What to Cook This October
Posted by Kathryne Taylor on October 1, 2024
October is here, hooray! The cooler weather is most welcome. I’m looking forward to a cozy fall and the holidays, but I might love these glorious sunny days in between seasons the most. As the weather cools down, let’s mark the time with warm apple crisp, hearty chili, and wholesome pumpkin bread. You’ll find more seasonal recipes to enjoy below, and I have a full line-up of new recipes coming your way this fall.
October will be a big month for the blog. I’m finally ready to launch a redesigned website with great new features to help you find exactly what you want to cook. This redesign has been in the works for over three years (!), and I’m so excited to share it with you. Keep an eye out!
Apples
Healthy Apple Muffins
Easily gluten free and easily vegan (see notes)
“Made them this morning with one Granny Smith and one Macintosh. Your recipe is fantastic! The rose so well, made a beautiful crust and were nice and tender inside. Taste was great!” – Pierre
Beets
Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
Gluten free and vegan
“This could be THE best salad I have ever made. I have a vegan friend who I am always trying to find interesting recipes for and she also loved it. I made it exactly as per your recipe apart from adding a mixture of toasted almond flakes and pumpkins seeds.” – Heather
Broccoli
Broccoli, Cheddar & Quinoa Gratin
Gluten free
“This was so good! I’ve been trying to find one dish recipes that can also feed baby and this was perfect! I was almost too lazy to make the breadcrumbs but I’m so glad I did because it was simple and and so worth it! I also used a bit of cauliflower because I had it and it was good in there too. I think I’m going to make this again and bring it to Easter! It’s a perfect healthier version of a classic!” – Stephanie
Cabbage
Hot Pink Coconut Slaw
Gluten free and vegan
“This was delicious! We devoured it all. Our 3-year-old even said “Num, num!” and she is not usually a huge cabbage fan.” – Amanda
Carrots
Creamy Thai Carrot Sweet Potato Soup
Gluten free and vegan
“Today was our first cool day for the season. When I stepped outside for my morning walk I knew I would be making this soup for dinner. It was so good. Thanks so much for choosing to share this tasty recipe. I can’t wait to get Angela’s new cookbook.” – Cathy
Cauliflower
Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
Gluten free and vegan
“I’ve never had cauliflower rice before, but a Google search took me to this recipe, which I made tonight. It was absolutely delicious and I have enough leftovers to use as a side dish tomorrow night I highly recommend it!” – Deirdre
Corn
Fresh Black Bean Salad
Gluten free and vegan
“I made this when we were on vacation this summer, and we had it with tostadas as chips to scoop it up. My ten-year-old son said “best dinner ever!” It was scrumptious. I’ve made it a couple times now, and I love having it on hand in the fridge for snacks or easy meals. Yum! Delish and very fresh testing!” – E
Cucumber
Fattoush Salad with Mint Dressing
Easily vegan
“This is SO delicious I absolutely love how all the flavors work together & that mint dressing is incredibly yummy! Thanks Kate & Cookie!” – Colleen
Eggplant
The Best Ratatouille
Gluten free and vegan (just depends on your accompaniments)
“I was totally blown away by this Ratatouille recipe…so simple with so much flavor! I picked this particular recipe because I have a basil plant that went into overload so I have an abundance of basil and wanted to use it up before the season runs out on us. I totally underestimated the power of “roasting”! Thank you so much!!” – Dessa
Fennel
Spring Carrot, Radish and Quinoa Salad with Herbed Avocado
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I LOVED this salad! Made it twice in one week. I skipped the honey in the dressing and used pumpkin seeds in stead. Great combination of favors and textures. This salad made me a follower of your recipes!” – Lisa
Grapes
Roasted Grape Crostini with Brie and Fresh Thyme
Just vegetarian
I need you to try these crostini and let me know how you like them!
That’s my only recipe with grapes so far. More to come.
