Embrace fall flavors with super simple mains, sides and desserts that use the season's best produce and spices. Plus, these recipes need 5 ingredients max, so they're perfect for busy nights!
5-Ingredient Fall Recipes
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Tortellini Carbonara
I’ve made this bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese pasta sauce for so many years and have always called it a carbonara. Low-and-behold, I recently found out it’s actually more like an Alfredo sauce. In either case, it’s absolutely heavenly and a great option for company! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania
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Pumpkin Whip
Even though this dessert is quick to fix, it has a creamy pumpkin taste and golden harvest look...just like traditional pumpkin pie. It's a great dessert for both everyday dinners and special-occasion suppers.—Linda Clapp, Stow, Ohio
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Maple Pork Ribs
These tender ribs are draped in a luscious maple-mustard sauce. This is one of our favorite recipes.
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Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Butter
You can spread this apple butter on thick and still enjoy a breakfast that's thin on calories. For a smoother texture, use tender varieties such as McIntosh or Cortland apples. —Diane Widmer, Blue Island, Illinois
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Caramel Havarti
Havarti is a wonderful dessert cheese. This elegant yet simple recipe—with pecans, caramel topping and tart apples—makes it even better. —Tia Thomas, Mountain City, Tennessee
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Cheese Chicken Soup
Kids won’t think twice about eating their vegetables after tasting this cheesy soup. —LaVonne Lundgren, Sioux City, Iowa
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Savory Party Bread
It's impossible to stop nibbling on warm pieces of this cheesy, oniony bread. The sliced loaf fans out for a fun presentation. It's one of the best savory appetizers I've found. —Kay Daly, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Ravioli Lasagna
Our four-ingredient ravioli lasagna is the perfect shortcut meal for when you're craving lasagna but don't have as much time to cook. It's an easy and delicious meal for any night of the week.
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Sausage and Sauerkraut
Sausage and sauerkraut is an easy 30-minute recipe that the whole family will love. We make this meat and potatoes dish in a single skillet, but you could easily bake it in the oven or use a slow cooker.
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Snickers Salad
Snickers salad may not be a traditional green salad, but it is a midwestern specialty. Bring this easy one-bowl dessert to your next potluck and watch it disappear!
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Breaded Pork Chops
This is the perfect elegantly simple breaded pork chop recipe you’ve been looking for. The prep takes all of five minutes, and the cooking takes just 10.
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Dijon-Bacon Dip for Pretzels
With just four ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge, this quick appetizer comes together in a snap. If you like the zip of horseradish, start with a teaspoon or two and add more to taste. —Isabelle Rooney, Summerville, South Carolina
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Cinnamon Monkey Bread
Is it possible for four kids to cook together without total chaos in the kitchen? Yes, with the right recipe! This cinnamon roll monkey bread is a favorite with my bunch. They get to "play" as they roll pieces of refrigerated biscuit dough into balls. —Lisa Combs, Greenville, Ohio
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Creamy Mushrooms
Simply prepared yet so satisfyingly good, these mushrooms are creamy and cozy. —Mary Lou Boyce, Wilmington, Delaware
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Maple Mustard Chicken
My husband loves this chicken dish. It calls for only five ingredients, and we try to have them all on hand for a delicious and cozy dinner anytime. —Jennifer Seidel, Midland, Michigan
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Quick Harvard Beets
We grow beets in our own garden, and they're so good in this recipe. They have such a nice flavor and are very pretty when served.
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Better Brussels Sprouts
This is the only way my kids will eat Brussels sprouts! It’s actually ideal for me because this dish is fast, easy and healthy, and it makes a lovely side. Quick-cooking Brussels sprout halves are available in the prepackaged salad aisle at the grocery store. They’re a timesaver if you can find them, but you can always just buy whole ones and slice them in half. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
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Cranberry Brie Pecan Pinwheels
This recipe is a twist on baked Brie. My family always requests these during the holidays. They are delicious and make the kitchen smell amazing! —Jacquie Franklin, Hot Springs, Montana
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Roasted Honey Sweet Potatoes
Cinnamon and honey bring out the natural earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes in this simple, elegant side dish. —Laura Mifsud, Northville, Michigan
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Mini Sweet Potato Pies
My son Levi was only 2 years old when he helped me create this delicious recipe, and it was the first time he told me I love you! I’ll always remember making these with him. —Emily Butler, South Williamsport, Pennsylvania
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Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Cranberry sauce isn't just for turkey any more! When combined with a few other ingredients, the Thanksgiving staple makes a perfect meatball topper. —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa
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Maple Syrup Pie
Folks in New Hampshire apparently appreciate maple syrup almost as much as we do in Vermont. When my husband and I took a road trip through New Hampshire, we discovered this pie at a number of diners and restaurants. We loved it so much we created our own version. —Laurie Herr, Westford, Vermont
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Skillet Pork Chops with Apples & Onion
Pork chops with apples and onions is a timeless pairing; the combination of the simple ingredients yields a savory entree that's sweet, tart and perfectly saucy.
