Ben’s birthday was a few days ago and for once I got him something that a.) he wasn’t expecting, and b.) he actually loved. A weighted blanket! (That’s a good indication of how old we’re getting. ?) This thing is 15lbs of soft, fuzzy, pure dead weight and although 15 pounds doesn’t sound like a lot, it feels like a giant sack of potatoes laying on top of you. After giving it a test run, I had Ben drape it over me then almost immediately had to throw it off as it was giving me c-section-operating-room-warm-weighted-blanket-vibes. Yet, here I sit two days later writing this post with the dang thing folded in half then in half again over my lap to concentrate the weight. I’m losing feeling in my calves, but am also kind of here for it?
All that to say, blanket weather is finally here! The sun sure is shining, but there’s an undeniable chill in the air and I’m already taking a deep dive into some of my favorite fall recipes. This ultra cozy dish is going on the stove after pumpkin-patching this Saturday, I bought a sack of Honeycrisp apples at the grocery store earlier this week to make Apple Crisp on Sunday, and Gwen’s currently gobbling these seasonal oatmeal bars for breakfast, snack, and every other eating opportunity in between. I tell you what, girlfriend’s got an APPETITE these days. You go, Gwen!
Anyway, since fall is moving full steam ahead, I thought I’d share my Ultimate Fall Cooking Bucket List today. If you love appetizers, desserts, main dishes and salads starring apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and greens – all gluten free, of course – then this recipe roundup is for you. 35+ comforting recipes celebrating all that fall has to offer.
That said, the season is short and this list is long, so let’s get cooking!
(Psst! Did you catch the 6 fall dessert recipes you HAVE to try?)
Gluten Free Pumpkin Cupcakes
Mulled Apple Cider
Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
Soft Batch Pumpkin Gingersnap Chocolate Chip Cookies
Healthy Cheeseburger Soup
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Green Bean Casserole
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Gluten Free Homestyle Beef and Noodles
Maple Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Homemade Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken Soup
(Because, casserole season!)
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Classic Apple Crisp
Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls
Caramelized Sweet Potato and Kale Fried Wild Rice
No-Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip
Best Ever Wild Rice Stuffing
Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili
Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte, 3 Ways
Apple Tarragon Chicken Salad
Crock Pot Black Bean and Rice Soup
Sweet Corn, Kielbasa and Potato Soup
Caesar Spinach and Artichoke Dip
One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Apple Orchard Salad
Stovetop Apple Crisp for Two
Sparkling Maple Bourbon Ciders
Warm Fig and Prosciutto Goat Cheese Dip
Perfect Roast Chicken
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars
Orchard Turkey Burgers with Brie and Caramelized Onions
Roasted Balsamic Butternut Squash
Maple-Dijon-Cider Pork Tenderloin
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Sparkling Hard Apple Cider Sangria
Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig-Balsamic Vinaigrette
Apple Orchard Panini
Baked Apple Chips
Mini Crustless Pumpkin Pies
Taco Chili
Caramel Apple Crisp with Easy Caramel Sauce
Happy eating, everyone!
Can’t get enough of the Wild Rice Harvest Bowl!!!!
Your Brussels sprouts salad and cider sangria are my favorite Fall party food/drink to make! And your spicy/smoky chili, even though it isn’t on this list. I kick the sangria up a notch by soaking the sliced apples in Fireball (or any cinnamon liquor) before adding the cider and wine–it always disappears quick!
I tried the Brussels Sprout salad on Sunday.My family went nuts , I served it with some chicken .The huge bowl of salad was gone.The flavors were wonderful.This was a keeper for sure.
Thanks again!
So glad to hear it, Tina! Really appreciate your feedback. :)
Yum! Two other (old) favs that I make on repeat that didn’t make the cut: your gemeli/Apple/chicken sausage pasta and cheesy taco soup! I want to try are the broccoli cheddar soup and smoked sausage skillet!
I’m sure someone mentioned it but Fixer Upper is ending after the 5th and final season….. so be sure to have that DVR set!!!
