What To Cook In October

October is when my kitchen starts feeling cozy again. I start reaching for pumpkin, apples, sweet potatoes, warm soups, roasted vegetables, and easy dinners that make the house smell like fall.

If you are wondering what to cook in October, these seasonal recipes are perfect for easy fall meals, fun snacks, and comforting family dinners.

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What's In Season In October?

Whether you are planning quick dinners, cozy soups, fall side dishes, simple breakfasts, or easy desserts, these October recipes are a great place to start.

Pumpkin Dinners and Sides 🎃

What's in season:

Pumpkins
Winter squash
Carrots
Green beans

Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread has a super-moist texture, chocolate chips, pumpkin and cinnamon flavors, and incredibly soft crumb - the perfect fall favorite recipe. Gluten free doesn't mean bland flavored breads!

RECIPE

maple syrup drizzled on top of stack of pumpkin bread

Pumpkin Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Try these soft and chewy Pumpkin Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies, packed with fall flavors and studded with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate. Perfect for a cozy treat!

RECIPE

A stack of chewy Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies.

How To Make Pumpkin Pancakes

Deliciously fluffy and light Pumpkin Pancakes are made with fresh homemade pumpkin puree, spices, and drizzled with pumpkin caramel. They are easy to make and an inexpensive breakfast option that both kids and adults will love.

RECIPE

Stacked pumpkin pancakes side view angle with a drizzle of caramel

Pumpkin Seeds in Air Fryer

Move over store-bought snacks-homemade air fryer pumpkin seeds are where it's at. Crunchy, salty (or sweet!), and totally addicting, these little guys are the real reward for carving pumpkins.

RECIPE

Pumpkin Caramel Sauce

An easy pumpkin caramel sauce made with cream and butter and freshly roasted pumpkin puree. Drizzle it on ice cream, cakes, pancakes, stir it into iced coffee or dip apples and pears in the caramel.

RECIPE

pumpkin caramel sauce in a jar with drizzles of sauce on edges over the glass

More Recipe ideas:

ALL PUMPKINS RECIPES

Winter Squash 🎃

Winter squash is one of my favorite October ingredients. I love using it for cozy sides, stuffed dinners, and simple fall recipes that feel a little special.

Stuffed Butternut Squash

Stuffed Butternut Squash is a hearty and nutritious dish made with sausage, vegetables, fruit, spices and protein! A comforting meal that combines sweet butternut squash and tart apples with savory ground beef and warm cinnamon.

RECIPE

Baked Butternut Squash

Make Baked Butternut Squash with brown sugar and cinnamon in a few easy steps. You'll love how tender and caramelized this butternut squash is thanks to spices and brown sugar glaze.

RECIPE

side angle view of a spoon scooping out the baked flesh of butternut squash half

Vegetarian Casserole With Butternut Squash

Vegetarian Casserole - The creaminess of the coconut sauce, broccoli, butternut squash, and all-around tastiness will make anyone forget that this dish is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free.

RECIPE

Butternut Squash Broccoli Casserole (Dairy Free, Vegan)

More Recipe ideas:

ALL SQUASH RECIPES

Halloween Treats 👻

October is the perfect time to add something fun to the table. A simple Halloween snack, cookie, or kid-friendly appetizer can make the day feel special.

Mummy Pizza Recipe

These easy mummy pizzas are the perfect dinner idea or fun party appetizer for the Halloween season. Something the whole family will enjoy!

RECIPE

Halloween Mummy Pizzas - is the perfect Halloween party or dinner idea. Make these mummies with your kids for an easy and super flavorful Halloween themed meal. These mini pizzas are also gluten-free! The Yummy Bowl #savouryhalloweenfood #halloweenfoodrecipes #halloweenmummypizza #mummypizza #creepyhalloweenfoodideas #traditionalhalloweenfood #halloweentreats

Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

This traditional recipe is the staple of many households during the holiday season. Level up your game by making these Million Dollar Deviled Eggs which are a creamy and buttery version of the classic recipe.