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Candy Corn Pudding Pops
Bring on the fall fun with these easy-peasy frozen treats. A few drops of food coloring make each pop look just like candy corn, but feel free to switch up the colors to match your event. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Garlic Herbed Beef Tenderloin
You don't need much seasoning to add flavor to this tender beef roast. The mild blend of rosemary, basil and garlic does the trick. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
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Green Bean Casserole
If green bean casserole is your go-to Thanksgiving side dish, why not make it more often? The creamy, crunchy dish is an easy make-ahead recipe that goes well with a variety of meals.
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Cranberry Pecan Cookies
These are so tasty and simple to prepare! Each delightful little cookie is loaded with cranberries, nuts and vanilla, giving them the taste of a treat that’s been slaved over. —Louise Hawkins, Lubbock, Texas
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Minted Beet Salad
We have neighbors who share vegetables from their garden, and every year my husband and I look forward to their beets. My interest in Mediterranean food inspired this beet salad recipe—the vinegar and oil dressing with fresh mint tones down the sweetness of the beets, and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
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Easy Grilled Squash
This is one of the best ways to prepare butternut squash and is great alongside grilled steak or chicken. As a bonus, butternut squash is full of vitamin A. —Esther Horst, Monterey, Tennessee
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Caramelized Pears
After picking an abundant crop of pears, I was looking for new ways to enjoy them. A friend suggested warming them with butter and brown sugar. This tasty recipe was the result! We like them with vanilla bean ice cream, but plain vanilla or cinnamon are also quite delicious! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Ravioli with Apple Chicken Sausage
I wanted the perfect sauce for squash ravioli. The wait is over. Here’s what works: spinach, sausage, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice in one happy saucepan. —Mary Brodeur, Millbury, Massachusetts
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Overnight Rolls
I'm pleased to share the recipe for these light and tender rolls, which I've made for 25 years. I once served them to a woman who'd been in the restaurant business for half a century. She said they were the best rolls she'd ever tasted.
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Tender Pecan Logs
Folks always ask me to make these tender nutty logs. Not overly sweet, they're just right with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. —Joyce Beck, Gadsden, Alabama
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Broccoli Casserole
This classic cheesy broccoli casserole recipe is a timeless family favorite. It requires only five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time for a quick and easy dinner.
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Chipotle-Orange Cranberry Sauce
My family prefers traditional dishes on Christmas, but I like to add in a few of my own unique creations. With brown sugar, cinnamon and chipotle powder for a little kick, this cranberry sauce will earn a permanent spot in your holiday lineup. —Chris Michalowski, Dallas, Texas
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Monster Munchies
Magically transform squash or pumpkin seeds into a spellbinding snack with ranch salad dressing mix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with Pancetta
Classic American mashed potatoes take a trip to Italy with the flavors of olive oil, garlic, and pancetta. —Bryan Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii
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Beer Dip
Beer dip combines all the best things for party food: a creamy dip, ranch dressing, lots of cheese and, of course, beer. What else could you possibly need?
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Candied Pecans
These candied pecans combine toasty nuts with butter, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla for a salty-sweet snack that you can eat by the handful or as an accompaniment to salad, cheese, desserts and so much more.
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Corn Chowder with Bacon
Warm up on a cold winter day with corn chowder with bacon and potatoes. Our recipe is loaded with buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, smoky bacon and sweet corn in a rich and creamy broth. We also use a smart ingredient swap so the soup can thicken naturally without cornstarch or flour.
