Fall Favorites from Simple Ingredients

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Celebrate the season with a delicious lineup of fall favorites from simple ingredients that make every meal feel special. Enjoy crispy Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks, indulgent Church Street Cheesecake Squares, and hearty Crockpot Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Ragu with Buttered Gnocchi, all made with ingredients you likely already have on hand. From cozy pies to creative vegetarian dishes, these recipes turn simple pantry staples into seasonal magic!

Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Two crispy fried chicken drumsticks on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with dill. A fork is placed beside the dish. The chicken is golden brown and the potatoes have a smooth texture.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Craving crispy fried chicken without the fuss and mess? These oven-fried chicken drumsticks are brined in buttermilk and baked to golden perfection. This easy recipe delivers big flavor and a satisfying crunch without ever touching a deep fryer.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta

The image features a stack of eggplant napoleon with layers of cheese and roasted tomatoes, garnished with herbs, on a decorative plate. A fork and knife are positioned next to the plate.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Eggplant Napoleons are a delicious way to start a meal or enjoy a light dinner. Layers of crispy eggplant, creamy ricotta, and slow-roasted tomatoes create a vegetarian delight that’s both elegant and flavorful. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special!
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta

Chocolate Dipped Sesame Oatmeal Bars.

Chocolate Dipped Sesame Oatmeal Bars | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These Chocolate Dipped Sesame Oatmeal Bars are easy, wholesome, and have just the right amount of crunch! The sweet and salty combo makes them the perfect snack or dessert. Plus, they’re gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Sesame Oatmeal Bars.

Roasted Garlic Cheddar Pierogi.

Roasted Garlic Cheddar Pierogi | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These homemade pierogi are taken to the next level with a savory roasted garlic cheddar filling. The dough is made with Greek yogurt for extra tang and tenderness, and the bacon rosemary butter adds a smoky, herbaceous flavor that complements the cheesy filling perfectly. These are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Cheddar Pierogi.

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad in a patriotic motif serving bowl with a spoon.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This isn’t your average potato salad! Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad combines classic ingredients like potatoes and eggs with a tangy-sweet dressing for a flavor explosion. It’s the perfect side dish for potlucks, barbecues, and holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

A platter of crostini appetizers with tomatoes and herbs.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta are a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of sweet roasted tomatoes, creamy whipped feta, and crunchy baguette slices is simply irresistible. Perfect for parties or a light snack, this recipe brings gourmet flavors to your table with minimal effort!
Get the Recipe: Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Crockpot Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Ragu with Buttered Gnocchi.

Crockpot Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Ragu with Buttered Gnocchi | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Crockpot Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Ragu with Buttered Gnocchi recipe is a quick and easy dish that is sure to warm the hearts around your table. This recipe from Half Baked Harvest is made with simple ingredients and comes together in the slow cooker. It’s the perfect comforting meal for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Ragu with Buttered Gnocchi.

Endive Apple Salad

endive salad stacked on plate with blue cheese dressing, apples, red onion, toasted walnuts, parsley, black pepper.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Endive Apple Salad is a crunchy, flavorful winter delight! It features crisp endives, sweet honey crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and a light blue cheese dressing. Perfect as a fresh and healthy side for any meal, or a standout dish for holiday entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Endive Apple Salad

Country Apple Pie Recipe

an apple pie, with a plaid linen towel
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Country Apple Pie is a classic for a reason! Featuring a sweet and tart apple filling with a hint of cinnamon, all nestled in a tender, easy-to-make scratch crust, this pie is perfect for any occasion, especially Thanksgiving. With enough to make three pies, you’ll have plenty to share!
Get the Recipe: Country Apple Pie Recipe

Sweet Potato Pie Oats

Bowl of our delicious Sweet Potato Pie Oats topped with pecans
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

These Sweet Potato Pie Oats are a quick and healthy breakfast option perfect for busy mornings. With just 7 ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, these vegan and gluten-free oats are infused with sweet potato puree, cinnamon, and brown sugar for a comforting and delicious fall-inspired treat. Top with granola for added crunch and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie Oats

