Sweaters, falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes are good reasons to love fall. Saying goodbye to gorgeous fruits and veggies of summer is a little less exciting. Lucky for all of us, there’s a whole new wave of in-season goodies to get pumped about, and they’re coming to a farmers’ market near you. If you’re looking for something to add to your apple and pumpkin rotation, check out our favorite seasonal finds for October. Whether you’re cooking an intimate meal for two, planning an elaborate autumn dinner party or scouting out your own signature Thanksgiving recipe, there’s an Instagram-worthy dish in your future.
Sweet Potatoes
So many reasons to love these starchy little root veggies! They’re delicious, inexpensive, easy to prepare and super satisfying. Look for them in brilliant hues of orange, red, gold, purple and beige. They’re also a great source of vitamin A, so load up!
Creamy Spinach Sweet Potato Noodles With Creamy Cashew Sauce
These spiralized sweet potato noodles are hearty AND healthy — it’s the perfect dish when you’re craving a big bowl of something warm. Plus, the sauce is so creamy and indulgent, you’ll never believe it’s vegan. (via Pinch of Yum)
Loaded Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
This is classic comfort food at its finest. For a festive party twist, set out bowls of toppings and let guests deck out their own fresh-out-of-the-oven potatoes. (via Pumpkin ‘n Spice)
Garlic Lemon Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Try these once and they’ll become part of your weekly meal rotation. They’re that easy. (via Cooking Classy)
Brussels Sprouts
Mushroom and Brussels Sprout Hash
This hash pairs well with roasted or grilled meats, but it’s also hearty enough to work as a main dish. (via Joy the Baker)
Brussels Sprout Quinoa Gratin
This recipe pairs fontina (known for its silky melting factor) and gruyere with good-for-you Brussels sprouts and quinoa for the most delicious balance between healthy and indulgent. (via Cookie and Kate)
Roasted Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
Salads are not just for summer. This one, with crisp greens, seasonal walnuts and roasted pears, is pretty enough for a dinner party but easy enough to throw together on a weeknight. (via Will Cook for Friends)
Pears
Pear and Prosciutto Pizza
Sweet pears are matched with salty prosciutto and pungent gorgonzola to make a seriously winning flavor combo. It’s also a visual stunner. Make this on a cool evening and serve with a good autumn ale. (via Recipe Runner)
Broiled Feta With Caramelized Cinnamon Pears
The title says everything. Cinnamon, pears, drizzled honey and salty feta… this makes for one seriously tempting appetizer. Just be sure you make a big batch! (via How Sweet It Is)
Cauliflower Hazelnut Soup With Fried Sage
It’s hard to imagine frying up tender herbs, but sage can handle it. It only takes a few seconds (literally!) and this delicate-yet-crunchy topping is perfect on top of pasta or soup, like in this creamy cauliflower recipe. (via What’s Cooking Good Looking)
Sage
Sage-Brined Pork Chops With Brown Sugar Glaze
Finding elegant recipes for two can be difficult, but a local butcher can sell pork chops in smaller quantities by request. That said, this dish is so good you may find yourself purposely making enough for leftovers. (via The Kitchn)
Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sage
Creamy butternut squash puree and sage are a match made in heaven. This dish comes together in thirty minutes or less, so you’ve got a weeknight dinner ready in no time. (via Damn Delicious)
Tomato and Concord Grape Tart With Black Pepper Cornmeal Crust
If you’re looking for a recipe worthy of those last ripe tomatoes, this is it. The sweetness of the tomatoes and grapes pairs with the savory crust for a combo you’ll crave for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (via Food52)
Concord Grapes
Concord Grape Cornbread With Rosemary
Make this cornbread for dinner with a brimming pot of soup or chili, but be sure to set aside a piece for breakfast the next day too. It’s that good. (via Hummingbird High)
Concord Grape Pie
Did you ever think pie could be this seductive? A word to the wise: Do NOT forget the vanilla ice cream. (via Saveur)