This October edition of my “What to Cook” series ushers in cozy, feel-good meals that will warm you up on the inside, just as the weather really starts to cool down outside.
While fall foliage may start to change in late September, I feel like October is when we truly usher in fall. Especially in the kitchen! You’ll notice hearty fall veggies like sweet potato and Brussels sprouts on more dinner plates, and winter squash such as butternut squash, pumpkin, and delicata squash taking over the produce section at the market
Even in my kitchen, the large fruit bowl on my kitchen island changes with the seasons, and in October it’s filled with apples and pears (I love starting my day with an apple or pear for early morning fiber!).
This roasted butternut squash soup is a must-make for me! It’s silky smooth, naturally creamy, and full of that cozy, sweet, and savory flavor that I crave in October.
Cozy chicken dinners, like this chicken marsala, are on repeat in October. Chicken breasts seared until juicy and golden, then simmered in a luxurious Marsala wine sauce layered with tender mushrooms, aromatics, and fresh herbs.
I will gladly make this sweet potato salad all the way until January! It's layered with flavor and texture, and the maple mustard tahini dressing is the perfect finishing touch. I also recommend saving this for a Thanksgiving side dish (hint, hint!).
Friends and family can't get enough of this soup! It's a copycat of the Olive Garden favorite, but with a homemade twist you can feel good about. It's incredibly flavorful and perfect for cold days.
One of my favorite slow cooker dinners is this pot roast because it cooks protein and veggies all at once! The chuck roast becomes so tender, and the hearty vegetables are perfectly soft. It's also a big family favorite.
This is a recipe I always lean on when I'm craving something flavorful and easy to make. The curry sauce is so good and tastes even better when scooped up with fluffy rice.
Sheet pan dinners are my go-to for easy weeknights, and this roasted balsamic chicken with Brussels sprouts is perfect for fall. My balsamic glaze makes all the difference in this recipe!
The simple spice rub and honey garlic sauce take this pork tenderloin to the next level. It's a great family dinner that's done in less than 30 minutes too!
I always have a few vegetarian soup in my fall monthly lineup. But every October I really start to crave this lentil soup! It's filling, nourishing, and layered with the best Mediterranean flavor that keeps it light and fresh.
If you make any of these October recipes, let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re looking for more healthy food inspiration, join my free newsletter here.
About the author
Lisa Bryan
Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.