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Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash
Load butternut squash shells with an Italian turkey sausage and squash mixture for a quick and easy meal. Even better, it's surprisingly low in calories. —Katia Slinger, Columbus, Georgia
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Sausage Hash
We always have plenty of pork sausage around, so when I need a quick supper, I use this handy recipe. The colorful vegetables give the hash a bold look to match its flavor. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
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Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Rich and comforting, wild rice and mushroom soup is a great go-to for a hearty weekday lunch or dinner. If you're a vegetarian—or you're cooking for one—just swap in vegetable stock for the beef broth.
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Artichoke Blue Cheese Fettuccine
Store-bought Alfredo sauce speeds along this flavorful, meatless entree. I use dry pasta, but you can use refrigerated fettuccine to make this recipe even faster. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia
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Cran-Apple Salad
This tart and tasty salad goes so wonderfully with lots of different meals. Folks will think you slaved over it, but with less than five ingredients, preparation takes only minutes! Crunchy walnuts, celery and apples are special way to dress up canned sauce. —Lucille Foster Grant, Nebraska
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Maple-Glazed Green Beans
After I picked my first green beans of the season one year, I wanted to make a savory side dish that was unique, quick and packed with flavor. I loved this so much I couldn't stop eating it. The next day I picked more beans and made this delicious side dish again. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
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Tomato Hamburger Soup
As a full-time teacher, I only have time to cook from scratch a few nights each week. This slow-cooker soup recipe makes a big enough batch to feed my family for two nights. —Julie Kruger, St. Cloud, Minnesota
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Cheesy Spinach
My daughter often serves this cheese and spinach blend at church suppers. Even people who don't usually eat spinach like this flavorful dish once they try it. There are never any leftovers. —Frances Moore, Decatur, Illinois
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Mediterranean Chicken
As special as it is simple to prepare, this flavorful skillet creation is dressed in tomatoes, olives and capers. It’s a knockout main dish at my house. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Garlic
When we have company, these sprouts are my go-to side dish because they look and taste fantastic. Fancy them up a notch with pancetta instead of bacon. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
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Braised & Creamy Vidalia Onions
In Georgia where sweet Vidalia onions are king, I make big batches of creamy onions as a side dish for grilled chicken and beef. — Elaine Opitz, Marietta, Georgia
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Super Fast Mexican Soup
We take this spicy soup to rodeos on cool nights or sip it by a campfire. For toppings, try onions, avocado, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. —Gloria Huse, Simpsonville, South Carolina
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Swiss Chard with Onions & Garlic
I like to make this sauteed Swiss chard a main dish by serving it with pasta, but it’s also a tasty side dish all on its own. My boys love it and ask for it often. —Rebekah Chappel, Portales, New Mexico
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Mexican Bubble Pizza
This tasty pizza offers a new way to experience Mexican cuisine. Serve it at your next party and watch it disappear before your eyes. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
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Spicy Pork Tenderloin
A friend shared this recipe for marvelously flavorful pork years ago. It really sparks up a barbecue and has been popular whenever I've served it. I guarantee you'll get many requests for the recipe. —Diana Steger, Prospect, Kentucky
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Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Cauliflower mashed potatoes are a great substitute for the real thing, whether you're low-carbing or just want a lighter side dish for those hot summer evenings. They're just as quick and easy as potatoes, and every bit as tasty.
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Chicken Caesar Florentine
I adapted this dish from my favorite chicken Caesar salad recipe. It has many of the same ingredients as the salad: croutons, grated Parmesan, chicken, and creamy Caesar dressing. This makes the perfect comforting meal on a busy weeknight. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
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Mint Chocolate-Covered Cookies
At our house, everyone lends a hand to make these easy chocolate-covered cookies. They remind me of Thin Mints. Decorate them with sprinkles to match the occasion. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Savory Roasted Carrots with Mushrooms
You’ll need only 10 minutes to get these savory veggies ready for the oven. Then just stir them a few times during roasting, and you’re done. It’s a busy cook’s dream!—Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana
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Spinach-Parm Casserole
For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
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Easy German Potato Salad
This tangy potato salad stirs memories of my grandma, who made it for us. Now my mom makes it with brats and sauerkraut, truly the best meal! —Devin Mulertt, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
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Caramel-Pecan Apple Slices
Here's a warm, decadent side dish for fall or winter brunches. Ready to eat in only 15 minutes, the apples are also good alongside a pork entree or spooned over vanilla ice cream. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
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Spaghetti Squash & Sausage Easy Meal
My son’s favorite dish uses homegrown spaghetti squash, kielbasa, and pico de gallo or salsa. —Pam Mascarenas, Taylorsville, Utah
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Thyme-Roasted Carrots
Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty. For a little more elegance and color, garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
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Blue Cheese-Crusted Sirloin Steaks
My wife adores this steak—and me when I fix it for her. She thinks it’s the ideal dish for Friday night after a long workweek. —Michael Rouse, Minot, North Dakota
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Spicy Applesauce
We have an apple-picking party every year. It's a bushel of fun, and I always look forward to cooking a batch of this easy applesauce seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and allspice. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
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Honey Mustard Apple Chicken Sausage
I threw this recipe together one day for a fantastic lunch. It’s a great way to use up leftover sausage and rice from dinner the night before. —Julie Puderbaugh, Berwick, Pennsylvania
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Turkey Sausage, Butternut Squash & Kale Soup
Kale and butternut squash are two of my favorite fall veggies. This low-fat soup combines them. If you love sweet potatoes, sub them for the squash. —Laura Koch, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Spiced Acorn Squash
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
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Sausage and Mushroom Pasta
Take a trip to Italy—with your tastebuds, that is. Sausage and mushroom pasta is a creamy, comforting ode to la dolce vita.