RECIPE

Red Velvet Cookies

These red velvet chocolate chip cookies are loaded with red velvet flavor and can be enjoyed as is, with a serving of vanilla ice cream, or topped with cream cheese frosting for added decadence!

RECIPE

a stack of gluten Free Red Velvet Cookie dough in air fryer

More Recipe ideas:

ALL HALLOWEEN TREATS RECIPES

Cozy Chicken Dinners 🍗

By October, I want chicken dinners that feel cozy but still easy for weeknights. Add a simple side, and dinner is done.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs

Pan fried chicken thighs are coated in a rich garlic mushroom cream sauce with the right amount of seasoning and herbs. This creamy garlic mushroom chicken is a budget-friendly recipe that is ready in 30 minutes!

RECIPE

Chicken And Mushroom Pasta Bake

Learn how to make the best chicken casserole with creamy cheese sauce, juicy chicken bits, and utterly buttery mushrooms. And don't get me started on the crunchy top layer, it is one of my best creations. You gonna love this!

RECIPE

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe is one of my favorite chicken recipes! Shredded chicken smothered in an utterly creamy sauce made with sour cream and one more delicious secret ingredient!

RECIPE

chicken enchilada casserole with tomatoes, avocado and cilantro

Crispy Golden Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden buttermilk fried chicken that's juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside! This easy, foolproof recipe is perfect for beginners and packed with flavor.

RECIPE

Recipe ideas:

ALL CHICKEN RECIPES

Fall Side Dishes 🍂

October is a great time to test fall side dishes before the holidays. These easy sides work for both weeknights and special dinners.

Green Bean Casserole With Bacon

This Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is a fresh, from-scratch take on the holiday classic, complete with homemade fried onions.

RECIPE

Overhead shot of a baked green bean casserole with bacon on a marble table with lemon slices, scattered green beans, bread and crispy red onions.

Braised Cabbage Recipe

This Braised Cabbage recipe features cabbage wedges slowly braised in chicken broth with garlic, onions, and carrots and then topped with crumbled bacon and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice making it the perfect side dish to any meal.

RECIPE

Air Fryer Potato Skins

Create these scrumptious crispy Air Fryer Potato Skins from scratch in under 10 minutes using pre-cooked potatoes. Fill them with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions for a delightful game day or party appetizer treat.

RECIPE

three potato skins with cheese, bacon and sour cream topping.

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes are the ultimate cheesy side dish, perfect for pairing with pork, beef, poultry, or seafood. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this classic French recipe is comfort food at its best.

RECIPE

cheesy and creamy potato au gratin in a white rectangular baking dish

Recipe ideas:

ALL FALL SIDE DISHES RECIPES

Cozy Fall Baking 👩🏻‍🍳

October always makes me want to bake again. Simple cookies, quick breads, and easy treats are perfect for cozy weekends or after-school snacks.

Zucchini Oat Muffins

These zucchini oatmeal muffins are one of my favorite ways to sneak veggies into something sweet and totally snack-worthy. They're soft, hearty, and just sweet enough-with ripe banana, a drizzle of honey, and plenty of melty chocolate chips in every bite.

RECIPE

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Sweet and chewy banana oatmeal cookies are loaded with rich chocolate chips, banana, and oatmeal, baked until soft with a chewy center. It's the perfect cookie to enjoy with your morning coffee or as a sweet snack any time of the day!

RECIPE

a stack of banana oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips

Orange Cranberry Loaf Cake

Tender and moist cranberry orange bread is perfect when you need a sweet fix at any time of the day. This easy bread recipe is loaded with fresh orange and cranberry flavor and topped with a zesty glaze!

RECIPE

Cranberry Orange Mini Loaves Breads (Gluten-Free)

Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal

This Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal is a healthy, one-pan breakfast that's easy to make, naturally sweetened, and perfect for busy families.

RECIPE

Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal with banana slices and peanut butter drizzle.

