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From Tailgates to Friendsgiving: 15 Fall Dishes for Every Gathering

From the parking lot to the dining room, autumn’s best flavors shine in these fall dishes. Forget boring snacks and upgrade your gatherings with a menu tailored for the season. Each recipe helps set the perfect mood, whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or sharing what you’re thankful for. The best part? These dishes are simple enough to pull off without breaking a sweat. Bring the beauty of fall to your table, and let these recipes be the star of your gatherings.

Sweet Potato Casserole.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Two black cast iron pans filled with mac and cheese sit on cork trivets on a white wooden surface.
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Nothing warms a fall evening like Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. Creamy, gooey, and deliciously rich, this dish brings a comforting touch to any gathering. Ideal for both picky eaters and foodies alike, its timeless appeal is undeniable. Serve it up at a tailgate or as a Friendsgiving side dish, and watch it disappear. It’s classic comfort food that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Parisian Potatoes

A spoon lifts several Parisian potatoes from a black skillet filled with more Parisian potatoes.
Parisian Potatoes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Level up your seasonal spread with Parisian Potatoes. These babies are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering that perfect bite every time. A French twist on a potato dish makes it feel extra special without fuss. Perfect for pairing with other hearty fall dishes, they add a touch of sophistication to your event. This versatile dish fits right in at any gathering, big or small.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta on a white plate.
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For a healthy and flavorful dish, try Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. This unique recipe turns often-neglected greens into a standout favorite. The pancetta brings a salty crispiness that pairs perfectly with the earthy beet greens. It’s a warm, enjoyable addition to your fall menu, offering a splash of color and a burst of flavor. Ideal for tailgates or a festive Friendsgiving, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

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.

Looking for a healthier yet delicious option? Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are your answer. Crispy and perfectly cooked in the air fryer, these cubes are full of natural sweetness. They’re easy to make, requiring minimal prep and cooking time. Serve them as a snack at your next tailgate or as a side at Friendsgiving. They’re a hit without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington Bites on a white plate with sauce in the middle.
Beef Wellington Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a touch of elegance with Beef Wellington Bites. These miniature versions of the classic dish are perfect for gatherings, bringing sophistication and flavor in bite-sized form. The flaky pastry and tender beef make them irresistible. They’re fancy enough for Friendsgiving but fun enough for a tailgate. Guests will be reaching for more without even realizing it.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced turkey breast on a white plate with sprigs of thyme.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Juicy and incredibly easy to prepare, Air Fryer Turkey Breast is a fall season must. With the help of an air fryer, you get a moist, delicious turkey breast with minimal effort. This dish is convenient and crowd-pleasing, perfect for smaller crowds or as an addition to a larger spread. Plus, it frees up your oven for other goodies. Tailgates or Friendsgiving, fits right in.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a balance of sweet and spicy to your fall menu with Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. This dish combines tangy sauerkraut with the sweetness of apples and the smokiness of bacon—a winning combination. It’s a warm, hearty side, perfect for the cooler weather. Serve it up at any gathering and see how quickly it becomes a favorite. It’s a lovely twist on a classic autumn dish.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Traeger Smoked Turkey

A smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board.
Traeger Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make your gatherings memorable with Traeger Smoked Turkey. The smoky flavor that comes from a Traeger grill makes this turkey extra special. Ideal for a big Friendsgiving but just as fitting for a casual tailgate, it offers complexity without complication. With this dish, you’ll be the hero of any fall feast. Guests will rave about it long after the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup

A closeup of a bowl of Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup.
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cozy up with a bowl of Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup. This hearty soup combines cauliflower’s earthiness with sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness. Perfect for those chilly fall nights, it’s both warming and filling. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or the main event, it will be a hit. It’s an easy way to add some seasonal veggies to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A plate of Prosciutto & Parmesan Puff Pastry pinwheels.
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add some pizzazz to your appetizer spread with Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Flaky puff pastry wrapped around salty prosciutto makes for a flavor-packed bite. These pinwheels are as easy to make as they are to eat, requiring no special skills. They’re perfect for munching on while mingling at a tailgate or Friendsgiving. It’s a great bite-sized treat that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Two bowls of Turkey Pot Pie Soup with crackers and spoons.
Turkey Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy all the comforts of turkey pot pie in a bowl with Turkey Pot Pie Soup. This dish offers the hearty flavors of turkey, vegetables, and creamy soup, making it a perfect fall meal. Easy to serve and easier to love, it’s suitable for both casual and formal gatherings. Warm and filling, it’s a crowd-pleasing choice. This soup will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring some smoky goodness to your table with Smoked Carver Ham. This ham has the perfect balance of smokiness and tenderness, making every bite enjoyable. It’s versatile enough to serve at both casual tailgates and more formal Friendsgiving meals. Its rich flavor and ease of preparation make it a standout dish at any gathering. Everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

A bowl of red pepper and tomato soup next to a plate of bread and a spoon.
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your fall menu with Red Pepper & Tomato Soup. This soup combines the sweet, tangy flavors of red peppers and tomatoes for a comforting bowl of warmth. It’s a great start to any meal or a fantastic dish to warm you up on a chilly day. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving at tailgates or more intimate Friendsgiving dinners. Every spoonful brings comfort and joy.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry on a counter.
Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Get the best pot pie in individual servings with Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry. These pies offer the classic flavors of turkey, vegetables, and creamy filling, all encased in a flaky puff pastry. Easy to handle and delicious to eat, they’re perfect for various gatherings. These pot pies hit the mark for a tailgate or a Friendsgiving feast. They’re sure to be a favorite among your guests.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Give your guests a sweet treat with Sweet Potato Casserole. This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy topping, creating a lovely contrast in textures. It’s a versatile addition to your fall spread, perfect for serving as a side or even as a dessert. Every bite brings the taste of autumn to life. It’s a dish that leaves a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

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