The 18 Recipes We Can’t Wait to Make This September

September brings with it a crispness in the air and new possibilities around every corner—plus, of course, all things pumpkin and apple. It’s also the perfect time to dust off the stockpot. Labor Day has come and gone, which means we’re more than ready to get stewing and baking. From hearty soups and delicious casseroles to autumn-spiced treats that warm you from the inside out, let’s embrace all that September has to offer. Here are the recipes we can’t wait to make this month.

Easy Plum Cake

We’re still seeing plums at the market, so editor Courtney Kassel’s grandpa’s torte is on the menu. This recipe is superb with the Italian plums she waits all year for but works with whatever you can get your hands on. Our easy version is made with a buttery sponge cake topped with sliced plums, cinnamon, and sugar, then baked to perfection. Courtney adds, “It’s a recipe that tastes like love.”

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Kim Shupe


As the recipe page for these goodies states, “The right muffin can save your day. It can pull you out of a hungry slump or provide a good jolt of sugar and nutrients in the morning.” And in September, that’s just what we need. This twist on classic banana bread includes yogurt for extra soft, moist results that we can take on the go if needed.

Next up? Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping. Because, as Courtney says, “who are we kidding—we’re happy pumpkin spice season is here.”

Southwest Breakfast Burritos

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios


Whether you’re new to meal prepping or an old pro, making and freezing breakfast burritos ahead is a no-brainer—and the best way to get everyone excited to get out of bed on those brisk fall mornings. Follow the recipe as-is, with egg, sausage, tomato, cilantro, jalapeños, and taco seasoning, or customize to your liking.

3-Ingredient Baked Goat Cheese Dip

As the recipe intro explains, “Goat cheese is baked with marinara sauce and topped with fresh basil to make this super easy appetizer in a flash! Serve fresh out of the oven with crostini or garlic bread for dipping.” A simple snack or app that uses store-bought shortcuts and is perfect for fall? Say less.

Fig and Arugula Salad

France C


Editor Annie Campbell can’t wait to enjoy figs. And this simple salad with arugula, Parmesan, pine nuts, honey, and balsamic vinegar is top of mind. Reviewer Cindy says this recipe is “Absolutely delicious. I’ve made it several times because figs are in season. This is one of my favorite salads.” Sherrie English agrees, saying it’s “Fantastic and pretty!”

Hatch Chile Salsa

Allrecipes Member


If you’re a lucky shopper who is seeing Hatch chiles around, snag a bagful to upgrade anything from eggs (as writer Emily Lichty suggests), to stews, to this dip that goes hand in hand with football season. “I will definitely be making this again as it was so flavorful and I just love Hatch peppers. This was a BIG hit with everyone!” exclaimed reviewer Tom Grabowski.

Zucchini Boats

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios


Still finding zucchini at the back of the refrigerator? Use it in a different way with this fun presentation that takes the summer veg and stuffs it with sausage, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and more, then tops it with cheese before baking it all together for an easy and fresh-tasting dinner.

Harissa Chicken Meatballs

France Cevallos


Allrecipes Allstar France Cevallos is bringing us our next must-make this month with a recipe she says is “a flavorful twist on a classic dish.” Her favorite way to serve these harissa chicken meatballs is “as an appetizer with a lemon yogurt dipping sauce, or in a quinoa or couscous bowl with roasted veggies.” The best part is they take no time at all to throw together.

Disney’s Ratatouille

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 


Another lovely way to use up summer produce is with a dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Editor Bridget Olson loves making this ratatouille with her kids. Not only is it a showstopper to put on the dining table, but it’s also packed with fresh flavor in the layers of eggplant, squash, bell peppers, and tangy tomato. The hundreds of five-star reviews agree it’s worth the time and effort.

Asian Lettuce Wraps

Chef’d


Take a restaurant favorite and make it at home any night of the week for a fun meal the whole crew will devour. Allrecipes community member Sammy marked this a keeper and added, “This is easy to make. It is one of our go-to summer recipes. I’ve made it with ground beef but we prefer ground chicken…I usually double the sauce for leftovers with rice.”

Spinach, Feta, and Rice Casserole

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios


If you’re looking for a meat-free main or hearty side, this dish is just the thing. New from creator Amanda Stanfield, this recipe is “a perfectly creamy rice casserole, scented with lemon and dill. Sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of sweetness.” It’s the ideal choice for in-between-seasons.

Shrimp Biryani

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios


Save some rice for this dish, too, described as “aromatic and complex, homey and comforting.” As the recipe page further explains, “A mixture of spices, bloomed in ghee, flavor both the rice and tomato sauce, and the entire dish is baked layered with spiced yogurt-marinated shrimp.” We’re all jumping on the chance to test this one out.

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios


Another wonderful in-between meal, this casserole takes two classic favorites, Sloppy Joes and cornbread, and marries them together for a match made in foodie heaven. It’s great for feeding a crowd as well.

Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

AllRecipes / Diana Chistruga


We can’t let September pass without packing in more tomatoes whenever and wherever we can. And who can resist a steaming scoop of gooey, cheesy pasta loaded with that bright, acidic tomato goodness? Reviewers suggest bulking this baked masterpiece up with chicken, ground meat, or spinach for a little something extra.

Bougatsa

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios


Allrecipes writer Keaton Larson highly recommends testing out this traditional Greek pastry starring phyllo dough ASAP. “Crispy and flaky, smooth and filled with a semolina custard—these textures are what make bougatsa so great. There are hints of lemon and vanilla and a sweetness that evens everything out,” he says. Share it with friends and family for breakfast or dessert.

Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios


If homemade ice cream seems intimidating, this recipe is for you. With no cooking and no machines required, you’ll have an irresistibly creamy, sweet frozen treat to serve on those sunny outside when you just want to hold on to summer vibes a little longer.

All-Day Apple Butter

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Get your whole house smelling like fall, “no fancy candle required,” according to writer Robin Shreeves, who makes this apple butter in the slow cooker at the first sign of apple season. This is a seriously versatile recipe, too. She suggests serving it with cheese, adding it to overnight oats, using it as a glaze for ham or pork loin, or smearing it on toast.

Bourbon Cider Sour

Take a classic whiskey sour for a fall-inspired spin with this cocktail that mixes together bourbon, apple cider, and orange juice. We’ll be sipping on these as we watch the leaves change. Hope you’ll join us!

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