I just have to say I miss your daily posts and recipes :) I’m so glad for you that you get to be home with your boys and are working with sponsors and other projects, but I miss your presence here! You’re one of the favorites, the originals and the reliable ones :)
So you and your mother need to swing down to Waco —to see Joanna’s shop and their Diner. Fly out of Des Moines…girls TRIP! my friend went last weekend…bought a lot of stuff. Then headed to Pioneer Woman’s restaurant/ shop in OK. Did u hear Joanna is having a new “line” of everything at TARGET!!! your fav place. She is everywhere! $$$$$$$
plus her new magazine, etc. I’m surprised they got out of the TVshow, but I think she is going to have her own new show? if remember correctly. Your youngest son is really getting big…cutey. They both are for that matter. Keep up the great work…………
So much goodness going on right here! Thank you for the fall inspiration!!
Of course, Chelsea! Happy eating! :)
These all look delicious and should be added to my Fall Bucket List too ;) And I can’t believe you just now have started watching Fixer Upper!
I know – where have I been?? Making up for lost time though – I have 22 episodes on my DVR. ?
So many good ideas here! Food is the way we celebrate fall in Arizona, it’s suppose to be 99 to 100 degress this week UGH
UGH….!!!! I thought our 82 degree day here was bad! Hope you guys get some relief soon!
Can’t wait to try the Apple Orchard Panini and Baked Apple Chips. But you forgot my favorite: SIGNATURE SMOKY CHILI!!! I’ve been waiting for months to make it again!
GAH, I know – there were so many soups/chilis/stews I wanted to include!! That chili should definitely be on everyone’s fall cooking bucket list though!
So excited to try to broccoli cheddar soup. My Celiac girl really misses broccoli cheddar from Panera.
Yeah! Here’s my straight forward Broccoli Cheese Soup if you prefer a closer to Panera experience! http://iowagirleats.com/2014/09/22/perfect-broccoli-cheese-soup/
Hi Kristin, just wanted to let you know how much I love your blog! Your food is always amazing, and I love your writing! This fall round up is fantastic- I added a bunch of these recipes to this week’s meal plan.
Thanks Grace! Hope you find a couple new favorites. :)
Well, I know what I’m doing this weekend. I can honestly say all but one these ideas is on my fall “must try” list. Kristen, you have the best recipes & the most mouth-watering photography! (And thanks for the memories…. we used to take our teenage daughter to Howells every Oct when she was little!)
Thank you so much, Mary Ellen – I so appreciate your nice note! :) Glad we could spark some fun memories for ya, too. :)
I literally want to make every single thing on this list, I don’t even know where to start. I love all of your recipes!!
So much good food, not enough time, right?!
I love the idea of a fall cooking bucket list! Yum. I have tons of soups on mine!
Same! Soup, soup and more soup, please!
I’d add your Caramelized Sweet Potato and Kale Fried Wild Rice in there as well (http://iowagirleats.com/2014/10/15/caramelized-sweet-potato-kale-fried-wild-rice/) … I’ve made that several times and use fig balsamic instead of dijon, and add in rotisserie chicken if I want to make it a main dish.
Seriously, Kristin, our monthly menu that I make up includes about 15 of your recipes (not more because some, like the chili and the italian sausage soup, are repeated in the month… but that doesn’t account for the desserts that are whims, like your sugar cookie peach cobbler or apple crisp!). Tomorrow night we’re making your smoked sausage and chicken gumbo with the Trader Joe’s chicken andouille sausage. Thank you for the variety of your recipes that can be easily modified to a variety of food plans and preferences.
Thank you so much for the nice note, Bonnie! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes, and I’ve already made that kale fried wild rice this season – yum, yum!
LOVE Fixer Upper – did you hear this upcoming is the last season of the show?!?! TRAGEDY!!! I love how cute they are together; relationship to strive for. I have said to the hubs on more than one occasion, “Be more Chip!”. And her wardrobe is AMAZING! I primarily watch for the clotheshounding but will admit we remodeled a bathroom, dining room ripped right off an episode down to the paint color and rug, and a recent kitchen remodel completely inspired by their style. LOVE the modern farmhouse look and it fits our home perfectly. DIYing never felt so good!
YES, I am SO sad!! ? And couldn’t we all “be more Chip?” ? He is the best!
I love this! So fun! I’ve made so many of these and can’t wait to break em out again???
So glad to hear it! I love eating this time of year!
I love your butternut squash mac and cheese recipe – made the first batch of the season last night.
Awesome!! Happy eating!