20 All Time BEST Comfort Fall Recipes for Cold Nights

There's nothing quite like the feeling of a crisp autumn breeze brushing against your face and the sight of leaves turning into brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow. Fall is my favorite season, not just for its beauty but also for the delicious, heartwarming food that comes with it.

Whether you’re snuggled up in a cozy blanket or gathered around the table with loved ones, there's no better way to celebrate the season than with some fantastic comfort food. That's why I've compiled a list of the 20 All Time BEST Comfort Fall Recipes for Cold Nights, guaranteed to make your evenings warm and delightful.

1. Classic Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a fall favorite of mine. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavors that scream autumn.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss cubed squash, chopped onion, and carrots in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast the vegetables for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
4. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large pot, add the vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer.
5. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
6. Stir in the coconut milk, adjust salt and pepper, and serve hot.

2. Fall-Apart Beef Pot Roast

Nothing says comfort like a slow-cooked pot roast that practically melts in your mouth.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast
• 4 large carrots, cut into chunks
• 4 large potatoes, quartered
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet of onion soup mix
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any additional desired herbs.
2. In a large skillet, sear the beef on all sides until browned.
3. Place the beef in a slow cooker, layering it with carrots, potatoes, and onions.
4. Sprinkle the onion soup mix and minced garlic over the top.
5. Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker.
6. Cook on low for 8 hours, until the beef is tender and falling apart.

3. Cinnamon Apple Crisp

A perfect dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of fall apples topped with a crunchy oat streusel.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Toss the apple slices with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Spread evenly in a baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until it forms a crumbly mixture.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

4. Pumpkin Risotto

Get into the spirit of the season with creamy pumpkin risotto. It’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups pumpkin puree
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp butter
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add in the Arborio rice and cook for a minute, stirring constantly.
3. Pour in the white wine and cook until mostly absorbed.
4. Gradually add the broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently and letting it absorb before adding more.
5. Once the rice is cooked to al dente, stir in the pumpkin puree.
6. Remove from heat, then stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until creamy.

5. Cheesy Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a comfort classic, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a large skillet, cook and crumble the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, sausage, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese.
5. Spread the mixture into a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Chicken and Dumplings

This classic dish is the epitome of comfort food, with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken, chicken broth, onion, carrots, and celery to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked, about 20 minutes.
2. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
3. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter to make the dumpling batter.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the simmering pot. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
5. Serve hot, ensuring each bowl has plenty of dumplings.

7. Sweet Potato Casserole

This dish is perfect for any holiday gathering or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot until tender, then drain and mash.
3. Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.
4. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with mini marshmallows.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the marshmallows are golden brown.

8. Beef and Barley Stew

A hearty beef and barley stew can warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups beef broth
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, then return the beef to the pot.
4. Add the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
5. Add the pearl barley and simmer for another 30 minutes, until the barley is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

9. Apple Cider Pork Chops

These juicy pork chops pair perfectly with the sweet tanginess of apple cider.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 apples, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops on each side until browned.
3. Remove the pork chops and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and apple slices until soft.
5. Add the apple cider and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine.
6. Return the pork chops to the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until cooked through.

10. Maple Glazed Carrots

These sweet, tender carrots are a perfect side for any fall meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks with maple syrup, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet in an even layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.

11. Mushroom and Sage Stuffing

This savory stuffing is a must-have for fall gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread, toasted
• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the mushrooms, onion, and celery until softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables.
4. Stir in the fresh sage and chicken broth until well mixed.
5. Pour the stuffing mixture into a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.

12. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This creamy and hearty soup is perfect for a chilly fall evening.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, wild rice, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
2. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for about 45 minutes, until the rice is tender.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream, and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

13. Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This healthier alternative to pasta is packed with flavor and perfect for fall.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes.
3. Use a fork to scrape the squash into strands.
4. In a bowl, mix spaghetti squash strands with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

14. Cranberry Orange Bread

This sweet and tangy bread is perfect for breakfast or a snack, especially in the fall.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
• Zest of one orange

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, orange juice, milk, and egg until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the cranberries and orange zest.
6. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are crispy and browned.

16. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

This fresh and flavorful salad is a great fall starter.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 2 pears, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• 1/2 cup candied pecans
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, pears, Gorgonzola cheese, and candied pecans.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to combine just before serving.

17. Turkey Chili

This hearty chili is perfect for using up leftover turkey and keeping you warm.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
2. Add the shredded turkey, beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili toppings.

18. Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

A warm and gooey apple bread pudding drizzled with caramel sauce is the ultimate fall dessert.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of cubed bread
• 3 cups milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
3. Add the cubed bread and chopped apples to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
4. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and let it sit for 15 minutes.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until set and golden brown.
6. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

19. Autumn Harvest Bowls

These bowls are bursting with fall flavors and nutritious ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups quinoa, cooked
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss sweet potato and Brussels sprouts in olive oil, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast the vegetables for 25-30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
4. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, apple slices, dried cranberries, and pecans.
5. Toss with your favorite dressing and serve.

20. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

End your evening on a sweet note with this moist and delicious bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and sugar.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

As the days grow shorter and the chill in the air becomes undeniable, these comforting fall recipes are like culinary hugs that make those cold nights more bearable. From hearty stews and creamy soups to sweet treats and savory mains, each dish is designed to bring warmth and a sense of coziness to your home.

Cooking and sharing these recipes with loved ones can turn any ordinary evening into a special autumn moment. Take these recipes, put on your favorite sweater, and let the magic of fall cuisine fill your home with delicious scents and flavors. Happy cooking and even happier eating!