Hardy greens (arugula,
chard, collard greens & spinach)
Mexican Green Salad with Jalapeño-Cilantro Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This Mexican salad is absolutely delicious! The dressing is to die for. Even my 26 year old son who is not a big salad eater really enjoyed it and even took some home with him. He especially liked the dressing. I added two cups of cooked quinoa to make it a little more filling as well as some fresh corn I needed to use up. I have been eating it all week for lunch and it is just perfect. I used a rather large jalapeno but removed the seeds etc and the dressing is not too spicy but has a little kick to it.” – Annika
Kale
Mediterranean Roasted Sweet Potato & Farro Salad
Easily vegan
“I made this for supper tonight, and I love it! There might not be leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. My grocery store didn’t have sumac, but I’ll have to get some for next time, because I’m definitely making it again!” – Emilie
Melons
Watermelon Salad with Herbed Yogurt Sauce
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Wonderful refreshing summer lunch. I used an English cucumber. I was surprised how much I liked the pickled shallots. I’ll make again as long as watermelon is in season.” – Allison
More watermelon recipes » (also cantaloupe and these honeydew margaritas)
Mushrooms
Arugula and Cremini Quiche with Gluten-Free Almond Meal Crust
Gluten free
“You just won my meat-eating friends over with this quiche! They’re going to be running over to C+K now for recipes! Thanks again for another hit! It’s so easy to be a “chef” with these fail proof recipes!” – Deepthi
Pears
Pear, Raspberry and Goat Cheese Crostini
Just vegetarian
“This morning I was frantically running around the kitchen in desperate search for a healthy lunch to pack. So you saved me! It took me 4 minutes to prep all of this and take it to-go. Now I’m sitting quietly at my desk waiting for lunch time. Is it here yet?” – Sylvia
Peppers
Thai Red Curry with Vegetables
Gluten free and vegan
“The best curry ever!
Fabulous and so quick and easy to make.” – Gillian
More bell pepper recipes » (also jalapeños)
Pumpkin
Creamy Pumpkin Marinara
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this last night and it was quick, easy, and delicious! My children (7 & 10) loved it and they can be a tough crowd to please :-)” – Stefanie
Potatoes
Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
Gluten-free and vegan
Please roast up these potatoes and comment on the post to let me know how they turn out!
Radishes
Mega Crunchy Romaine Salad with Quinoa
Gluten free and vegan
“Eating this salad right now and I am blown away! So crunchy and the dressing is awesome! Perfect for today’s summer weather.
Thanks for all your awesome recipes!! :)” – Frances
Squash (summer & winter varieties)
Hearty Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Salad
Easily gluten free and vegan
“Made this salad last night and it was a huge hit with the crowd! Substituted quinoa for wheat berries because that’s what I had at the time. The best part is eating leftovers for lunch today! Whenever I need some ideas for dinner I check out your recipes and I have loved all of them. Thanks for sharing!” – Gillian
More butternut squash recipes » (also delicata squash, acorn squash, yellow squash and zucchini)
Sweet Potatoes
Spicy Sweet Potato and Green Rice Burrito Bowls
Gluten free and vegan
“Loved this! Perfect supper with wind chills below zero. I’ll be making that rice again and again. Can’t wait to taste it tomorrow, I think it will taste even better. Thanks for this great recipe.” – Kathleen
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
Congratulations Kate! Grace is beautiful! Thanks for sharing. I know you don’t share too much personal stuff about you, but it is nice to know you a bit more. :) I wish you and your family lots of sweet moments together!
Thank you, Malia!
Congratulations on your new, little blessing and for the photo. She is so cute! Enjoy every minute with her because they grow up way too fast.
Thank you, Sheryl! I’m trying to soak it all up.
Congratulations!
She’s just beautiful! I wanted you to know that I am one of your older fans, and have worked with many(!) vegetarian cookbooks over the years – and yours is STILL my go-to for ideas and inspiration! I have loved every dish as written, and have had a lot of fun experimenting with my own versions.
Thanks, Kate!
Thank you, Bonne! I’m delighted you have enjoyed my recipes for so long.
Congratulations with your lovely baby, Grace! You must be so busy and tired… Thanks for finding the time to compile this blogpost, I am finding a lot of inspiration in it and can’t wait to start cooking more seasonally (seriously, when did autumn arrive?!)
Thank you, TW!
Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl – she is beautiful and you will enjoy her. Oh – I also love your recipes.
Thank you, Paula!
Congratulations on Grace’s birth! I am the mother of four and grandmother of three, and I love to see life renewing itself through our children. <3
These recipes look fantastic – I have lost over thirty pounds the past several months by going to a mainly plant-based diet, and your recipes have made it an enjoyable journey. I have not felt deprived at all. I still have an abundance of kale in my garden and looking forward to using that up before the snow flies here in Maine.