Recipe ideas:

ALL COZY FALL BAKING IDEAS

Cozy Soup Recipes 🍲

October is the month I start making soup again. I love having one big pot ready for easy lunches or simple dinners. These cozy soup recipes are perfect for chilly nights, fall meal prep, and simple family dinners.

Vegan Pumpkin Soup

This vegan pumpkin soup is one of the best comfort foods for any season! It is non-dairy and tastes delicious with both pumpkin and butternut squash.

RECIPE

vegan pumpkin soup with cilantro and sour cream in a bowl

Zuppa Toscana Soup

It's my version of Olive Garden's most popular soup - One Pot Zuppa Toscana. You gonna love this, as the entire recipe is made in one pot and requires less than 30 minutes of your time. The recipe uses simple ingredients, yet the Tuscany soup has such a great flavor.

RECIPE

Gazpacho Soup

Make a delicious and nutritious bowl of Gazpacho soup using fresh vegetables, a blender, and a few minutes only. This refreshing Spanish cold soup is best enjoyed with a slice of bread on the side as a cooling respite on a warm day!

RECIPE

Recipe ideas:

ALL COZY SOUPS RECIPES

October Weeknight Dinners 🍽️

October weeknights can get busy, so I like keeping simple cozy dinners ready. These recipes feel warm and seasonal without being a big cooking project.

Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables (Oven or Grill)

Make these easy roasted vegetables in sheet pan in oven or in foil packets on the grill!

RECIPE

baked vegetables in a sheet pan drizzled with vegan white dressing

Low-Carb Inside Out Egg Roll

If you're looking for a low-carb dish that's sure to satisfy your Chinese food cravings then this Low-Carb Inside Out Egg Roll is a must-try!

RECIPE

Chicken Lo Mein Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

A hearty one-pot meal made with thick noodles, marinated chicken, and tossed in a rich and flavorful Lo Mein dark sauce. This quick takeout favorite is ready in less than 30 minutes and is way better than take out!

RECIPE

spaghetti noodles with veggies and chicken in skillet.

Recipe ideas:

ALL WEEKNIGHT DINNERS RECIPES

Fall Appetizers and Party Snacks🌮

October is perfect for easy snacks, game-day bites, and simple appetizers. I like keeping these ready for Halloween nights, casual gatherings, or weekend snacking.

Easy Cream Cheese Taco Dip

Looking for a quick and easy party appetizer that will impress your guests? Try this simple yet delicious taco dip recipe.

RECIPE

Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip

Jalapeño popper dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer perfect for parties. Made with cream cheese, yogurt, cheese, and jalapeños, serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for a healthier option.

RECIPE

baked jalapeno popper dip with tortilla chips

Strawberry Bruschetta With Balsamic Glaze

Learn how to make bruschetta with Strawberry Salsa and Cream Cheese in two easy steps. Drizzle with sweet and tangy Balsamic Glaze and serve with a glass of bubbly on the side.

RECIPE

How To Make Crostini With Strawberry Salsa

Recipe ideas:

ALL APPETIZERS RECIPES

Make-Ahead Holiday Recipes 🍂

October is when I start testing a few holiday recipes early. It makes November cooking feel easier and less rushed.

What's in season:

Hearty greens
Root vegetables
Cozy herbs
Warm spices
Pumpkin

Spinach Potato Casserole

Try this creamy spinach baby potato casserole - a deliciously cheesy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners!

RECIPE

Southern Black Eyed Peas

Discover the delicious taste of Southern Black Eyed Peas with our simple and smoky recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this black-eyed peas dish highlights the classic flavors of the South. Explore our full black-eyed pea recipe for a rich and satisfying meal today!

RECIPE

Southern Black Eyed peas with kale, sausage and bacon.

Greek Lemon Chicken

Taste the flavors of Greece with this simple and flavorful Greek Lemon Chicken, marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, then roasted to perfection. A quick and easy recipe for a delicious meal!

RECIPE

Before You Go

If you found this post helpful, I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts, questions, or experiences. Your feedback helps me create content that truly serves this wonderful community. ❤️

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What To Cook In October

What's In Season In October?