To truly get the most out of every season, you need to start with a plan. So when you’re putting pumpkin picking, hay rides and sweater shopping on your fall to-do list, don’t forget to pencil in some kitchen time too. These recipes will instantly get you in the autumn spirit.

Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bake (above)

You simply can’t get in a season’s worth of pumpkin eating unless you start first thing in the morning. This satisfying recipe is nutritious and can serve a crowd.

Baked Apples

Or, if you’ve already indulged in one too many apple cider doughnuts, skip the pie dough and bake your apples naked. Well, almost naked — Alex Guarnaschelli’s recipe features a warming, rum-spiked glaze.

Grilled Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash

If you’re a year-round griller, undeterred by crisper temps outside, try these smoky squash “ribs” as a dinner side. Their hearty autumn texture and summery barbecue flavor marries two of the adjacent seasons’ best qualities.

Cranberry-Clementine Mulled Sangria

This recipe takes the spicy warmth of mulled wine and chills it down with fresh fruit for a party drink that’s both cozy and refreshing.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Think your favorite coffee shop does it best? Our homemade PSL recipe stands up to any $4 grande cup, and it means you can enjoy the fall drink literally on-demand.

Deep Dish Apple Pie

Ina Garten’s granddaddy of an apple pie is exactly the recipe to reach for when you’ve brought way too many apples home from the orchard.

Bacon-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Serve this addicting appetizer to guests with caution: Once you make these deeply savory, meaty-meets-earthy bites, your friends will demand them at every other get-together you throw (not that that’s a bad thing, of course).

Sweet Cornbread

This slightly sticky, almost cakelike dish is a delightful dessert when served with fruit and whipped cream. Prefer your cornbread with cheese, spice or herbs? Here are seven more ways to make this classic fall dish.

Related Links:

Quick and Easy Fall Sides

Fall Weeknight Dinners

Five-Ingredient Fall Recipes