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Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Twice-baked sweet potatoes make a great side dish any time of year. The custardy mashed filling bursts with cinnamon and brown sugar sweetness, and the crispy skin adds texture.
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Onion-Dijon Pork Chops
Coated in a flavorful sauce, these chops are cooked to tender perfection. Serve with rice and carrots for a full meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Honey Hoisin Chicken & Potatoes
When I was a little, Tutu (my grandma) cooked up this blend of Asian and American flavors. The potatoes are delicious drizzled with pan juices. —Janet Yee, Phoenix, Arizona
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Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce
Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
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Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese
My husband and I both love the classic combination of beef and horseradish. He asks me to make this for dinner often, and I'm always happy to. Try serving with baked potatoes as a side.—Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
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Chocolaty S'mores Bars
One night my husband had some friends over to play poker and he requested these s'mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
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Roasted Carrots with Thyme
These roasted carrots are so simple but always a hit. Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty.—Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
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Sausage Manicotti
This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
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Chicken Broccoli Casserole
When you're looking for comfort and ease, this chicken broccoli casserole is the answer to your dinner dreams.
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Grandma's Cranberry Stuff
What could taste better than turkey and cranberry on Thanksgiving Day? My grandmother's classic recipe makes the best cranberry stuff to share with your family and friends this holiday. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Maple-Peach Glazed Ham
This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. He makes it regularly for his group of friends on the weekends because it's so good and easy. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
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Squash au Gratin
This is a fabulous-tasting dish that has an awesome aroma while baking. Tart apples add a fruity flavor. —Deb Williams, Peoria, Arizona
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German Red Cabbage
This inexpensive red cabbage recipe makes a tender, tasty vegetable side dish. It's traditionally German, but it pairs well with all kinds of foods, in every season.
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Cranberry Beef Brisket
“My mother-in-law gave me the recipe for this tender brisket,” relates Annette Bartle of Lees Summit, Missouri. It yields a lot, so the leftover beef can be used in the two comforting recipes that follow.
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Pecan-Cornbread Dressing
Plenty of pecans and bacon give this stuffing a unique flavor, while using a packaged mix cuts down on the preparation time. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Green Beans with Shallots
A package of frozen green beans makes these “dill-icious” green beans a fast and tasty accompaniment to almost any main course. —Linda Rabbit, Charles City, Iowa
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Spanakopita Mashed Potatoes
I learned to cook by watching my mom in the kitchen. Most of the recipes I make use only five or six ingredients and have a healthier bent. I created this recipe after I tried a spinach-topped baked potato. Flecks of red and green from the potato skin and spinach make these potatoes look festive and special. By not peeling the potatoes, you not only keep some nutrients, but you also save on prep time. —Ashley Levy, Columbia, Maryland
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Beef Brisket Marinara
Marinara sauce and tender meat are real comfort food. Serve this brisket with mashed potatoes, rice or pasta. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
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Baked Parmesan Breaded Squash
Baked yellow squash is beautifully crispy. You don’t have to turn the pieces, but do keep an eye on them. — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
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Beef Tortellini
This quick and easy beef tortellini recipe combines ground beef, Montreal steak seasoning and a melty Italian cheese topping for a one-pot meal to please all palates.
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