Early Fall Favorites I’m Loving Right Now

As the end of September ushers in the cozy embrace of early fall, it’s time to celebrate the season’s vibrant flavors with recipes that blend late-summer freshness with autumn’s warm comfort. This Add a Pinch roundup features a mix of timeless classics and newer recipes, perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep. From hearty breakfasts to crowd-pleasing mains and desserts, these dishes capture the essence of early fall.

1. Cozy Morning Start: Easy Apple Turnovers
Kick off your day with Easy Apple Turnovers. These light, tender turnovers bring to mind fall trips to the mountains and enjoying apple turnovers from the local bakery. They are the perfect early fall breakfast treat right now.

Apple Turnover Recipe

5 from 1 vote

This easy apple turnover recipe is made with a cinnamon apple filling in a buttery, flakey puff pastry crust. They are always a crowd-favorite for brunch or dessert!

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2. Fresh Seasonal Side: Broccoli Salad Recipe
Savor the crispness of late summer with the Broccoli Salad Recipe, a newer addition featuring crunchy broccoli, bacon, and a creamy dressing. It’s a refreshing yet hearty side for fall barbecues or family dinners.

Broccoli Salad Recipe

5 from 4 votes

This Broccoli Salad recipe makes a quick and easy side dish.  Tossed in a homemade dressing, this easy broccoli salad is a crowd favorite!

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3. Hearty Comfort Food: Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Warm up cooler evenings with the Hot Chicken Salad Recipe, a Southern favorite. This creamy, baked chicken dish with a buttery cracker topping is ideal for cozy weeknight meals or potlucks.

Hot Chicken Salad Recipe

5 from 9 votes

This easy Hot Chicken Salad recipe is a classic Southern favorite. Its delicious, creamy chicken filling is baked with a buttery cracker topping. It's perfect for family meals and potlucks and is always a crowd-pleaser!

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4. Early Fall Dessert: Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Celebrate the season with the Hummingbird Cake Recipe, a moist, flavorful cake with bananas, pineapple, pecans, and cream cheese frosting. It’s a newer crowd-pleaser perfect for September gatherings on into fall.

Hummingbird Cake Recipe

4.94 from 31 votes

This Hummingbird Cake recipe is a delicious Southern cake favorite. It's made with bananas, pineapple, pecans, and a decadent cream cheese frosting. It's a moist, flavorful heirloom cake recipe you'll love!

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5. Sweet Snack: Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Embrace fall’s arrival with these Pumpkin Cookies. These tender cookies with a creamy maple frosting are great for snacking, gifting, or serving at autumn get-togethers.

Pumpkin Cookies Recipe with Maple Buttercream Frosting

5 from 2 votes

Pumpkin Cookies Recipe with Maple Buttercream Frosting – Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe make for a soft, delicious cookie recipe! A simple, yet flavorful cookie recipe topped with maple buttercream frosting!

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6. Game-Day Favorite: Cranberry Meatballs Recipe (Two Ways)
Elevate your tailgate or casual hangout with the Cranberry Meatballs Recipe (Two Ways), a newer recipe offering sweet-tangy meatballs that are a hit as an appetizer or main dish.

Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

5 from 4 votes

My Cranberry Meatballs Recipe are always a crowd favorite. Sharing TWO ways to make – homemade or an even easier crockpot version with three ingredients.

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7. Quick Weeknight Main: Baked Salmon with Parmesan Herb Crust
For a fast yet elegant dinner, try the Baked Salmon with Parmesan Herb Crust Recipe. This dish features flaky salmon with a savory herb topping, perfect for busy fall evenings.

Baked Salmon with Parmesan Herb Crust Recipe

4.96 from 81 votes

This delicious Baked Salmon with Parmesan Herb Crust is simple and one of the best salmon recipes! Made with four ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes, it's perfect to serve any time!

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These Add a Pinch recipes bring the best of early fall to your table, blending fresh, seasonal ingredients with cozy, comforting flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, these dishes will inspire and delight. Share your creations with us and make this fall delicious!

Happy Cooking!
Robyn xo