle soup and sweet potato turkey chili are two reader favorites. Both make large batches, so you can make a pot for dinner and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

I love serving these, as well as minestrone soup and creamy cauliflower potato soup, in homemade bread bowls. If serving in regular bowls, a loaf of 4-ingredient artisan bread or these homemade breadsticks make for excellent dipping.

Seasonal fall produce also means plenty of tasty vegetarian meals, too. Vegetarian pumpkin chili, vegetarian shepherd’s pie, and biscuit and vegetable pot pie (pictured below) are popular choices for vegetarians and omnivores alike.

vegetable pot pie with biscuit topping
Biscuit & vegetable pot pie is customizable based on the vegetables you and your family enjoy.

And if you’re hosting company, whip up a batch of my honeycrisp apple sangria or apple cider autumn sangria for a festive drink to serve.


As a reminder, all of my recipes include make-ahead and freezing options. (You can find that information at the bottom of each printable recipe.)

30 Delicious Fall Dinner Recipes

turkey sweet potato chili with sour cream on top in white bowl.

Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

This is smoky and spiced sweet potato turkey chili, and it’s as hearty and satisfying as it is flavorful! It comes together in the slow cooker with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, beans, a generous dose of seasoning, and a little jalapeño heat.

maple-roasted and seasoned butternut squash and chickpeas on fall kale salad.

Maple-Roasted Squash & Kale Salad

Full of fall and winter’s best produce, seasoned toasted chickpeas, and tossed with a maple cider vinaigrette, this maple-roasted squash kale salad will be your new favorite salad in the cooler months.

meatballs in marinara sauce on platter.

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

This is my favorite recipe for classic marinara turkey meatballs to use on sandwiches, with pasta, or even on their own. I make them almost weekly; so versatile!

close up photo of apple cider chicken with apples and rosemary in skillet.

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken (Quick & Easy)

This is a quick, crowd-pleasing, and ultra-flavorful chicken dish that’s made in just 1 skillet. Add this one to your regular dinner rotation throughout the season!

butternut squash and mushroom tart with parmesan cheese

Butternut Squash & Mushroom Tart

This savory butternut squash and mushroom tart highlights seasonal vegetables together with garlic, fresh herbs, and parmesan cheese. If you’re looking for a different appetizer, lunch, side dish, or light dinner to try, this is it!

chicken meatballs with herbs on top on a plate with zucchini noodles and lemon slices.

Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs

My baked chicken meatballs are packed with flavor, baked, and then brushed with a lemony garlic herb butter. Serve with pasta, rice, a salad, or all on their own for an easy weeknight dinner.

pumpkin chili

Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili (GF & Vegan)

This 1-pot vegetarian pumpkin chili is filled with flavor, texture, and just enough spice. Pumpkin puree makes for a thick and creamy chili.

turkey pot pie with slices removed to show carrots, peas, mushrooms, turkey, and gravy filling.

Turkey Pot Pie

This hearty turkey pot pie uses 1 pie crust as the topping and plenty of delicious vegetables and cooked turkey in the creamy gravy filling. Make sure you bookmark this recipe for leftover Thanksgiving turkey later in the season.

roasted vegetable whole wheat pizza

Roasted Vegetable Whole Wheat Pizza

Amp up your fall pizza nights with this simple recipe for roasted vegetable pizza. I love using these toppings on my hearty whole wheat pizza dough.

close up overhead photo of butternut squash mac and cheese with kale.

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Oh-so-creamy butternut squash mac and cheese is your answer to a satisfying but lightened-up weeknight meal. My recipe is meat-free, full of flavor, and makes great leftovers.

Brussels sprouts salad with bacon, apple, dried cranberries, pecan, and parmesan cheese.

Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon

A bounty of flavors and textures comes together in one skillet, and it’s dressed with an easy homemade maple citrus vinaigrette.

chicken pot pie in glass dish with slice removed.

Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie

This completely from-scratch chicken pot pie nourishes the soul! It’s simple to prepare, features 2 buttery flaky pie crusts, and is customizable with your favorite vegetables.

sliced pepperoni stromboli

Homemade Stromboli

If you love my popular pizza dough recipe, you’ll love it transformed into a cheesy homemade stromboli. Use your favorite meats, cheeses, and fillings to make your new go-to pizza night menu item.

saucy and creamy garlic chicken with vegetables over brown rice on plate.

