14 Fall Recipes That Are Making Our Editors Happy Right Now

Autumn is here, and there are so many things to be happy about — especially these hearty recipes. From comforting meals to decadent desserts featuring the season's best — and, of course, plenty of pumpkin — these editor-approved meals (and sides!) are sure to please — whether you're cooking up a weeknight dinner or hosting a Thanksgiving feast. Read on to learn why these recipes will be making our editors happy all autumn long.

First up is a pasta-lover's dream: Butternut Squash-Stuffed Shells. "Pasta always brings me joy, but pair it with roasted butternut squash and I’m officially in fall heaven. There’s something about this combination of flavors that feels just right for the season. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a gently spiced spinach and ricotta filling — playful, comforting and so satisfying. Everything’s nestled in a creamy, sweet butternut squash Alfredo sauce that wraps you up like a cozy hug on a crisp autumn day. And, can we talk about that color? It’s giving peak fall vibes."

— Liza Zeneski, Supervising Culinary Producer

"I always ring in fall with Food Network Kitchen’s Best Pumpkin Bread. It’s the ideal pumpkin bread and always brings a smile to my face. It’s so tender and perfectly spiced."

— Maggie Wong, Editor

"This squash soup a showstopper of a dish that’s absolutely smooth, luscious and full of flavor — from the savory curry to the sweet kabocha squash, warming heat from the ginger and the richness of the coconut milk. It's a happy accident that it happens to be vegan too!"

— Andy Liang, Recipe Developer

"I am lucky enough to live just one mile from an apple orchard, so the return of fall means frequent trips to their farm stand for cider and local apples. There are plenty of ways to use up both, but I’m most fond of these cinnamon-y cakes. They taste just like cider doughnuts, a treat that is nostalgic for me since my husband, daughter and I always share a bag after apple picking. These cakes feature a few upgrades, which really bring home the seasonal flavor, too: a splash of cider and freshly shredded apple in the cakes, as well as a full cup of cider in the maple-y frosting. The finishing touch is the streusal topping. What’s not to love about that?!"

— Kristie Collado, Editorial Manager

"This is a quicker but still comforting version of the classic Pasta e Ceci. It's perfect for when the days get busy in the fall, and you want to have something warm and hearty on the table."

— Amy Stevenson, Recipe Developer

"Leave it to the Barefoot Contessa to get me excited about Brussels sprouts! The combination of the crispy pancetta and sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar takes simple roasted sprouts to the next level. I've made them as a Thanksgiving side dish, and they were a huge hit — even among picky eaters."

— Noelle Paredes, Online Editor

"This is the most satisfying cake to bake: You beat and fold everything by hand, and the result is a rich, caramelized banana-bread-like sheet cake you can snack on for days. I recently discovered the recipe because I asked the head of our test kitchen which sheet cake recipe I should make for my son’s birthday, and everyone in the test kitchen immediately steered me to this recipe. It’s such a joyful experience to make a low-lift dessert that turns out super impressive and has everyone asking for the recipe."

— Heath Goldman, Culinary Editor

"I always take advantage an opportunity to use my Dutch oven — especially when the weather calls for a cozy dish. My go-to has always been this beef stew. The chuck roast gets perfectly tender, and I make a pot of rice to soak up the rich sauce. Not only are you cooking a delicious meal with so much flavor, but your home quickly fills up with comforting aromas while it simmers all day."

— Lauren Tom Cerone, Associate Editor

"As a parent, nothing brings me more joy than spending time with my daughter, so I’m always looking for recipes that we can make together. These lasagna rolls have become one of our favorites — and something we cook each year to celebrate the change of season. The process of making the filling and rolling the noodles is surprisingly simple, so it’s fun for me to step back and watch how my daughter’s confidence (and cooking skills) have grown over the last year. And, since the rolls feature everyone’s favorite fall ingredient (pumpkin!) my daughter hangs out in the kitchen with me, waiting for her chance to try one once they come out of the oven. The fact that this cheesy, baked pasta fills our kitchen with the most incredible aromas as it bakes (think, sage, Parmesan and warm spices) is just an added bit of bonus joy."

— Kristie Collado, Editorial Manager

"Nothing makes me happier than an easy-to-make dessert that looks super impressive. These elephant ears are made with store-bought puff pastry, so they come together in a snap, and the cinnamon-sugar filling gives them a hint of fall spice. The best part: They look (and taste) like they came straight from the bakery."

— Noelle Paredes, Online Editor

"This 3-ingredient mac-and-cheese recipe isn’t new, but it’s making me super happy as we go into back-to-school season. It’s fast to whip up, and I can usually remember to stock the ingredients for it. (Sometimes I use regular milk instead of the evaporated kind, and I find it works well too.) Plus, I can mix in some frozen riced broccoli or cauliflower, and then I can feel good about my toddler getting her veggies in, too. It’s so handy to have in my back pocket!"

— Lauren Piro, Digital Director

"I make these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins on repeat all season long. They’re incredibly fluffy, topped with a pumpkin spice crumb and filled with a rich, creamy center. They remind me of the pumpkin muffins from my favorite coffee shop — only better, because I get to enjoy the satisfaction of baking them myself!"

— Amanda Neal, Lead Recipe Developer

"I’ve already written about how much I love this mac and cheese recipe, and it’s the perfect hearty fall meal. The Buffalo flavors are just right for watching football, and the richness is exactly what you want on a chilly day. Make a big batch for your friends and family — it's a crowd pleaser, and it freezes well!"

— Sabrina Choudhary, Online Editorial Coordinator