Thank you! I’m trying to soak it all up. She is wonderful.
Congratulations! Best wishes xoxo
Thank you!
Ooh! Many congratulations on Grace’s arrival! Most adorable baby ever, obvs.
Thank you, Sasha! :)
Greetings from Sonoma, Kate.
I just wanted to send congratulations to you and your husband.
Grace is adorable…so precious…..and so happy for you.
Kind Regards,
Ricki
Thank you, Ricki! I appreciate your review.
Great choices! Most likely, I will try most of them! A pleasure not searching myself!
Congrats on Grace! She is beautiful! Enjoy!
Thank you, Fran!
Congratulations Kate! I’m so happy to hear Grace arrived safe and sound. She is beautiful. Enjoy these precious moments when she is so little and full of wonder. Love hearing that Cookie is curious.
Thank you, Lisa!
Hi Kate,
Thanks for sharing the Photo of your beautiful daughter. Best wishes for you and your husband to the start of the new journey!
Thank you!
What a precious girl, so beautiful and love her name.
How is Cookie responding to her?
Thank you, Gitta! She is curious, but giving her space. She is doing great!
Beautiful baby! Congratulations! I can’t believe you have the time or energy to even think about recipes. ❤️
Thank you, HW!
I just discovered your announcement about the birth of Grace so you already made MY day I will have to tell a friend, who has a daughter named Grace (age four as of the beginning of the month), about her. I am sending you, as well as your entire family, an outpouring of congratulations❣ Your baby daughter is adorable and I know you will bring each other a lifetime of love, laughter, and precious memories Thank you so much for the above list of “October” recipes (I especially appreciate gluten free dishes as there are two family members who have Celiac disease).
Thank you, Andrea!
You are most welcome, Kate❣ My ten-year-old son, Liam (my only child), will be ecstatic to see that photo of baby Grace*❣ By the way, I hope she will have the opportunity to meet “Teo Martin” soon…I had written to Ali that Liam wishes he was old enough to be their baby’s babysitter❣ I think using most emojis in this type of message does not work or I would have added a *huge smiley face (it seems that the ones I used in my prior comment to you are not showing so I apologize that it seemed as if punctuation marks are missing). Best wishes to your entire family from Long Island, NY❣
Thank you, Andrea! :)
Congratulations! Grace is so beautiful! Enjoy every minute with her, the time goes so fast! My youngest is now 9. I always love a new list of recipes and have bookmarked several of these to try.
Thank you, Vickie!
Congratulations on your beautiful daughter. Enjoy this time as it goes so fast.
I love your recipes and your cookbook. I have given it as gifts and everyone enjoys it.
Thank you, Jennifer!
Firstly, mazal tov on the birth of your baby girl!! She’s adorable!
Everything looks delicious, I’m looking forward to trying out the apple muffin recipe you posted recently- they look amazing.
Thank you!
Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby!
And thank you for all your delicious recipes!
Thank you, Betsy!
She is BEAUTIFUL! I had a baby boy in May, so I know exactly what you mean about the days being sweet and sleepy. It’s a whole new world bit we’re soaking up all the little baby days. Congratulations Kate – I can’t wait to hear more about Grace in the months and years to come!
Thank you, Rebecca! Congratulations to you as well!
Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby girl!
Thank you, Tammi!
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl! Grace sounds like the perfect name for her. Grace is my daughter’s middle name as well.
Thank you, Catherine! It’s a wonderful name :)
Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl. She is beautiful!
Thank you for sharing all your wonderful recipes. They are practical and easy to follow.
Stay blessed!
Thank you, Samira!
Congrats on your beautiful baby!! :)
Thank you, Rae!
Grace is beautiful. Congratulations.
Don’t look away…she will be grown before you know it.
Jo
Thank you! I’m trying to soak it all up.
Sooooo exciting!!! Congratulations!! And love your recipes!!
Thank you!
Beautiful Grace is a beautiful addition to your family. Congratulations!!! Your recipes are the best and so flavorful. Our family enjoys the dishes I make from your cookbook and blog. Thanks so much for sharing good food and here is to Fall….
Thank you, Mary!
Grace is a beautiful baby! I’m glad she’s here and that whatever stress and fears you had are over. Not that having a newborn isn’t stressful. My advice is to trust your gut, use common sense and avoid others’ advice. :)
I love this what to cook roundup you do every month. Thanks for taking the time to do it. Time to bake some of those awesome apple and pumpkin muffins!
