Fall is finally here, and with it comes butternut squash, sweet potatoes, apples, pears and pumpkin. You’re going to love this list of ways to incorporate all that delicious fall produce into your menu this month.
WHAT’S IN SEASON IN OCTOBER?
- Fruits: Apples and pears top the list of in-season fruits this month. They’re often overlooked with the focus on all things pumpkin! But there are so many amazing fall dishes, both sweet and savory, that can be made with these fruits. Think apple pies, crisps and sweet breads.
- Vegetables: October is a bountiful month when it comes to seasonal vegetables. Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and turnips are plentiful, as well as fall favorites like squash, pumpkin, and beets. It’s a great time to use in-season veggies to make hearty soups and stews and casseroles.
Fall is finally, officially here! It’s also officially harvest season in many parts of the world, which means there is so much fresh produce (especially vegetables) to choose from.
I don’t know about you, but I also refer to October as the beginning of “soup season.” As much as I’d like to start eating soup in September, it never seems to get quite cool enough. But I’m more than ready to start making family favorites like Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew.
And of course, fall baking is in full swing around here. I’m filling my family to overflowing with pumpkin desserts and apple recipes. We’re also sharing a lot with neighbors, because there really is such a thing as too much pumpkin spice!
There are so many reasons to love fall, but my favorite is the opportunity to cook and bake with all the wonderful, fresh produce that’s available right now. Here’s a short list of what’s in season during the month of October.
WHY COOK WITH WHAT’S IN SEASON?
- Seasonal food is fresher and more nutritious than out-of-season food. Fruits and vegetables start losing nutrients the moment they’re picked, so the quicker food reaches the table, the more nutritious it will be.
- You’ll save money using in-season foods. Especially if you grow your own fruits and vegetables. And locally grown produce doesn’t have to travel far to reach you–those savings are passed on to you!
- You’re likely to try new ingredients, and a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, if you are focused on cooking and baking with what’s in season.
- You’ll rely less on global, industrial agriculture, which is better for the environment.
- Fresh, locally grown (if possible) in-season produce just tastes better! If you’re lucky enough to have year round farmer’s markets where you live, that’s the best place to find delicious seasonal produce. Plus it helps support the local economy and farmers.
Easy Apple Fritter Pull-Apart Bread
If you love apple fritters, you’re going to love this easy loaf of bread, studded with fresh apples and topped with a powdered sugar glaze.
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Feta
If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy twist on classic meatballs, these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Spinach and Feta are the answer. Packed with fresh herbs, crumbled feta, and spinach, these meatballs are full of Mediterranean flavors. They’re a versatile, easy meal for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep.
Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Bite sized pieces of cauliflower are baked in a spicy batter, then tossed in Buffalo wing sauce and butter in this tasty twist on classic hot wings.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Green Chile Pork Tacos
Slow cooked pork with a green chile pineapple marinade, served in warm flour or corn tortillas.
Apple Crumble Pie
Traditional apple pie filling topped off with a pecan and brown sugar streusel.
Costco Pumpkin Spice Loaf (Copycat Recipe)
Just like the version at Costco’s bakery, this seasonal favorite is loaded with pumpkin and warm spices, with a cinnamon and sugar swirl throughout, and topped off with a sweet cream cheese frosting and white chocolate curls.
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
Grilled corn and potatoes are slow cooked in a creamy, cheese broth, along with red pepper and jalapeno, in this hearty, late-summer soup recipe.
Kale Crunch Salad with Salty Almonds {Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipe}
Just like the popular Chick-fil-A side, this healthy salad features kale, cabbage and extra crunch from salty toasted almonds.
Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Pork chops are pan seared then smothered in a creamy mushroom gravy in this one-pot meal that the whole family will love.
Melt in Your Mouth Potatoes
These perfectly roasted potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory flavor. This easy side dish is a delicious complement to any meal. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting guests, this potato recipe is sure to impress!
Layered Pear and Pomegranate Salad
Fresh spinach, pears, pomegranates, candied pecans and blue cheese are layered in a trifle bowl with a homemade Dijon vinaigrette to create this beautiful salad that will be the centerpiece of your holiday table.
Starbucks Pumpkin Bread (Copycat Recipe)
Craving Starbucks pumpkin bread but want to make it at home? This easy recipe gives you all the same fall flavors. With a moist pumpkin base and a crunchy, maple-glazed pepita topping, this bread is perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Easy Black Pepper Beef
Tender chunks of beef are sauteed with bell peppers, onions and lots of black pepper in this delicious Asian recipe that’s so easy to make at home!
Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel Frosting
These delicious pumpkin cookies are soft, spiced, and topped with a creamy caramel frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy treat, these cookies are sure to impress!
Sticky Apple Pudding Cake with Caramel Sauce
This warm, gooey cake is loaded with fresh apples and spices, then drizzled with homemade caramel sauce for the ultimate fall dessert.
Kale Bacon and Cranberry Salad
This loaded kale salad features crispy bacon, crunchy almonds, blue cheese and dried cranberries. Easy enough for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough for a holiday dinner.
Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberries and Candied Pecans
Sweet and savory flavors come together in this beautiful Thanksgiving dish that can be served as both and appetizer or a side.
Roasted Carrots with Dijon Vinaigrette
Roasted baby carrots drizzled with a sweet and tangy dijon vinaigrette. The perfect spring vegetable side dish!
Sausage Potato and Spinach Soup
Featuring Italian sausage, tender chunks of potato, and fresh spinach, this creamy, satisfying soup is the perfect meal on a cold day.
Croissant and Mushroom Stuffing
Made with buttery croissants, fresh herbs and mushrooms, this savory vegetarian stuffing is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Grilled Salmon with Blackberry Bell Pepper Salsa
Salmon filets are marinated, grilled, then topped off with a sweet and savory salsa featuring fresh blackberries and grilled bell peppers.
Ramen Noodle Salad
Romaine lettuce and broccoli are combined with crunchy Ramen noodles, sunflower seeds, and a sweet and tangy dressing in this unique and delicious salad.
Simple Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Onions are caramelized in the slow cooker, then combined with beef broth in this easy soup recipe. Topped off with toasted baguette slices and melted cheese, this simple soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Roasted Corn and Jalapeno Dip
Grilled corn and fresh jalapenos are combined with lots of cheese, spices, red peppers and green onions in the warm, savory dip that’s always a crowd favorite!
Turkey Butternut Squash Wild Rice Stew
This savory fall stew features spinach, squash, wild rice and turkey. Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of butternut squash puree, ricotta and mozzarella, then topped with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in this easy but elegant recipe.
Be sure to save this collection of October seasonal recipes to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
