25 Best Lunch Recipes For Fall Season: Cozy & Delicious Ideas

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. There’s just something magical about the crisp air, the changing leaves, and the comforting foods that make their way to our tables. This season brings a unique opportunity to indulge in some cozy and delicious lunch recipes, perfect for warming up on those cool autumn days. That’s why I’ve gathered my 25 Best Lunch Recipes For Fall Season: Cozy & Delicious Ideas. These dishes are not only easy to prepare but are packed with flavors that reflect all the best parts of fall. So, grab your favorite blanket, put on your comfiest sweater, and let’s dive into these yummy, heartwarming meals that will make you look forward to lunch every day.

1. Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a classic fall favorite that’s both creamy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. Add butternut squash and broth. Simmer until squash is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
5. Stir in the cream, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.

2. Chicken Pot Pie

This dish combines tender chicken with creamy vegetables wrapped in a flaky crust.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a pot, melt butter and sauté onion until soft.
3. Add flour and stir until well combined.
4. Slowly add broth and milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Add chicken and vegetables, then pour into a baking dish.
6. Cover with pie crust and bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown.

3. Beef Stew

Hearty and full of flavor, beef stew is perfect for a chilly fall day.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown beef over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté for a few minutes.
3. Add broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaves.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

4. Pumpkin Risotto

Rich and creamy, this pumpkin risotto is a comforting dish that’s perfect for fall.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 small pumpkin, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add rice, stirring until translucent.
3. Add wine and let it evaporate.
4. Slowly add broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly.
5. Add pumpkin and cook until tender.
6. Stir in parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

5. Apple Cinnamon Grilled Cheese

A twist on the classic, this grilled cheese brings cozy fall flavors to your lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of sourdough bread
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 2 slices of cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• A sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Place one slice, butter side down, in a hot skillet.
3. Layer with cheese, apple slices, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
4. Top with the second bread slice, butter side up.
5. Grill until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted. Serve warm.

6. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

This vegetarian chili is packed with flavor and perfect for fall.

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add sweet potatoes and cook for a few minutes.
3. Add beans, tomatoes, broth, chili powder, and cumin.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

7. Sausage & Kale Soup

This hearty soup is full of flavor and perfect for a cozy fall lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage, sliced
• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups potatoes, diced
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil and cook sausage until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Add broth and potatoes, bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
5. Add kale and cook until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

8. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

These sweet and savory Brussels sprouts are a great fall lunch side.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until crispy.
4. Serve warm.

9. Turkey & Cranberry Panini

A delicious way to use up leftover turkey, this panini is full of fall flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of ciabatta bread
• 1/2 cup leftover turkey, sliced
• 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
• 2 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Butter the outside of each bread slice.
2. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese inside the bread.
3. Grill in a hot skillet until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Serve warm.

10. Harvest Grain Bowl

Packed with nutritious ingredients, this grain bowl is a tasty and healthy fall lunch option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Combine quinoa, squash, spinach, pomegranate seeds, and feta in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to combine. Serve warm or chilled.

11. Cheddar & Broccoli Soup

This creamy and cheesy soup is ideal for a cozy fall lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a pot, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add flour and cook for a minute.
3. Slowly add broth, stirring until thickened.
4. Add broccoli and cook until tender.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
6. Stir in cream and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

12. Mushroom & Spinach Quesadilla

A quick and delicious lunch option, perfect for fall.

Ingredients:

• 1 large tortilla
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté mushrooms until soft.
2. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
3. Place tortilla in the skillet, and add sautéed vegetables and cheese on one half.
4. Fold tortilla and cook until golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve warm.

13. Chicken & Apple Salad

A refreshing and light lunch with all the wonderful flavors of fall.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1 chicken breast, cooked and sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, chicken, apple, walnuts, and blue cheese.
2. Drizzle with apple cider vinaigrette and toss well. Serve chilled.

14. Spaghetti Squash with Marinara

A delicious low-carb lunch option that’s hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut squash in half, remove seeds, and brush with olive oil.
3. Place cut side down on baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes.
4. Use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands.
5. Toss with marinara sauce and sprinkle with parmesan. Serve hot.

15. Savory Pumpkin Pancakes

These savory pancakes are a unique and delicious fall lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine pumpkin, flour, milk, egg, parmesan, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour batter into the skillet and cook until golden brown on each side.
4. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Conclusion

I’m absolutely thrilled to have shared these cozy and delicious lunch recipes tailored for the fall season with you. Each dish is designed to bring the comfort and warmth that we all crave as the temperatures drop and the days get shorter. Whether you’re a fan of hearty soups, creative spins on classic sandwiches, or you’re looking to explore new flavors like pumpkin and cranberry, there’s something here for everyone.

These recipes are all about making the most of the season’s bountiful produce and rich, savory flavors, turning everyday lunches into something special. I hope these dishes inspire you to get into the kitchen and create moments of joy and satisfaction with your loved ones this fall. Happy cooking, and enjoy the flavors of the season!