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10 Quick Autumn Recipes

 

These delightful dishes capture the cozy essence of fall without the hassle. As the leaves change color and the air turns chilly, we all crave comforting meals that won’t keep us stuck in the kitchen for hours.

These recipes are all about enjoying the flavors of autumn without the wait.

Whether you’re a busy bee or just someone who wants to relish the season’s deliciousness, our quick autumn recipes will be your tasty shortcut to a satisfying meal.

These dishes are like the best buddies of any meal, no matter the event. Whether it’s a big holiday feast like Thanksgiving or Christmas, a special day like a birthday or anniversary, or even a simple gathering with friends, these recipes are always there to complement your main dishes. They’re like the trusty companions that make every occasion feel complete.

• Pumpkin Hummus

• Pumpkin Soup with Basil

• Butternut Squash Crostini

• Candied Pecans

• Pigs in a Blanket

• Bacon-Wrapped Dates

• Cranberry Brie Bites

• Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

• Hot Apple Cider

• Mashed potatoes with herbs

 

1. Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin Hummus is a delightful twist on the classic hummus recipe, blending the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree with the creaminess of chickpeas. Here’s a closer look at this fall-inspired dip:

Ingredients:

• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient, providing a rich, velvety texture and the unmistakable flavor of fall.
• Chickpeas: The base of the hummus, offers a smooth and nutty undertone while contributing to the creamy consistency.
• Tahini: A sesame seed paste that enhances the creaminess and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
• Garlic: Minced or roasted garlic cloves give the hummus a savory depth.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers a bright and zesty contrast to the rich pumpkin.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a luxurious quality and helps achieve the ideal consistency.
• Warm Spices: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper creates a complex flavor profile reminiscent of pumpkin pie.
• Salt and Pepper: Season and balance the flavors.
• Pita Bread or Vegetables: The hummus is traditionally served with warm pita bread or fresh vegetable sticks.

Preparation:

• Begin by combining canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed), pumpkin puree, tahini, minced or roasted garlic, lemon juice, warm spices, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
• Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the processor to ensure everything is evenly combined.
• Taste the hummus and adjust the seasonings, adding more lemon juice, spices, or salt according to your preference.
• To serve, transfer the Pumpkin Hummus to a bowl and drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the top. You can also sprinkle a dash of spice for a pop of color and flavor.
• Accompany the hummus with warm, soft pita bread cut into triangles or a colorful array of vegetable sticks. The crispness of the vegetables or the comforting warmth of the pita bread creates a perfect contrast to the creamy dip.

2. Pumpkin Soup with Basil

Pumpkin Soup is a quintessential autumn dish that captures the essence of the season. Its velvety texture and harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors make it an ideal appetizer for Thanksgiving. The delightful warmth and familiar taste of pumpkin will make it a beloved addition to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• Pumpkin: The star of the show, lending a naturally sweet and earthy flavor.
• Onions and garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide a savory depth to the soup.
• Vegetable or chicken broth: The base of the soup, adds richness and flavor.
• Cream: For a creamy, velvety texture.
• Seasonings: A blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning and balance.
• Olive oil and butter: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Few basil leaves

Preparation:

• Start by sautéing finely chopped onions and garlic in a combination of olive oil and butter. This step adds layers of savory goodness to the soup.
• Add the diced pumpkin and continue to sauté. As the pumpkin cooks, it softens and begins to caramelize, intensifying its natural sweetness.
• Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, allowing the ingredients to simmer together. The broth infuses the soup with depth and flavor.
• Once the pumpkin is tender, use a blender to puree the mixture until it’s silky smooth. This step gives the soup its signature creamy texture.
• Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. These seasonings elevate the flavor, with the nutmeg and cinnamon adding a hint of fall spice.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
• Garnish with Basil and pumpkin seeds in the end.

Serve your Pumpkin Soup hot, garnished with a dollop of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s a comforting and rich start to your Thanksgiving meal, warming both the heart and the palate.

3. Butternut Squash Crostini

Butternut Squash Crostini is an elegant yet simple appetizer that captures the essence of fall. This dish combines the creamy richness of roasted butternut squash with the crunch of toasted baguette slices. Here’s a closer look at this delightful bite-sized treat:

Ingredients:

• Butternut Squash: The star ingredient, roasted to a tender, caramelized perfection.
• Baguette: A classic French bread, sliced and toasted to create the crostini base.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy element that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the squash.
• Olive Oil: Used for roasting the squash and brushing the baguette slices.
• Honey: Drizzled over the top to add a touch of sweetness and enhance the butternut squash’s natural flavors.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary or sage leaves, provide a fragrant and earthy component.
• Salt and Pepper: Season the squash and balance the flavors.

