11 Creative Fall Dinner Recipes Out of the Ordinary

unique autumn dinner ideas

Spiced Apple and Butternut Squash Risotto

creamy autumn risotto delight

Spiced Apple and Butternut Squash Risotto is a creamy, comforting dish that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. This risotto combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash and apples with warm spices, creating a rich and aromatic meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s a delightful vegetarian option that will warm you up as the temperatures begin to drop.

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1 cup
Butternut squash, cubed 2 cups
Apple, peeled and diced 1 medium
Onion, finely chopped 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Vegetable broth 4 cups
White wine 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup
Fresh thyme, for garnish Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  2. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the Arborio rice, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.
  4. Pour in the white wine and stir until absorbed. Gradually add the vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
  5. After about 15 minutes, add the diced apple, roasted butternut squash, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook until the rice is creamy and al dente.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy your fall-inspired risotto!
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Maple-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Quinoa Salad

maple balsamic brussels sprouts salad

Maple-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that celebrates fall flavors. This hearty salad features roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with quinoa, during the harvest season, capturing the essence of autumn with a delightful maple-balsamic dressing. It’s perfect as a satisfying main dish or a hearty side for any fall gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Brussels sprouts, halved 1 pound
Quinoa 1 cup
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Maple syrup 2 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup
Pecans, chopped (optional) 1/4 cup
Fresh parsley, for garnish Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the halved Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
  2. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, rinse the quinoa and cook it in vegetable broth according to package instructions (usually about 15 minutes).
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the roasted Brussels sprouts, cooked quinoa, and dressing. Toss well to coat.
  5. Top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped pecans if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious autumn salad!
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Prosciutto-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes With Fig Glaze

prosciutto wrapped sweet potatoes appetizer

Prosciutto-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes With Fig Glaze is a delicious and elegant dish that perfectly marries sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent addition to any fall gathering. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the salty prosciutto, while the fig glaze adds a rich and slightly fruity finish. This dish can be served as an appetizer or a side dish, providing a wonderful balance of taste and texture.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges 2 large
Prosciutto slices 6-8 slices
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Fig preserves 1/4 cup
Balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon
Fresh thyme, chopped (for garnish) Optional
Salt and black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wrap each sweet potato wedge with a slice of prosciutto and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the prosciutto is crispy.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine fig preserves and balsamic vinegar over low heat until melted and glaze-like.
  5. Drizzle the fig glaze over the roasted sweet potatoes and garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread

pear and blue cheese delicacy

Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread is a delightful and sophisticated dish that showcases the wonderful pairing of sweet and savory flavors. This flatbread is perfect as an appetizer or a light dinner option during the fall season. The combination of fresh pears, creamy blue cheese, and fragrant thyme is enhanced by a crispy flatbread base, making it an irresistible choice for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients Quantity
Flatbread or pizza dough 1 large
Pears, thinly sliced 2 medium
Blue cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon
Honey 1 tablespoon
Salt and black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the flatbread or pizza dough on a floured surface if using dough.
  2. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet and brush it lightly with olive oil.
  3. Arrange the sliced pears evenly on top of the flatbread, followed by crumbled blue cheese and fresh thyme.
  4. Drizzle honey over the toppings and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the flatbread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
  6. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy!
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Curried Pumpkin and Chickpea Stew

curried pumpkin chickpea stew

Curried Pumpkin and Chickpea Stew is a warm and comforting dish perfect for the fall season. This hearty vegan stew combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the protein-rich goodness of chickpeas, all infused with aromatic spices and coconut milk for a creamy texture. It’s an ideal choice for a cozy dinner or a meal prep option that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients Quantity
Pumpkin, peeled and cubed 4 cups
Chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 can (15 oz)
Coconut milk 1 can (14 oz)
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon
Curry powder 2 tablespoons
Cumin powder 1 teaspoon
Salt and black pepper To taste
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the curry powder and cumin, cooking for another minute to toast the spices.
  4. Add the cubed pumpkin and chickpeas to the pot, followed by vegetable broth and coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cover and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your warming stew!
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Wild Mushroom and Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash

savory stuffed acorn squash

Wild Mushroom and Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash is a delightful and nutritious fall dish that showcases the rich flavors of the season. The natural sweetness of acorn squash pairs beautifully with a savory filling of wild mushrooms, fresh sage, and hearty grains, making it a perfect centerpiece for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Acorn squash, halved and seeds removed 2 medium
Wild mushrooms, chopped 2 cups
Cooked quinoa or farro 1 cup
Fresh sage, chopped 2 tablespoons
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Vegetable broth 1/2 cup
Salt and black pepper To taste
Grated parmesan (optional) 1/4 cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Drizzle the cut sides of the acorn squash with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place squash cut-side down on a baking sheet, and roast for about 30-40 minutes until tender.
  3. While the squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
  4. Add chopped wild mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Stir in the cooked quinoa or farro, vegetable broth, and fresh sage.
  5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
  6. Once the acorn squash is tender, flip them cut-side up and fill with the mushroom and grain mixture. Top with grated parmesan if desired.
  7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Honey-Glazed Carrots With Pistachio Crumble

honey glazed carrot side dish

Honey-Glazed Carrots with Pistachio Crumble is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that beautifully highlights the sweetness of roasted carrots, enhanced by a sticky honey glaze. Topped with a crunchy pistachio crumble, this dish brings both texture and a nutty flavor, making it a perfect complement to any fall dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Carrots, peeled and cut into sticks 1 pound
Honey 3 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Chopped pistachios 1/2 cup
Bread crumbs 1/4 cup
Fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Roast the carrots for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine chopped pistachios, bread crumbs, and fresh parsley.
  5. Remove the carrots from the oven and sprinkle the pistachio crumble over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and crunchy flavors of this delightful fall side dish!
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Cauliflower Steaks With Romesco Sauce

cauliflower steaks with romesco

Cauliflower Steaks with Romesco Sauce is a hearty and vibrant vegetarian dish that showcases the unique texture of thick-cut cauliflower steaks. Roasted until golden brown and tender, these steaks are topped with a rich and smoky Romesco sauce, made from roasted red peppers, nuts, and spices. This dish perfectly embodies the essence of fall meals, making it a standout centerpiece for dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Cauliflower, cut into thick steaks 1 large head
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Red bell pepper, roasted 1
Almonds or hazelnuts 1/3 cup
Garlic 2 cloves
Smoked paprika 1 teaspoon
Red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Brush the cauliflower steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
  3. In a food processor, combine roasted red pepper, nuts, garlic, smoked paprika, and red wine vinegar. Blend until smooth, adding olive oil as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  4. Serve the roasted cauliflower steaks topped with a generous amount of Romesco sauce and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
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Gnocchi in Creamy Beet Sauce

gnocchi with beet cream sauce

Gnocchi in Creamy Beet Sauce is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines the soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi with a rich and creamy sauce made from roasted beets. This dish not only provides a wonderful pop of color but also offers a unique flavor profile, making it an ideal choice for a cozy fall dinner. Perfect as a main course or as a side, this recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients Quantity
Potato gnocchi 1 package (16 oz)
Beets, roasted and peeled 2 medium
Heavy cream 1 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh thyme, chopped 2 tablespoons
Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Cook the potato gnocchi according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the roasted beets to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring until combined and warmed. Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the cooked gnocchi to the beet sauce, stirring gently to coat.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
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Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs

cranberry orange glazed chicken

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs is a succulent and flavorful dish perfect for fall dinner gatherings. The sweet and tangy glaze made from fresh cranberries and zesty orange juice coats juicy chicken thighs, creating a beautiful and delicious combination that embodies the spirit of the autumn season. This dish is easy to prepare and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken thighs, bone-in 4 pieces
Fresh cranberries 1 cup
Orange juice 1/2 cup
Honey 1/4 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Orange zest 1 tablespoon
Fresh thyme, for garnish Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
  3. In a separate saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, minced garlic, and orange zest. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a baking dish and pour the cranberry orange glaze over them.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Savory Pumpkin and Spinach Frittata

savory pumpkin spinach frittata

Savory Pumpkin and Spinach Frittata is a delightful and nutritious dish that celebrates the flavors of fall while being easy to prepare. Packed with protein from eggs and the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, this frittata makes for a satisfying breakfast, brunch, or light dinner option. The addition of fresh spinach rounds out the dish, making it a colorful and tasty choice for any meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Eggs 6 large
Cooked pumpkin puree 1 cup
Fresh spinach, chopped 2 cups
Onion, diced 1 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Feta cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
  3. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, then incorporate the cooked pumpkin puree.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in the skillet.
  5. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and cook for a few minutes until the edges start to set.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the frittata is set in the center.
  7. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serve warm. Enjoy your savory meal!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.