Seasonal Food Spotlight: Fall Recipes with Apples, Pears, and Squash the Whole Family Can Enjoy

Apples are a staple of fall. Photo by Hatice Noğman.

Walk into any grocery store right now and it feels like fall has taken over. Giant bins of pumpkins sit by the entrance, crates of apples line the produce aisle, and a rainbow of squash- from butternut to acorn to delicata- fills the shelves. This abundance isn’t just about pretty displays; it’s an invitation to bring fall’s flavors into your home and turn seasonal cooking into a family activity. Even better, it’s the perfect excuse for a little adventure- visiting a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch to pick your own ingredients before heading back to the kitchen. Here are our favorites with some easy fall recipes and inspiration.

Apples: Crunchy, Versatile, and Family-Friendly

Apples are everywhere in autumn, and their versatility means you’ll never run out of ideas. Beyond the classic pie, try a quick baked cinnamon apple treat: core whole apples, stuff them with oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and let kids help sprinkle and fill before baking. It’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat. For a savory twist, layer thin apple slices into grilled cheese sandwiches with sharp cheddar or toss them into a kale salad with cranberries and walnuts. The balance of tart and sweet makes apples perfect for both snacks and dinners. We love putting apples in a steak salad for extra crunch and a lovely savory & sweet combination.

Family Adventure Tie-In: If you’re near an orchard, make it a day trip! Many farms offer pick-your-own experiences where kids can run through rows of trees, taste apples straight from the branch, and bring home a basket to experiment with in the kitchen.

Pears: The Quiet Star of Fall

Often overlooked in favor of apples, pears bring a soft, floral sweetness to fall cooking. Roasting them brings out their natural sugars- simply slice pears in half, drizzle with honey, dust with cinnamon, and bake until golden. They’re elegant enough for dessert but simple enough for a weekday snack. For something different, try a pear and blue cheese flatbread or add diced pears to a tangy cabbage slaw to brighten heavier fall meals.

Squash & Pumpkin: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

From delicata to butternut to acorn, squash is the essence of autumn comfort food. A family favorite is roasted butternut squash soup: kids can scoop the seeds (a messy but fun job), drizzle oil, and help with seasoning before roasting. Blend with sautéed onions, garlic, and broth, then finish with cream or coconut milk for a silky bowl of warmth. Pumpkins aren’t just for carving either—roast the flesh for pies or savory stews, and don’t forget to roast the seeds with sea salt for a crunchy snack (we toss with a combo of garlic powder and salt with a little paprika for extra flavor).

Family Adventure Tie-In: A trip to a pumpkin patch adds to the fun. Beyond picking pumpkins, many farms have hayrides, corn mazes, and cider tastings, making it an all-day experience that blends food, family, and fall traditions.

Bonus Family Activity: DIY Fall Pizza Night

Bring all these flavors together with a build-your-own fall pizza night. Use flatbreads or pizza dough as the base, then offer toppings like roasted squash cubes, caramelized onions, apple or pear slices, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Each family member gets to design their own creation- part meal, part activity, and completely delicious.

The Takeaway

Fall produce isn’t just abundant—it’s experiential. From strolling through an orchard or pumpkin patch to turning your finds into cozy meals, apples, pears, squash, and pumpkins give families a way to savor the season together. The recipes are easy, the flavors are festive, and the memories made—whether in the kitchen or the field—are the real reward.

Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.

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