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Vegetables

My family declared this dish an instant favorite, with its tender chicken, creamy garlic pan sauce, and vibrant roasted vegetables. Bonus: it can be on the table in only 45 minutes.

overhead photo of bowls of tomato and broth-based minestrone soup with orzo pasta.

Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup

This hearty minestrone soup is filled with delicious colorful vegetables, plenty of spices, and a unique rich texture. I love preparing it with rice, but feel free to use your favorite pasta instead.

ladle of Maryland crab soup.

Maryland Crab Soup

There are many ways to make this tomato- and broth-based soup, and this is my family’s favorite. It’s generously spiced, extra satisfying, and chock full of delicious crab meat.

ladle of creamy chicken noodle soup.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Readers around the world agree that this is the best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe. It’s the perfect mix of everything we crave in a fall dinner—easy, wholesome, and satisfying!

bowl of slow cooker chicken chili with sour cream on top.

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Here’s my family’s favorite slow cooker chicken chili recipe—a true “set it and forget it” dinner that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

teriyaki chicken in a white bowl

Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

Sweet and savory honey teriyaki chicken is tender, juicy, extra saucy—and most importantly—simple to prepare in a slow cooker. It’s excellent with rice and veggies or sandwiched on a hearty roll.

easy maple sesame salmon on a blue plate

Easy Maple Sesame Salmon

This easy maple sesame salmon is a quick and delicious feel-good dish that I turn to often during the fall months. I usually complete the meal with rice and vegetables or a salad on the side.

serving spoon spooning cornbread chili casserole out of a black cast iron skillet.

Cornbread Chili Casserole

With an oven-safe skillet, this cornbread chili casserole can go from stove to oven in 1 pan. Plus, it’s pretty versatile; customize the chili with your favorite add-ins and preferred spice level.

zucchini sweet potato fritter on place with yogurt sauce on top and green salad behind it.

Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters

These savory stovetop cakes combine zucchini, sweet potato, onion, garlic, and plenty of fresh herbs to bring you a flavorful vegetarian meal. Creamy and refreshing herbed Greek yogurt sauce is a must-make accompaniment.

chicken breasts in creamy lemon thyme sauce in cast iron skillet

Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken

One skillet is the only pan you need to cook this tender chicken and creamy lemon herb sauce. It’s easy, great alongside rice and veggies, and oh-so-saucy!

individual mushroom puff pastry tarts lined together on parchment paper.

Mushroom Puff Pastry Tarts

These are mega-flaky mushroom puff pastry tarts with tangy gorgonzola cheese, fragrant thyme and rosemary, and a dash of slightly sweet balsamic vinegar. You’ll enjoy all of these robust and rich flavors on buttery puff pastry layers.

cheesy ham and potato casserole in white dish with serving spoon sitting in it.

Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe

This savory ham and potato casserole is cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a delicious way to use leftover ham, and it can do double duty as a brunch recipe or a cozy fall dinner dish.

close-up of walnut crusted chicken in cast iron skillet.

Walnut-Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze

This walnut-crusted chicken is a favorite for our family holidays and gatherings, but it’s totally doable for a quick weeknight meal. You’ll love the combination of toasted walnuts, juicy chicken, and sweet honey mustard.

chicken corn chowder in a slow cooker with a wood spoon

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Corn Soup

This is an easy slow cooker dinner the whole family will love. It’s lightened up but still has wonderfully rich and hearty texture and flavor.

vegetable pot pie with biscuit topping

Biscuit & Vegetable Pot Pie

My biscuit & vegetable pot pie casserole features a simple 5-ingredient biscuit topping and is filled with plenty of vegetables like mushrooms, peas, broccoli, and carrots—or use your favorites.

sausage stuffed green pepper on gray plate with arugula and tomato salad.

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

These sausage stuffed peppers are a delicious twist on the traditional beef version. The easy flavorful filling includes sausage, garlic, fresh parsley, oregano, and basil, plus your favorite cheese.

3 white bowls of homemade mac and cheese

Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese Recipe

White cheddar, crispy bacon, and garlicky spinach create a fancied-up mac and cheese recipe that everyone adores. Or skip the baking and add-ins for a simple weeknight dinner recipe.

Honey garlic shrimp in a bowl with rice and broccoli

Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp

This 20-minute honey garlic shrimp is extra quick and very simple, yet it delivers big on flavor. Complete the healthy dish with brown rice and vegetables, or enjoy these tasty shrimp over an easy salad.

