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17 Ugly Delicious Dishes That Prove Beauty Is Only Skin Deep

And let’s not forget those dishes are perfect for sharing during fall gatherings. Consider a potluck where everyone marvels at the variety but gravitates toward the homely, underdog dishes. These aren’t just meals; they’re conversation starters and memory makers. Octoberfest sausages might look simple, but pair them with hearty beans that look like they’ve seen better days, and you’ve got a hit on your hands. Fall is about enjoying time with loved ones; these dishes serve nostalgia with every bite. After all, who says food has to be pretty to bring people together?

A cut muffin on a plate.
Apple, Date, Walnut Muffins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Vintage Chicken Divan

Two cast-iron skillets filled with creamy, baked casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs and garnished with fresh thyme sprigs, set on a wooden surface. A fork rests in one serving.
Vintage Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Vintage Chicken Divan is a nostalgic comfort food that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and broccoli. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a favorite for chilly fall evenings. You can easily prepare it with leftover chicken, making it a convenient weeknight meal. It’s both hearty and satiating, topped with cheese and baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners, it’s sure to become a fall staple.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan

Shipwreck Casserole

Shipwreck Casserole in a black dish with a spoon.
Shipwreck Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Shipwreck Casserole is a pantry-friendly dish that layers ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables. Perfect for those cool evenings, it’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal prep. Each bite offers a hearty combination of meat and veggies, filling it incredibly. The slow baking process melds all the flavors beautifully. A go-to for busy weeknights, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

Oven Baked Ribs

Pieces of oven bake ribs on a black slate plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Oven Baked Ribs are a go-to for a cozy fall dinner. The ribs are slowly baked until tender meat falls off the bone. A flavorful dry rub and a rich barbecue sauce create a complex taste that’s both smoky and sweet. Simple to prepare, this dish will impress guests without requiring hours. Perfect for a weekend meal, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or coleslaw.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

John Wayne Casserole

A slice of John Wayne casserole on a black plate beside a baking dish of the same casserole.
John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

John Wayne Casserole is a hearty dish that layers biscuits, ground beef, and cheese. The combination of flavors creates a comforting meal for those colder days. With a slight Tex-Mex twist, adding onions and peppers brings depth. It’s easy to assemble and bakes into a golden, bubbly finish. It’s sure to be a hit, perfect for game day or a casual family dinner.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A white bowl filled with seasoned roasted sweet potato cubes, garnished with chopped herbs, with a metal serving spoon on the side and a printed napkin partially visible.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are an excellent choice for a healthy and delicious side dish. The air fryer makes them crispy without needing much oil, making them a guilt-free option. Seasoned with spices like cinnamon and paprika, they capture the essence of fall flavors. Quick to prepare, they make a great addition to any meal. They are ideal for weekday dinners when you need something fast and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

A Pastrami Reuben sandwich on a plate with chips and pickles.
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich brings together layers of pastrami, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on rye bread. The tangy dressing ties everything together, creating a fulfilling meal. A fall favorite, it’s perfect for when you’re craving something warm and filling. Easy to make at home, this classic sandwich offers a restaurant-quality experience. Great for lunch or a simple dinner, it pairs well with a pickle and chips.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Two brown butter apple blondies were placed on a white surface.
Brown Butter Apple Blondies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies are an autumn treat that combines the nuttiness of browned butter with sweet, juicy apples. This dessert is perfect for those who love the flavors of fall. Each bite offers a chewy texture with a lovely mix of spices. Easy to bake, they’re a great way to use up seasonal apples. They’re ideal for packing in lunch boxes or enjoying as an afternoon snack.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Baked Scotch Eggs

Scotch Eggs on a black plate.
Baked Scotch Eggs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Scotch Eggs transform your usual hard-boiled eggs by encasing them in sausage meat and baking them to perfection. This protein-packed dish is perfect for a fulfilling breakfast or snack. The baking process makes them lighter than traditional fried versions without compromising flavor. They’re easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. They pair well with a side salad and an ideal addition to any fall meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs

Over the Top Chili

Over the Top Chili in a black cast iron bowl.
Over the Top Chili. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Over the Top Chili is a standout dish, featuring layers upon layers of meaty goodness cooked directly on the grill. Ground beef and sausage are mixed with beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. This slow-cooked chili brings warmth and comfort, making it ideal for colder fall days. The flavors develop beautifully over time, making it perfect for leftovers. Enjoy it alone or as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Over the Top Chili

Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche

A slice of Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche on a plate next to a glass of orange juice.
Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche combines broccoli and three kinds of cheese in a crustless quiche. This dish is easy to prepare and makes for a filling breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The three cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan—melt into a heavenly blend. Perfectly suited for fall, it’s warm and hearty and can be enjoyed hot or cold. It is ideal for meal prep, offering both convenience and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corned Beef Hash Casserole combines corned beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a dish that’s as filling as it is flavorful. This casserole is a perfect way to use leftover corned beef, making it economical and delicious. It requires minimal preparation and can be baked in under an hour. Great for those chillier fall days, it provides comfort with every bite. A versatile dish, it’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding pie in a white glass dish.
Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding makes excellent use of any roast beef. This dish combines well-seasoned beef with the fluffy, golden goodness of Yorkshire pudding. It’s a warm, comforting meal that comes together quickly, perfect for fall evenings. Best of all, it brings a bit of British tradition to your table. It is excellent to serve with gravy and green vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

A plate of breakfast casserole on a black plate.
Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is an innovative dish that skips the eggs but doesn’t compromise flavor. This casserole is packed with sausage, potatoes, and a blend of spices. It’s a hearty and warming dish, perfect for those who are egg-sensitive or simply out of eggs. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s ideal for breakfast or brunch. The aroma alone will make the kitchen the coziest spot in the house.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops on a baby blue serving dish.
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops are a fuss-free way to enjoy tender, flavorful pork chops. These chops are slow-cooked with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. The slow cooking method ensures they are infused with flavor and melt in your mouth. Ideal for a busy fall day, you can prepare them in the morning and have dinner ready by evening. They pair excellently with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Beef Bourguignon

Beef bourguignon in a white bowl with thyme.
Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish perfect for a cozy fall evening. This hearty stew features beef simmered in red wine with onions, carrots, and mushrooms. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, delicious dish. Serve it over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread for a filling meal. Despite its complex flavor, it’s straightforward to prepare and worth every effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

A white plate with a slice of Croissant breakfast casserole and orange next to it.
Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Croissant Breakfast Casserole features buttery croissants with eggs, cheese, and vegetables. This dish is a fantastic way to start a brisk fall morning. The warm, fluffy croissants absorb the delicious custard, making each bite melt in your mouth. It’s easy to assemble and bake and is excellent for feeding a family or brunch guests. Enjoy it with fresh fruit or a warm cup of coffee.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Apple, Date, Walnut Muffins

A cut muffin on a plate.
Apple, Date, Walnut Muffins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Apple, Date, Walnut Muffins combine seasonal fruit, nuts, and spices into a perfect fall treat. The sweetness of the apples pairs wonderfully with the chewy dates and crunchy walnuts. These muffins are easy to make and bake to a golden brown. Ideal for breakfast on the go or an afternoon snack, they offer a taste of fall in every bite. With wholesome ingredients, they’re a guilt-free indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Apple, Date, Walnut Muffins

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