As the leaves start to turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and the air becomes crisp, there’s an undeniable allure to indulging in comforting dishes that warm both bodies and souls. Fall is the season for comfort food, where the mere aroma of dishes can evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth. Read on to discover five quintessential comfort food dishes that make autumn the most delightful and delicious season of them all, as well as a few of our favourite online recipes.
With its luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency, butternut squash soup captures the essence of autumn. Its velvety texture and comforting, earthy taste make it an ideal choice for savoring on crisp, chilly days. A delightful appetizer or a heartwarming main dish, this soup stands as a timeless classic of the fall season.
For the Traditionalists
Butternut Squash Soup by Love & Lemons.
For Some Extra Spice
Curried Butternut Squash Soup by Minimalist Baker.
For a Unique Flavour
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup by Ahead of Thyme.
Hearty and satisfying, beef stew is the epitome of comfort food. Tender chunks of beef, paired with an array of root vegetables, create a rich and flavorful dish. Its slow-cooked goodness warms you from the inside out, making it a beloved choice for family gatherings.
For the Veggie Obsessed
Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes by Once Upon a Chef.
For the Slow Cookers
Mom’s Slow Cooker Beef Stew by Ambitious Kitchen.
Mac and cheese gets a seasonal makeover with the addition of creamy pumpkin puree. This twist on a beloved classic combines the familiar cheesy indulgence with the warmth and subtle sweetness of pumpkin. It’s an excellent side dish for autumn feasts.
For the Vegans
Vegan Pumpkin Mac n’ Cheese by Minimalist Baker.
For the Simplicity Seekers
Easy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese by Inspired Taste.
For the Cheese Fanatics
One Pot Stove-Top Pumpkin Mac and Cheese by Half-Baked Harvest.
Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food in a flaky pastry crust. Filled with a hearty mixture of tender chicken and an assortment of vegetables, it’s bathed in a luscious sauce that’s both savory and comforting. The golden-brown crust adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
For Individual Portions
Chicken Pot Pie by Once Upon a Chef.
For Those Who Make Everything From Scratch
Chicken Pot Pie by Tastes Better From Scratch.
For dessert, apple crisp is an absolute must in the fall. Sliced apples are blanketed with a crumbly topping of oats, brown sugar, and spices, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavours. Served warm with a scoop of ice cream, it’s the perfect way to end a comforting fall meal. Looking for something a bit different? Try this blueberry peach crisp.
For the Old Fashioned
Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp by The Chunky Chef.
For Everything Nice and Cinnamon-Spiced
Apple Crisp by Handle the Heat.
For a Buttery Touch
The Best Apple Crisp by Belle of the Kitchen.
As autumn unfolds, these five comfort food dishes encourage us to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of the season. Whether it’s the aromatic butternut squash soup, the hearty embrace of beef stew, the comforting nostalgia of pumpkin mac and cheese, the savory delight of chicken pot pie, or the sweet finale of apple crisp, each dish brings a touch of warmth and contentment to our tables. So, put on your coziest sweater, light a few candles, and relish the joys of fall through these timeless comfort food classics.
Next, learn how to host the fall-themed brunch of your dreams and make a few signature cocktails using these recipes.
Images courtesy of: Love & Lemons, Minimalist Baker and Ahead of Thyme (Butternut Squash Soup); Martha Stewart, Once Upon a Chef and Ambitious Kitchen (Beef Stew); Minimalist Baker, Half-Baked Harvest and Inspired Taste (Pumpkin Mac and Cheese); Once Upon a Chef, Tastes Better From Scratch and Allrecipes (Chicken Pot Pie); The Chunky Chef, Belle of the Kitchen and Handle the Heat (Apple Crisp); BC Chicken Marketing Board (Chicken Pot Pie Banner Image); The Daily Meal (Apple Crisp Banner Image).