Don’t forget the sides!

And, obviously, don’t forget dessert! Hop over to my 30+ best pumpkin dessert recipes and 30+ fall cake recipes if you need some sweet & seasonal inspiration.

sally mckenney headshot purple shirt.
About the Author

Sally McKenney

Sally McKenney is a baker, food photographer, and New York Times best-selling author. Her kitchen-tested recipes and step-by-step tutorials have given millions of readers the knowledge and confidence to bake from scratch. Sally’s work has been featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, Taste of Home, People, and more.

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Reader Comments and Reviews

  1. Marcia says:
    December 29, 2025

    I have been using your recipes off your website for a few months. My granddaughters and I used many of your cookie recipes for our Christmas cookie boxes for teachers and neighbors. And for Christmas I received your cookbook! Can’t wait to start baking from it!

    Reply
    1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
      December 29, 2025

      Thank you so much for making and trusting our recipes, Marcia!

      Reply
  2. David Rowntree says:
    November 2, 2025

    What a gem when I found your website. And, the non bake cheese cake! WOW, is that a great recipe!. So easy. The oreo and graham cracker crusts are super. My friends tell me that it better than a local restaurant that specializes in cheese cakes. Thank you very much for your service and skill. 93 and still baking. David

    Reply
    1. Michelle @ Sally's Baking says:
      November 2, 2025

      Thank you for sharing, David! Happy baking!

      Reply
  3. Jan VanDeusen says:
    October 14, 2025

    I’ve loved everything I made of yours. I sing your praises whenever someone says how good it is! Thank you!!

    Reply
  4. kathleen miles says:
    October 13, 2025

    Iv’e used many of your recipes and all were successful. I’m looking
    forward to your fall dinner recipes. I can hardly wait!

    Reply
  5. Mary Jane Rogers says:
    October 7, 2025

    Your recipes are the best! Thank You.

    Reply
  6. Leanne Foxman says:
    October 6, 2025

    I tried the apple cider chicken with apples last week. It made a delicious dinner. The chicken was juicy and had a great flavor. I will definitely make this again! Thank you so much.

    Reply
    1. Sally @ Sally's Baking says:
      October 7, 2025

      It is, by far, our favorite fall meal! I’m so glad to read that you love it, too.

      Reply
  7. Sue Baldwin says:
    October 6, 2025

    I’m so happy I found you! Your recipes are fantastic.

    Reply
    1. Sally @ Sally's Baking says:
      October 7, 2025

      Thank you, Sue! Let me know any recipes that you try.

      Reply
  8. Nancy says:
    October 6, 2025

    My head is spinning! You present so many great recipes and I want to try them all! I especially liked this email because you included recipes featuring apples, which is my favorite fruit. I recently made your pumpkin donuts with brown sugar glaze, and I swear they’ll bring tears to your eyes, they’re so good!

    Reply
  9. Gail Young says:
    October 6, 2025

    I’ve been making your apple cider muffins and apple crisp on repeat! My son lives in the middle of apple orchards so he brings me bags and bags of fresh apples ….I am super lucky!

    Reply
  10. Tee says:
    September 18, 2025

    These are great recipes to add to the fall menu in my house! Thank you for including veggie/meatless options, and helping me to use seasonal veggies I have on hand in new ways!

    Reply
    1. Diane Ainsworth says:
      October 14, 2025

      Absolutely love your easy cinnamon roll recipe. I’m new to your recipes but super excited to make many more! Thank you ❤️

      Reply
  11. Jane Doe says:
    January 15, 2025

    I loved this recipe so much!

    Reply
  12. Vince OBrien says:
    October 8, 2024

    Sally
    I look at and monitor many cooking “sites” and channels. Hands down, YOU ARE THE BEST!
    Thank You, Vince OBrien

    Reply
  13. Joyce says:
    October 7, 2024

    Your technique for making buttercream is amazing! It comes out perfect every time and is so easy!

    Reply
    1. Sally @ Sally's Baking says:
      October 7, 2024

      Glad to read this, Joyce!

      Reply
  14. Pennie says:
    October 7, 2024

    Can you have some persimmon recipes this fall?

    Reply
    1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
      October 7, 2024

      Hi Pennie, we don’t have any persimmon recipes at this time, but we’ll definitely keep it in mind as we develop recipes in the future!

      Reply