Party planning can be tough. Not only do you have to go through the effort of sending out invites and keeping track of RSVPs (even with digital invites it can be a chore), you also have to plan out decorations, music, beverages, and most importantly: the food. After all, most of us probably remember the food over anything else at a party, so we want it to be something that impresses. Ideally, we also want the food to best reflect all of the produce and flavors that are in season or at least, our menu options should be rich and comforting foods that capture the essence of fall. It also goes without saying that you need to keep in mind what will be a hit with everybody.
If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to planning your fall party, then don’t worry, because we’ve picked out all the best recipes! From soups and starters and decadent desserts, these 15 recipes have everything you need.
1. Healing Pumpkin Turmeric Soup
It’s easy to get caught up with all of the different flavors and textures of food and forget that at the end of the day, food’s most important role is to fuel and nourish our bodies. This Healing Pumpkin Turmeric Soup is a delicious immunity-boosting dish that’s effortless to make, so it’s perfect as a starter at parties. It’s made with pumpkin, coconut cream, vegetables, and plenty of fresh ginger and turmeric. Top these with roasted sunflower seeds or some coconut bacon to add a savory touch to the soup’s sweetness.
2. Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Salad
This Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Salad is full of zesty flavor, thanks to the cumin sumac dressing. Roasted cauliflower and sweet potato are mixed with fresh spinach and pomegranate seeds, then tossed with a dressing made from apple cider vinegar, sumac, and pomegranate molasses. The addition of pomegranate seeds adds a burst of sweetness that complements the roasted vegetables.
3. Roasted Balsamic Carrot Hummus
As soon as you dipped your first pita chip into this unique Roasted Balsamic Carrot Hummus, you’ll be in love. It’s the perfect balance of those savory, rustic hummus flavors mixed with the slightly sweet, caramelized balsamic carrots. Serve with homemade pita chips, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables.
4. Herbed Soft Cashew Cheese
What’s a party without cheese? This Herbed Soft Cashew Cheese is easy to make, so it’s a great candidate for your party appetizer. This garlic and herb-flavored cheese is delicious, dairy-free, and has no added oil. Serve alongside the hummus with pita chips and crackers.
5. Sweet Potato Quesadillas
The combination of crispy and creamy texture, as well as the sweet, cheesy, and smoky flavor profile with a bit of spiciness makes these Sweet Potato Quesadillas a total crowd pleaser. They’re especially great because they can be whipped up in just 10 minutes! Serve with fresh veggies, salsa, baked beans, or vegan sour cream.
6. Butternut Squash Steaks
These Butternut Squash Steaks are the perfect main course for a fall-inspired meal. When seasoned with olive oil, fresh herbs, salt and pepper, and a dash of balsamic vinegar, they become delightfully flavorful. Cook these in the oven until tender and serve with quinoa, heirloom tomatoes, and microgreens for a colorful and nutritious meal.
7. Mac and Cheese Pies
Macaroni pie is a Scottish delicacy that consists of a crisp, crumbly pastry crust that’s filled with macaroni and cheese. This dairy-free Mac and Cheese Pies recreate it perfectly, from the crust to the gooey, cheesy mac and cheese filling. There’s something otherworldly about the way these things come together, so much that you’ll probably be left speechless when you take your first bite. You can make one large pie for this recipe or several small ones, if you’re looking to make a shareable appetizer.
8. Mushroom Lentil Shepherd’sPie
Potatoes, mushrooms, lentils, vegan cheese shreds, spinach, and bread crumbs all layered up in one delicious dish – that is the beauty of this Mushroom Lentil Shepherd’s Pie. This warm and cozy bake is everything you want in a comfort meal. It’s hearty, filling, and healthy. Since this pie is basically a casserole, simply double or triple the recipe if you want to feed a large group.
9. Fall-Spiced Sweet Potato Burgers
These Fall-Spiced Sweet Potato Burgers are healthy, nourishing, and full of amazing flavors. They’re the perfect meal to transition into fall with, since they’re seasoned with warm, autumnal spices like coriander, nutmeg, and ginger. Serve these burgers with plenty of fixings – guacamole and sautéed onions pair particularly well with the sweetness of the sweet potato.
10. Pumpkin Sage Rigatoni With Shiitake Bacon
Say “hello” to this Pumpkin Sage Rigatoni With Shiitake Bacon: pasta served in a rich pumpkin sauce with mushroom bacon and vegan Parmesan. Not only does it taste delicious, but the aesthetic appeal of this dish just screams fall. Creamy pumpkin sauce, hearty pasta, kale, and smoky Shiitake bacon — everything blends seamlessly together and gives both a savory and sweet flavor profile.
11. Cinnamon Apple Pecan Pull-Apart Bread
With fall comes an abundance of apples and this Cinnamon Apple Pecan Pull Apart Bread is the perfect use for them. A sweetened yeasted dough is turned out and rolled into a rectangle, then topped with a cinnamon, sugar, and pecan mixture. Diced apples are then sprinkled on top of the sugar and spice and it’s baked to warm, gooey perfection. This is the perfect bread to make at home with for family and friends
12. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Need the perfect dessert to bring to a fall event? Try these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting! Sweet, decadent maple cream cheese frosting is sandwiched between two fluffy pumpkin cakes. Not only do you get the fantastic flavors of pumpkin and maple together, but you also get the warm flavors of cinnamon and cloves baked into the cakes! Yum.
13. Butternut Squash Apple Pie
Beat it, pumpkin! There’s a new gourd in town, and its name is butternut squash. So, say hello to this Butternut Squash Apple Pie. Sure, you’ve probably had butternut squash roasted or pureéd into soup, but it really shines in this creamy and sweet autumnal dessert. Adding tart, juicy apples really seal the deal on its deliciousness!
14. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bread
This Pumpkin Cheesecake Bread was created for everybody with an affinity for all things pumpkin. The bread is packed with spices and pumpkin purée — which gives this bread a high moisture content, so if you prefer a dryer bread, simply omit the flax egg. The bread is wrapped around a cheesecake filling and topped with a simple icing and crunchy toasted walnuts.
15. Sweet and Salty Cupcakes With Caramel and Pretzel Frosting
We don’t know what it is about sweet meeting salt that makes it such a perfect pairing. All we know is that we can’t get enough! These Sweet and Salty Cupcakes With Caramel and Pretzel Frosting take care of that combo as well as providing a nice crunch from the pretzel alongside the dark chocolate perfection. This dessert proves that opposites not only attract, but they make the best of friends!
If you’re looking for more dinner ideas, then check out our vegan fall entrée recipesfor more dessert, see our vegan fall desserts.
Lead image source: Mushroom Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
