Trick-or-treating, apple picking, ball games, candy corn, pumpkin carving, haunted houses, and corn mazes. October offers a little something for everyone, and these recipes do too! 🎃🕷👻
The following list offer a variety of seasonal standbys along some clever recipes that are just plain fun…and I’m here to say we are never too old for Spooky Spaghetti Stuffed Peppers, among others－18, 21, 23, and 30 come to mind!
Have you made any of these recipes? If so－or if you do－I’d love for you to comment below or on the individual recipe posts. I welcome all feedback, and the 5-star ratings are a bonus. New readers often say they appreciate knowing that others have tried a recipe and liked it. Google also prioritizes recipes with ratings and comments, so your feedback helps more people find their way to our little community!
SaveA bag of slaw mix offers a convenient shortcut for this crisp, wholesome, seasonal salad. The easy vinaigrette is loaded with flavor and can be used in a variety of other salads as well.
SaveWarm spices add seasonal appeal to this simple side dish that quickly cooks to golden perfection in the oven or air fryer. Feel free to mix things up with a different variety of winter squash (or sweet potatoes) and a short list of optional toppings (like hot honey!) if inclined. Try this Roasted Delicata Squash and Pomegranate Salad if you’re looking for even more delicata inspiration.
SaveThe heavenly aroma of sweet apples and warm spices fills your kitchen with this versatile fall favorite that can be sweetened to taste. The generous batch freezes well, and you can bake with it as you would applesauce. Or, try something new (and equally seasonal!) and make my foolproof Roasted Pumpkin Butter.
SaveDelicious, nutritious spaghetti squash lasagna has all the features we love about traditional lasagna, from the gooey cheese and hearty sauce to the best-ever leftovers. You won’t miss the noodles!
SaveNo frosting is needed for this rustic cake that is studded with tender apples and comes together in a single bowl with pantry staples. Serve as is or with a scoop of ice cream and caramel sauce. (Or my favorite, salted caramel ice cream!)
SaveThere may be no shortage of pumpkin spice lattes in this world, but now you can make them at home, with tea or coffee, iced or hot, and with several other customizable options. You may even find that the homemade version tastes fresher…and at a fraction of the usual price!
SavePumpkin and warm spices join a short list of kitchen staples in this hearty breakfast that may be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. If you’re looking for more baked oatmeal options, Apple Crisp Baked Oatmeal and Crunchy Top Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal are other delicious seasonal varieties!
SaveIf you don’t have a pumpkin cookie recipe (and even if you do!) Emily’s mom’s recipe will be the new standard in your household. Lightly spiced, chocolatey, and chock full of pumpkin and oats, this cookie hits all the right notes. The best part is that it doesn’t have to be perfect to taste great!
SaveThe classic bran muffin meets a whole can of pumpkin in this wholesome recipe that the entire family is sure to love! If looking for something grain-free, these Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins are easy to whip up and perfect for on-the-go breakfasts and snacks.
SaveCrunchy, creamy, salty, and sweet, these tasty muffins make a filling breakfast or snack. Plus they’re quick to make with ingredients easily kept on hand.
SaveA few helpful tips and an easy technique yield the crispiest, most irresistible pumpkin seeds with the simplest of ingredients. The snack-worthy recipe is reason to carve a pumpkin, even if you don’t have kids! For a lightly sweet spin, you may enjoy Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds.
SaveGreat for school parties and a welcome lunchbox surprise － clementines with a spooky makeover! Tip: Make sure the fruit is room temperature; I’ve learned from experience that Sharpies don’t write as well on cold clementines.
SaveWith a combination of creamy, crunchy, and crisp ingredients, this nutrient-dense salad is sure to satisfy, and leftovers hold up well. For a protein-rich complete meal, top with grilled or roasted chicken or salmon－or white beans or seared tofu for complementary meatless alternatives.
SaveThis stick-to-your-ribs, vegan soup is easy to customize and makes a big batch － perfect for easy dinners and packable lunches all week long. Freezes well too.
SaveThis is no ordinary Halloween recipe, but these special mini meatloaves are sure to elicit smiles (or shrieks) from those who eat them. (Feel free to call them rat meatloaves if your crew will delight in the ick factor. Skip the rodent reference for those who may suddenly lose their appetite. 🤣🐀)
SaveAn easy-to-make alternative to applesauce that can be enjoyed as a side dish, over oatmeal, mixed with yogurt, or even as a cheater version of apple crisp. (Just sprinkle with granola!)
SaveMove over meatballs! This squirmy pasta dish makes a fun project for kids (good for hand-eye coordination too) and a crowd-pleasing Halloween-themed meal. For a more “mature” version, substitute your favorite cooked sausage for the hot dogs.
SaveThree ingredients are all you need for this salty-sweet, crunchy treat that takes mere minutes to make. No baking required! For a little added fun, we made pitchforks by melting a little chocolate and putting it in a zip-top bag. By snipping a tiny piece off the corner, the chocolate may easily be piped onto wax or parchment paper. If the chocolate is too runny once melted, allow it to sit at room temperature, or refrigerate very briefly, until it is slightly firmer and easy to pipe.
SaveShredded Brussels sprouts are quickly seared then topped with crisp bacon, tangy cranberries, and crunchy nuts for a super satisfying side dish that complements poultry, salmon, beef, and pork.
SaveCapture the flavors of the season with these no-bake, satisfying bites that come together quickly and offer an option with no added sugars or syrups. Purist at heart? Try the more traditional (and longtime reader and family favorite) No-Bake Energy Bites.
SaveEverything you love about a pumpkin spice latte in pudding form. This thick, creamy chia pudding takes just a few minutes to mix up and can be served as a nourishing breakfast, snack, or dessert.
SaveClassic cornbread gets a seasonal twist in this lightly sweet, spiced bread that’s delightful alongside soups, stews, poultry, pork, and chilis － like Aunt Peggy’s Turkey Chili! Or top the warm bread with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey and enjoy with a morning cup of coffee or tea.
SaveSaveThe monster donuts speak for themselves (you just need teeth, eyes, and your favorite donuts!), but this quick tip may prove helpful: New plastic teeth tend to spring back to the open position and can pop out of the donut. White dental floss can be used to discreetly anchor them in a closed position. Candy bag brownies offer a deliciously decadent way to use leftover Halloween candy. No candy? No worries. The base brownie recipe is delightful as is, chewy edges and all.
SaveThe name may be catchy but the flavor really delivers in this crowd-pleasing Halloween cocktail that you’ll want to enjoy throughout the fall and winter. Easy to mix one cocktail or a pitcher!
and…Favorite Halloween Costumes
SaveHow would you like these witches to knock on your door? My sister-in-law, Melissa, always comes up with the most clever costumes, and this photo shows how she nailed the classic witch costume, with the perfect shade of green face makeup. This photo of my nieces, Evie and Grace, is one of my favorites.SaveThis is a throwback to 2007, when Christian wasn’t so keen on wearing costumes and John was over the moon to be dressing up like Harry Potter. (They were his glasses and worked rather well!)
I’m so glad you stopped by! Fountain Avenue Kitchen is full of healthy, easy, time-tested recipes. I’m excited for you to peek around, and hope you find something that’ll make your day just a bit more delicious!
Leave a Reply