The 16 Recipes We Can't Wait to Make This October

Baked Oatmeal

Editor Courtney Kassel says this is the ideal breakfast for fall, and we agree. The recipe page explains that this dish hails from Pennsylvania Amish country—and it couldn't be easier to mix together and bake in your trusty 9x13 pan. "Add some apples, and you’re set," Courtney notes.

The Best Caramel Apples

Keep the apples out for this treat, too. Associate Editorial Director Devon O'Brien gets inspired this time of year, explaining she's "a sucker for a good caramel apple." Take fresh apples from your trip to the orchard and adorn them with tasty toppings "like salted peanuts, chocolate sprinkles, and chopped chocolate peanut butter cups," she suggests. You don't have to tell us twice.

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

Get a favorite coffee house goodie at home with this recipe that reviewer Sookie says is "By far the best pumpkin loaf recipe I've made on the site so far. Not overly sweet, moist and just the right density for a perfect loaf." Save your Starbucks dollars for the new Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte instead. Besides, it isn't fall without at least one pumpkin treat.

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Just as we've been waiting for cooler weather to enjoy all things pumpkin and apple, we've also been dreaming of chili. This new recipe (which is perfect for football season) is a fun twist on the best of both tailgate worlds, where Buffalo wings meet hearty stew.

Twice Baked Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes

Another two-for-one is this mash-up that "delivers all the cozy flavors of a warm pot pie nestled inside a perfectly baked potato," according to the recipe page. "One bite of the creamy mashed potatoes, paired with rotisserie chicken, a medley of peas and carrots, and melty cheddar cheese, is sure to satisfy all of your comfort food cravings."

Moroccan-Style Stuffed Acorn Squash

Don't let the stuffing stop there. As Courtney also tells us, this is the time of year for stuffed acorn squash. Serve this veg-forward dish filled with couscous and chickpeas as a main or as a side on your fall table. For a meaty spin, try this Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash version as well.

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup

Editor Bridget Olson opts for another type of squash as an October go-to in this comforting soup. “Butternut squash is probably the most readily available autumn squash, but it needs other flavors to balance out its richness—that’s where the coconut and curry in this soup come in. I may also add lime juice for a bit more acidity!”

Pork Scallopini

And now for a delicious dinner that works any time of year, this 30-minute meal is "a classic Italian dish: pork chops are pounded very thin and are simmered in a creamy wine sauce full of briny capers, bright lemon, and lots of butter," according to the recipe page. Serve it with pasta, a big salad, or green beans—it's as easy as that.

Herby Ricotta Biscuits

Next up? Let's follow Devon's lead again: "I need to clean out my garden beds, which are absolutely bursting with fresh herbs right now. I'm going to use some of them up in these herby biscuits." She's even thinking ahead to a certain holiday next month and will "make an extra batch of the dough to freeze and bake later (like for Thanksgiving!)"

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Allrecipes Allstar Nicole Russell gives us an easy side to serve with any meal this month. "These golden, crispy air fryer smashed potatoes are easier to make than you think in just 20 minutes! They're flavored with garlic and brushed with butter to make them extra crispy." Follow one reviewer's suggestion and double the recipe.

Frito Pie Casserole

The intro on the recipe page says it all here: "This Frito pie casserole is your favorite Southwestern treat in casserole form—extremely satisfying, savory, and smoky, with a cheesy, crunchy top. Make it for your next tailgate." Reviewers call this one a keeper.

Ginger Chicken

This delectable Chinese-inspired chicken dish is ideal for any night of the week this month. It's quick and easy and packs the flavor thanks to soy sauce, brown sugar, scallions, garlic, and fresh ginger. Serve it with rice and a side of broccoli.

Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf

Staying on the theme of comfort food for October, this meatloaf recipe from Amanda Stanfield is a weeknight winner and will become a family favorite. The secret (not-so-secret) ingredient does most of the work.

Cookies and Cream Brownies

If you're looking for something a little different (yet totally decadent) to bring to a Halloween party or fall potluck, our recipe editors suggest looking no further than these upgraded homemade brownies topped with Oreo cookies. Try the orange creme version for added festive flair!

Apple Pie Tiramisu

Give a traditional dessert an autumn twist with a newcomer to the site, arriving just in time for the season. Apple pie flavors get piled into a creamy, layered treat with ladyfingers soaked in apple cider instead of espresso.

"Follow the recipe, and for all the effort, you and your guests will be HAPPY! Even though it's Italian, [I made] this for an Oktoberfest supper with a beet salad, schnitzel with gingersnap gravy, roasted fingerling potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with cranberries. Having this delicious dessert in the fridge the day before made the party simple and festive!" said one five-star review.

Spiced Pear Old-Fashioned

Finally, our test kitchen will be toasting with this drink to welcome the changing leaves. As creator Juliana Hale says, "This old-fashioned with rosemary and pear is the perfect fall cocktail." Pro tip: "If you can't find cardamom bitters, you can use orange or Angostura bitters instead and add a pinch of ground cardamom."

Happy fall y'all!