10 cosy autumn recipes to in October.

 Hey readers,

As the days grow shorter and the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s nothing more comforting than warming up with delicious, home-cooked meals. 

October is the perfect time to embrace the changing seasons by indulging in hearty, seasonal recipes that feature some of autumn's finest ingredients like pumpkins, squash, and apples. 

Whether you're looking to impress guests with a stunning autumnal feast or simply want to enjoy a quiet evening by the fire with a comforting meal, these 10 cosy recipes will inspire your October cooking.

1. Butternut Squash Soup.

Butternut squash is a quintessential autumn vegetable, and a steaming bowl of butternut squash soup is a must for chilly October evenings. 

This rich and creamy soup is easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients: butternut squash, onions, garlic, vegetable stock, and a touch of cream.

 You can enhance the flavour with a dash of nutmeg, cinnamon, or even a sprinkle of chilli flakes for a bit of warmth.

Tip.

Serve with a slice of crusty sourdough or garlic bread for an extra layer of cosiness.

 2. Pumpkin Risotto.

Pumpkins are synonymous with autumn, and pumpkin risotto is a delicious way to use this versatile vegetable in a savoury dish.

 This creamy, indulgent risotto is made by slowly cooking arborio rice with sautéed onions, garlic, and vegetable broth, with pureed pumpkin folded in for a hint of sweetness.

 Finish with a generous amount of grated Parmesan and fresh sage to create a dish that truly captures the spirit of autumn.

Tip.

 Roast some pumpkin seeds with salt and pepper to sprinkle on top for added crunch.

3. Cottage Pie with Root Vegetable.

A true British classic, cottage pie is perfect for autumn.

 Traditionally made with ground beef and topped with mashed potatoes, this version adds an autumnal twist by incorporating root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and swede. 

The filling is simmered in a rich gravy and then baked until the potato topping is golden and crisp. 

It's a hearty meal that’s sure to warm you up after a long autumn walk.

Tip.

 Add some grated cheddar to the mashed potatoes for a deliciously cheesy crust.

4. Apple and Blackberry Crumble.

October is apple season, and there’s no better way to celebrate the harvest than with a comforting apple and blackberry crumble. 

Tart apples are balanced by sweet, juicy blackberries, and the crumble topping made from flour, butter, sugar, and oats adds a crunchy texture to the soft, baked fruit. 

Serve it with a generous dollop of warm custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tip.

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or mixed spice to the crumble topping for an extra hit of autumn flavour.

 5. Roasted Root Vegetable Tray Bake.

A roasted vegetable tray bake is one of the easiest ways to create a satisfying meal, and it’s perfect for autumn when root vegetables are in abundance. 

Combine carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and red onions with olive oil, thyme, and rosemary, then roast until tender and caramelised. 

You can enjoy this dish on its own or serve it alongside roasted meats for a hearty dinner.

Tip.

Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the roasted veggies before serving to elevate the flavours.

6. Sausage and Lentil Stew.

For a heartwarming one-pot dish, try a sausage and lentil stew.

 This rustic meal is packed with flavour, featuring smoky sausages, earthy lentils, and a rich tomato-based sauce. 

Add in carrots, celery, and onions for depth, and season with thyme and bay leaves for a fragrant autumn meal.

 It’s a great dish to make ahead of time, as the flavours only improve the next day.

Tip.

Serve with fresh crusty bread for mopping up all the delicious sauce.

7. Mushroom and Chestnut Wellington.

This vegetarian take on a classic Wellington is perfect for a special Sunday dinner in October. 

A rich mushroom and chestnut filling, flavoured with garlic, thyme, and a splash of red wine, is wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked until golden. 

It’s a show-stopping dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables and gravy, making it an ideal centrepiece for an autumn feast.

Tip.

For extra flavour, mix in some crumbled blue cheese or goat's cheese with the filling.

8. Spiced Pumpkin Bread.

Pumpkin bread is a sweet, spiced loaf that’s perfect for a cosy October afternoon treat. 

Made with pureed pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s a warming and fragrant bake that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. 

The texture is soft and moist, thanks to the pumpkin, and it can be topped with a cream cheese frosting or simply enjoyed as it is.

Tip.

Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist.

9. Slow-Cooker Beef Stew.

Nothing says comfort food like a slow-cooked beef stew. 

This classic autumn dish features tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions, all simmered together in a rich broth flavoured with red wine and herbs.

 The slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy option for a busy October day. 

Just set it up in the morning, and you’ll have a warm, hearty meal waiting for you by dinner time.

Tip.

Serve with buttery mashed potatoes or dumplings for the ultimate comfort meal.

10. Cinnamon-Spiced Porridge.

Start your autumn mornings off right with a bowl of cinnamon-spiced porridge. 

This warming breakfast is made by cooking oats with milk or water, then sweetening with a touch of honey and spicing with ground cinnamon. 

Top with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or blackberries, along with a handful of nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.

Tip. 

Try stirring in some peanut butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra indulgent breakfast.

Bringing the Flavours of Autumn into Your Kitchen.

October is a wonderful time to enjoy hearty, warming dishes that reflect the seasonal produce available. 

From sweet pumpkin bread to savoury root vegetable traybakes, the recipes above will help you make the most of the autumn months while keeping cosy. 

Whether you’re a fan of classic British dishes like cottage pie or prefer international flavours like pumpkin risotto, these recipes offer something for everyone to enjoy this October.

So, grab your favourite jumper, light a few candles, and get cooking because nothing beats the comfort of a homemade meal when the autumn chill sets in.

Cheers for reading X