Fall Feels in September: 7 Early Autumn Recipes to Kick Off the Season
Let's Explore These 7 Autumn Recipes to Start Off The Season
Can’t wait for fall? Neither can we! September may still technically belong to summer, but as the days shorten and evenings grow cooler, many of us start craving cozy, warming flavors. Early autumn is a magical time in the kitchen when fresh peaches, pears, and late-season tomatoes share space with apples, squash, and root vegetables. It’s the perfect month to enjoy the best of both worlds, the brightness of summer produce and the heartiness of fall’s comfort foods, making it the ideal time to try new autumn recipes.
If you’ve been wondering how to ease into autumn cooking without diving headfirst into heavy stews and pumpkin pies, this post is for you. We’ve curated seven early fall recipes that strike the perfect balance, fresh, flavorful, and just cozy enough to welcome sweater weather. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or sippable, these dishes highlight seasonal ingredients while keeping prep approachable. From a spiced apple and peach crisp to a chai-spiced iced latte, these recipes are simple, satisfying, and ideal for weeknights or weekend gatherings. Let’s dig into the flavors that make September shine.
1. Spiced Apple & Peach Crisp
Nothing says “September” quite like apples, but this recipe keeps a touch of summer alive with juicy peaches. A crisp is the perfect transitional dessert, lighter than pie, but still warm and comforting.
Why It Works
- Apples bring tartness, peaches add sweetness, and a cinnamon-oat topping ties it together.
- Easy to prepare in under an hour, making it great for last-minute get-togethers.
- Naturally adaptable: swap peaches for plums or add pecans for crunch.
Recipe Tips
- Use firm peaches to avoid excess liquid.
- A mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp) creates balance.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for maximum fall vibes.
👉 Packaging Tip: For easy baking and serving, prepare this crisp in our 8" x 5" Colored Heavy Aluminum Entrée Pan. Not only does it distribute heat evenly for a perfectly golden topping, but its colorful finish makes it attractive enough to serve straight from oven to table, ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
This dessert is perfect for bridging the gap between late-summer fruit and the warm, spiced flavors of fall.
2. Butternut Squash Pasta with Walnuts & Sage
By early September, squash varieties start appearing at farmers’ markets. Butternut squash is a fantastic introduction to fall cooking, sweet, nutty, and versatile. Pair it with browned butter and sage, and you’ve got a dinner that feels luxurious with minimal effort.
Why It Works
- Roasting the squash caramelizes its natural sugars, intensifying flavor.
- Sage is a classic fall herb that complements squash beautifully.
- Browned butter adds nuttiness and depth to the dish.
Recipe Tips
- Dice squash into small cubes so it roasts quickly.
- Reserve some pasta water to create a silky sauce when tossed with the butter and sage.
- Add toasted pine nuts or parmesan for extra richness.
👉 Packaging Tip: This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, it comes together in under 30 minutes but feels like something you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant. For easy storage and mess-free serving, transfer your pasta into our 11.5" x 8" Plastic Hinged Entrée Container. It keeps portions secure, travels well for potlucks or meal prep, and allows you to reheat leftovers without sacrificing flavor.
3. Iced Chai Tea Latte
Who says cozy flavors need to be hot? A chai-spiced iced latte is the perfect drink for September, cool enough for warm afternoons, but flavored with the warming spices we crave in fall.
Why It Works
- Combines black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- A shot of espresso (or strong coffee) turns it into a pick-me-up.
- Naturally less sugary than many coffee-shop lattes, especially if you make your own chai concentrate.
Recipe Tips
- Brew chai tea strong so the flavor holds up against ice and milk.
- Sweeten with honey or maple syrup for a seasonal touch.
- For a creamier version, use oat milk, it complements chai spices beautifully.
👉 Packaging Tip: This iced latte is both refreshing and cozy, making it the ultimate transitional drink for fall lovers who aren’t ready to give up their iced coffees just yet. For a portable option, serve it in our 7 oz. Plastic Cold Cup paired with a flat plastic lid, perfect for on-the-go mornings, coffee bar setups, or easy takeaway service.
4. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
Tacos aren’t just for summer. Sweet potatoes bring earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with smoky spices and protein-rich black beans. Add a zesty slaw or avocado crema, and you’ve got a weeknight dinner that’s healthy, filling, and full of fall personality.