Preparation:

• Begin by peeling and cubing the butternut squash. Toss the squash cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkling of fresh herbs.
• Roast the seasoned butternut squash in the oven until it’s tender and slightly caramelized. The roasted squash should be soft enough to mash.
• While the squash is roasting, slice the baguette into rounds and toast them until they’re crispy and golden.
• Once the butternut squash is roasted, mash it with a fork or potato masher. You can add a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess and season it with salt and pepper.
• Assemble the crostini by spreading a generous layer of the creamy butternut squash mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
• Drizzle a bit of honey over the top for a touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the savory flavors.
• To serve, arrange the Butternut Squash Crostini on a platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or sage leaves or a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper for an extra dash of elegance.

4. Candied Pecans

Candied pecans offer a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness from the caramelized sugar and the warmth of cinnamon combine with the nutty richness of pecans. The salt adds a savory contrast that makes these pecans utterly irresistible.

These delightful, candied pecans are the perfect appetizer to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering. They can also be used as a topping for salads, desserts, or as a standalone snack. Whichever way you choose to enjoy them, candied pecans are sure to be a hit, and you’ll find it hard to resist reaching for just one more.

Ingredients:

• Pecans: The star of the show, these crunchy nuts are the perfect base for the candied coating.
• Sugar: To create the sweet and slightly caramelized layer on the pecans.
• Salt: For a hint of savory contrast that complements the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of spice to the candied coating.
• Egg White: Used to bind the sugar and spices to the pecans and create a crispy texture.

Preparation:

• Begin by preheating your oven and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy, but not stiff.
• Add the pecans to the frothy egg white and gently stir to coat them evenly.
• In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Combine this dry mixture with the egg-coated pecans, ensuring that the pecans are well-coated.
• Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
• Roast the pecans in the oven, allowing the sugar to caramelize and form a crispy coating. This process typically takes around 30-40 minutes, and you’ll want to stir the pecans every 15 minutes for even coating.
• Once they are golden brown and the sugar has set, remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool.

5. Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket offer a delightful contrast of textures. The flaky and buttery puff pastry complements the savory, slightly smoky flavors of the mini sausages, creating a well-balanced taste that’s both comforting and fun.

These appetizers are not only a hit at Thanksgiving gatherings but also perfect for any occasion, including game days and parties. Plus, they’re an excellent choice when you’re looking for appetizers that are easy to make and satisfy everyone’s taste buds. So, whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a casual get-together, consider serving pigs in a blanket to add a touch of nostalgia and flavor to your spread.

Ingredients:

• Mini Sausages: The star of the show, these little sausages bring a savory and slightly smoky flavor to the dish.
• Puff Pastry: A versatile pastry that, when baked, becomes wonderfully flaky and golden brown.
• Optional Seasonings: You can add some optional seasonings like poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of salt for added flavor. 

Preparation:

• Begin by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature as per the puff pastry package instructions.
• If your puff pastry is not pre-cut into strips, you can roll it out and cut it into thin strips. Each strip should be long enough to wrap around a mini sausage.
• Wrap each mini sausage with a strip of puff pastry, making sure it overlaps slightly to create a seal.
• If you want to add extra flavor, you can sprinkle poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or a touch of salt on top of the pastry-wrapped sausages.
• Place the wrapped sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring the seam side of the pastry is facing down.
• Bake in the preheated oven for the time specified on the puff pastry package or until the pastries are beautifully puffed and golden brown.

Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

6. Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates are a delightful appetizer that combines the sweetness of dates, the crunch of almonds, and the savory perfection of crispy bacon. This mouthwatering treat is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also offers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Let’s dive deeper into the details of this appetizer:

Ingredients:

• Dates: Medjool dates are commonly used for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and plump texture.
• Almonds: Each date is typically stuffed with a whole almond, adding a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
• Bacon: Thinly sliced bacon is the star of this dish, wrapping around the dates and almonds. 

Preparation:

• Start by preheating your oven to the appropriate temperature, often around 375°F (190°C).
• To prepare the dates, make a small lengthwise incision in each one and remove the pit. This creates a cavity for the almond.
• Stuff each date with a whole almond, then carefully close the date around the nut.
• Take a slice of bacon and cut it in half. Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. This not only adds a savory component but also holds everything together.
• Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet, making sure they are not too crowded. This allows the bacon to crisp up evenly.
• Bake the dates in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the bacon turns golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Once done, remove the toothpicks and let them cool slightly before serving.

7. Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a sophisticated and memorable appetizer that everyone will adore.

Ingredients:

• Small squares of Brie cheese
• Crackers or crostini
• Cranberry sauce
• Turkey ( Left-over optional) 

Preparation:

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lay out the crackers or crostini on a baking sheet.
• Place a small square of Brie cheese on top of each cracker or crostini.
• Add a dollop of cranberry sauce to the Brie.
• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bites for about 5-7 minutes. The goal is to heat the Brie until it’s soft and slightly melted, and the cranberry sauce becomes warm.
• Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Cranberry Brie Bites cool for a minute or two.
• Arrange them on a serving platter, and they’re ready to be enjoyed.
• These can also be served with leftover Turkey for later on bite.

These appetizers are not only delicious but also visually appealing. The vibrant red cranberry sauce on the creamy Brie makes them a festive addition to your Thanksgiving table. They offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making them a hit among guests of all ages.

Feel free to experiment by adding a small garnish of fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant touch, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for some crunch. The possibilities are endless, but the result is consistently delightful.

 

8. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is the epitome of a sophisticated yet wonderfully simple appetizer that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The combination of the earthy asparagus, the savory prosciutto, and the rich flavors that develop during roasting make these bites a true delight for the taste buds.

Ingredients:

• Fresh asparagus spears
• Thinly sliced prosciutto
• Olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

• Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Take a few asparagus spears and group them together. Usually, about 3-4 spears per bundle work well.
• Carefully wrap a slice of prosciutto around each bundle of asparagus. The prosciutto will cling to the asparagus due to its natural moisture.
• Place the wrapped asparagus bundles on a baking sheet and drizzle them with a bit of olive oil. The oil will help the asparagus roast to perfection.
• Season with freshly ground black pepper, which complements the saltiness of the prosciutto.
• Roast in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto becomes irresistibly crispy.
• Once done, transfer the Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus to a serving platter. They can be served either warm or at room temperature, and both options are delectable.

 

9. Hot Apple Cider

Hot apple cider is a quintessential Thanksgiving beverage that fills your home with the delightful aroma of autumn spices. This comforting drink is a must-have on your holiday menu. Let’s take a closer look at this heartwarming treat:

Ingredients:

• Fresh apples: The star ingredient, ideally a mix of sweet and tart apples.
• Cinnamon sticks: To infuse the cider with warm, spicy notes.
• Whole cloves: These provide a hint of earthy flavor.
• Nutmeg: Grate a bit of fresh nutmeg to add a warm, nutty aroma.
• Orange peel: For a citrusy zing.
• Brown sugar or honey: Sweeten the cider to your taste.
• Water: To help the ingredients meld together into a flavorful concoction.

Preparation:

• Begin by washing and slicing the apples. There’s no need to peel them; the skin adds color and flavor.
• In a large pot, combine the sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, grated nutmeg, orange peel, and sweetener (brown sugar or honey).
• Add enough water to the pot to cover all the ingredients. Then, give it a good stir.
• Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, and then reduce the heat. Let it gently simmer for about an hour. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the delightful scent of simmering apples and spices.
• As the cider simmers, the apples will soften, and the flavors will meld together. Continue to taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
• Once your hot apple cider is flavored to perfection, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
• Strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pitcher or serving pot. This will remove any solids and give you that smooth, pure apple cider.

Serve your hot apple cider warm. You can garnish each cup with a cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh apple for added visual appeal.

10. Mashed potatoes with herbs

Mashed potatoes are a beloved Thanksgiving classic, and when you infuse them with fragrant herbs, they become a standout side dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Here’s a closer look at this delectable Thanksgiving treat: 

Ingredients:

• Potatoes: Typically, russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well for mashing.
• Herbs: You can choose a variety of fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or chives, depending on your preference.
• Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
• Milk or cream: For that silky and smooth texture.
• Salt and pepper: Season the dish to taste. 

Preparation:

• Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into even-sized chunks. This ensures they cook uniformly.
• Place the potato chunks in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them using a potato masher or a potato ricer. The goal is to achieve a smooth consistency.
• While mashing, add in a generous amount of butter, milk or cream for creaminess, and season with salt and pepper. Continue mashing until the ingredients are well combined.
• Finely chop the fresh herbs you’ve chosen. For a Thanksgiving twist, consider using rosemary or thyme for a lovely earthy flavor.
• Gently fold the chopped herbs into the mashed potatoes. Be sure not to overmix to keep the herbs from losing their freshness.

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