Simply Perfect Salted Caramel Sauce

Simply Perfect Salted Caramel Sauce | Baking a Moment food desserts caramel
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

This salted caramel sauce recipe is simply perfect and makes a great gift! Learn the basics of how to make this incredible homemade sauce with this step-by-step tutorial. It’s perfect for topping ice cream, cakes, or just eating by the spoonful!
Get the Recipe: Simply Perfect Salted Caramel Sauce

Endive Gratin With Ham And Smoked Gruyere

plate of Endive Gratin With Ham and Smoked Gruyere
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Endive Gratin with Ham and Smoked Gruyere is a delightful twist on a French classic, with roots in Charleston’s Huguenot history. Featuring Belgian endive, savory ham, and nutty smoked Gruyere, this casserole is both comforting and elegant. Perfect as a main dish or a sophisticated side, it’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Endive Gratin With Ham And Smoked Gruyere

Church Street Cheesecake Squares

photo of the inside of a Church Street Cheese Square
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Church Street Cheesecake Squares are a no-fail recipe for delicious cheesecake bites. With a graham cracker and pecan crust and a creamy filling, these squares are perfect for any occasion. This recipe makes 12 large squares or 48 bite-sized squares, making it ideal for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Church Street Cheesecake Squares

Apple Slab Pie with Maple Icing

Close-up of sliced apple pie bars with a golden, flaky crust and a layer of white icing on top.
Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

This apple slab pie with maple icing by Sally’s Baking Recipes is the perfect dessert to feed a crowd! The simple recipe features a delicious apple filling and a sweet maple icing that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s nut-free, making it a great option for those with allergies.
Get the Recipe: Apple Slab Pie with Maple Icing

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Lentil Sloppy Joes over Spaghetti Squash

lentil sloppy joes over spaghetti squash in a bowl
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These Vegetarian Slow Cooker Lentil Sloppy Joes served over spaghetti squash are a healthy and delicious meal! This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions. The ease of using a slow cooker makes this a simple and satisfying meal for any night.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Slow Cooker Lentil Sloppy Joes over Spaghetti Squash

Delicata Squash Saltimbocca with Pan Scallops

scallops seared in a hot pan with squash prepared saltimbocca style
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This unique recipe combines the sweetness of delicata squash with the savory flavors of saltimbocca, creating a delightful and unexpected twist. Topped with perfectly pan-seared scallops, this dish is a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home. The Amontillado sherry and honey glaze adds a touch of elegance that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Delicata Squash Saltimbocca with Pan Scallops

Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin

a baked sugar pumpkin, with stuffing and cheese
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This baked stuffed sugar pumpkin is the perfect savory-sweet side dish for your Thanksgiving table. A combination of three different recipes, this dish features a creamy, cheesy filling with sourdough bread and herbs de provence. It’s sure to be a showstopper!
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin

Magic Cake With Autumn Apples

a slice of custard cake on a white plate
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Magic Cake with Autumn Apples is the perfect dessert for fall! With only six ingredients, the batter magically transforms into a custard-like cake with tender apples baked throughout. It’s an easy yet impressive dessert that’s sure to wow your guests.
Get the Recipe: Magic Cake With Autumn Apples

Salted Brownie Cookies

double chocolate chip cookie with a bite taken out
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These Salted Brownie Cookies are the perfect indulgent treat! These chewy, double chocolate chip cookies get a boost of flavor from a sprinkle of sea salt. Plus, they’re dairy-free and freezer-friendly, making them ideal for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Salted Brownie Cookies

Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Cheesy spaghetti squash shown with a fork removing a portion.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Recipe is a fun and delicious way to eat your veggies! It’s similar to alfredo or macaroni and cheese, but uses spaghetti squash instead of pasta, making it a healthier and lighter option. This recipe is perfect as a main dish or a side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Recipe

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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