Why It Works
- Sweet potatoes add warmth and a hearty texture.
- Black beans bring protein and fiber, keeping the dish satisfying.
- Flexible toppings mean everyone at the table can customize their tacos.
Recipe Tips
- Roast sweet potato cubes with smoked paprika and cumin for flavor depth.
- Top with red cabbage slaw for crunch and color.
- Add queso fresco or cotija cheese for a salty finish.
👉 Packaging Tip: These tacos are a crowd-pleaser and a great way to introduce fall produce into lighter meals. For a fun presentation, serve or store them in our Disposable Heart-Shaped Foil Pan, a creative option that turns taco night into a themed, shareable meal that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
5. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a fall staple, but September is the beginning of their peak season. Roasting them brings out their nutty flavor, and tossing them with maple syrup before baking creates irresistible caramelization.
Why It Works
- The natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts balances perfectly with maple’s sweetness.
- Roasting creates crispy edges, transforming sprouts from bitter to addictive.
- They pair beautifully with roasted meats, grain bowls, or holiday sides.
Recipe Tips
- Trim and halve sprouts for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, this ensures crispiness.
- Add crumbled bacon, pecans, or dried cranberries for variety.
👉 Packaging Tip: If Brussels sprouts weren’t your favorite as a kid, this recipe may change your mind. For effortless storage or sharing, place them in our 8" Round Carryout Disposable Foil Container with Dome Lid. It keeps sprouts warm and crispy, makes transport simple, and is perfect for meal prep or potluck sides.
6. Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats with Chia
Pumpkin spice is practically synonymous with fall, but instead of indulging in sugary lattes every day, why not enjoy it in a nutritious breakfast? Overnight oats are quick to prepare, packed with protein, and endlessly customizable.
Why It Works
- Uses real pumpkin puree for fiber and vitamins.
- Oats, chia seeds, and Greek yogurt (optional) make it a filling, balanced meal.
- Pumpkin spice blend adds warmth and comfort without the excess sugar.
Recipe Tips
- Mix oats, pumpkin puree, milk (or plant milk), chia seeds, and pumpkin spice the night before.
- Sweeten naturally with maple syrup.
- In the morning, top with granola, nuts, or dried fruit.
👉 Packaging Tip: This is a make-ahead breakfast that keeps mornings stress-free while still delivering cozy autumn flavors. For a portable and secure option, portion your oats into our Tamper Evident 11 oz. Hinged Plastic Deli Cup. It’s disposable, travel-friendly, and ensures freshness, perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go breakfasts.
7. Pear & Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
September marks the start of pear season, and their crisp, juicy sweetness is perfect for salads. Combined with walnuts, mixed greens, and a maple vinaigrette, this salad is light yet autumnal, a refreshing option when you want fall flavors without heaviness.
Why It Works
- Pears bring seasonal sweetness that pairs beautifully with earthy walnuts.
- Maple vinaigrette ties the flavors together with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Works as a side dish or a light main course with grilled chicken or goat cheese.
Recipe Tips
- Use ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape.
- Toast walnuts for extra depth of flavor.
- A mix of arugula and spinach creates a peppery-sweet balance.
👉 Packaging Tip: This salad makes a great addition to your September meal rotation, offering freshness without feeling summery. For convenient prep and storage, pack it in our 8" Clear Medium Plastic Container. Its secure lid keeps greens crisp, making it ideal for meal prep, lunch on the go, or easy entertaining.
Conclusion
September is a month of transition, warm days, crisp nights, and kitchens shifting from light, bright meals to cozy, comforting ones. The best way to celebrate the season is by blending the two, using recipes that highlight both summer’s produce and fall’s flavors. From spiced apple & peach crisp to pumpkin spice overnight oats, these seven recipes are simple, versatile, and deliciously seasonal. Whether you’re planning weeknight dinners, prepping make-ahead breakfasts, or entertaining friends, they bring the best of early autumn to your table.
So, as the leaves start to turn and pumpkin patches open their gates, let these dishes inspire you to savor September in all its cozy, transitional glory. Light a candle, pour yourself a chai-spiced latte, and enjoy the flavors of fall one recipe at a time.