Thank you, Margot!
I appreciate the recipes but oh my I love seeing your new little one!
Grace is beautiful!
Congratulations!!
Thank you, Diane!
Congratulations on the arrival of sweet baby Grace! My 18 month old is also called Grace. The recipes look great and I’m especially looking forward to trying the curry and the quiche :) Thank you for your wonderful recipes, and enjoy these special days with the newest family member!
Congratulations to you as well! :)
Your baby daughter is beautiful and precious! Congratulations!
And thank you for all your wonderful recipes and your cookbook – I love it.
Thank you, Liz!
Bless you forgot can reply here, Thanks for the great recipes and your lovely soul and personality, Baby Grace is lovely and she is a true blessing. Thanks for improving our lives to eat better so enjoy her lovely smile and , Stay Blessed and Happy, Thanks Carla
Carla Rush
Editor in Chief First Magazine of New Orleans
http://www.firstnola.com
Thank you, Carla!
Hi Kate, having had a baby sounds like a fine reason not to be right « on time »!!
CONGRATULATIONS ! She is adorable. Welcome to Grace on our beautiful planet!
Thank you, Nathalie!
I came here to get some dinner ideas and was greeted with the lovely news of your baby’s arrival! Congratulations! Your daughter is beautiful. Those newborn days are both magical and harrowing. Best to you XX
Thank you, Jessica!
Your sweet baby Grace is beautiful. Congratulations!!! So precious.
From,
A somewhat recent newcomer to your site.
Thank you, Robin!
Congratulations to you!! I have a Grace, too! And she’s already eight-years-old. Hang on tight! It goes by so fast!
Thank you, Elizabeth!
My goodness! Congratulations on your new baby!
Thank you, Merryellen!
Love the recipes, but even better is the picture of Grace. Congratulations; she’s beautiful.
Thank you, Michael!
Congratulations on your baby girl!!!
Thank you, Gaia!
Oh my goodness! Congratulations! Grace is gorgeous! <3 I'm delighted that she's here and that you get 10 bonus days with her.
I've been following your blog for several years and am always recommending it to my friends because everything I've made has been outstanding, though I'm ashamed to say I've never taken the time to comment. Please forgive me. It took seeing a picture of your "latest creation" and my love for mamas and babies to get me to be brave enough to comment. She's so lovely, and I hope your experience with motherhood is nothing short of amazing.
Thank you, thank you for all your hard work in producing such consistently wonderful recipes. I'll try to do better with commenting and rating the things I make in the future.
Thank you on all fronts! I appreciate your kind words, Trish.
Congratulations, Kate! Wish all the best to you and your family! And welcome to the world, Baby Grace! :)
Thank you, Mel!
We (my husband and I and our 3 daughters) are also loving your recipes, and your energy….congratulations on the new baby. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm…we appreciate this website.
Thank you, G! I’m excited you are enjoying them.
Hi Kate, Congratulations. She is beautiful! You are my absolute go-to for recipes and I am always singing your praises and promoting your site. Enjoy your little one! Best to you and your family!
Thank you, Margaret!
Congratulations, Kate! Grace is so sweet :) And thank you as always for putting out amazing recipes.
Thank you, Myrto!
Kate,
Congratulations on Baby Grace! I am so happy for you and your family! I just had my first baby in July- time really does go by so quickly!
I’ve been in love with your recipes for years, thanks for pulling together these fall-inspired ones!
Thanks and congratulations again,
Rachel
Thank you, Rachel! Congratulations to you as well.
She’s so cute! Welcome Grace!
Thank you, Elode!
Mega congrats on the safe arrival of your newest family member, Kate! And thank you for all you’ve done for my tastebuds over the years <3 my obsession with your recipes has outlasted many of my relationships (both platonic and romantic!).
Thank you, Kat!
Thanks you for Grace! I’m sure the world’s a better place with her :)
And October… the best of two worlds (chestnuts time here)!
Thank you, Marion! :)
Love your awesome simple recipes! Congratulations on the new baby!
Thank you!
OMG.
What an angel you have created. She is captivating.
Keep her close and guide her well.
She will always be there for you, and you will always be there for her.
Beautiful.
Thank you!
Congratulations to you and your family!! What an exciting time.
Thank you, Madelaine!