Monthly Meal Plan: Recipes to Make in November
If you need November recipe inspiration, look no farther than this Monthly Meal Plan, which includes 45+ seasonal recipes! Featuring comforting dinners, , comforting dinners, Thanksgiving brunch, holiday apps for sharing, seasonal desserts and more, this November meal plan has something for everyone.
2025 Update: This monthly meal plan was originally shared in October 2018. It has been updated to include more information about what’s in season, as well as a larger variety of recipes. I hope you love it and find it helpful!
Happy Halloween, y’all!
Who can believe that November begins tomorrow? NOT ME.
Also, just a few short weeks until Thanksgiving, and that just makes me so happy! I’m already plotting out our menu and am hoping this month’s meal plan helps y’all do the same!
Below, you’ll find some comforting dinners for the chilly nights ahead, holiday appetizers for sharing, our favorite side dishes, desserts and more! Obviously, all these recipes can be made on a weeknight, too, if you’re feeling up to it!
What should I cook in the month of November?
As always, the answer to this question depends on you and what you will do during this month. It also depends on where you live.
As the days grow shorter and the weather colder, I love to lean into comfort food and seasonal items, like pumpkins, butternut squash, cranberries and more.
This month’s menu is a grab bag, striking the balance between the seasonal meals, dishes that can be made for Thanksgiving, appetizers to share throughout the holiday season, seasonal desserts and more.
(If you’re looking for Thanksgiving-specific recipes, please check out The Best Thanksgiving Appetizers, The Best Thanksgiving Appetizers, The Best Thanksgiving Drinks (Cocktails + Mocktails), as well as 33+ Thanksgiving Desserts That Aren’t Pie.)
No matter where you live or what you’re looking for in food for the month of October, I’ve got lots of different options for you with these seasonal November recipes.
These seasonal meal planning ideas are just that: ideas. Feel free to transform them into the ideal-for-you (and your family) November meal plan.
What is in season in the month of November?
As the temperatures cool in November, the growing season truly shifts to classoc fall and winter prouce.
As always, some of the items you can find at your local markets and grocery store is determined by where you live.
Squash, like pumpkin, butternut squash and acorn squash, are all in season during the month of November. Root vegetables, like turnips, parsnips, carrots and sweet potatoes, as well as leeks and various onions are also available.
Cruciferous vegetables, like cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower are abundant. Greens, like mustard greens, chard and collards are also available.
Fruit-wise, apples, pears, pomegranates and cranberries should be bountiful. Winter citrus might start coming on the market, too, with grapefruits and various oranges.
Since the produce available this month is definitely autumnal, that’s what we are leaning into with the meal plan.
Y’all ready for this epic November meal plan? Let’s do this…
Comforting Autumnal Dinners
Whenever the blustery November days arrive, I want to bundle up and snuggle down with comfort food until the warm days of spring arrive. Below, I’ve listed some of my favorite comforting dinners for this time of year…
1
Sweet Potato Bisque
Savory, smooth and flavorful, Sweet Potato Bisque is chock full of sweet potato goodness. Made with simple ingredients and warming spices, this vegetarian soup is bound to wow your guests, no matter if it's served as a weeknight dinner or a party entree. In addition, this recipe can be tweaked to feed someone on the Whole30 or a paleo eater! Sweet Potato Bisque is perfect comforting meal for a cold winter's evening.
Check out this recipe!
2
Baked Gnocchi with Chicken
Baked Gnocchi with Chicken is cheesy, hearty and all kinds of comforting. This one-pot pasta recipe is ready in 45 minutes and a simple meal to serve to the whole family any night of the week!
Check out this recipe!
3
Cottage Pie
Cottage Pie is a comforting, winter favorite entree. Ground beef is paired with veggies like onions, bell pepper, broccoli and more to cook together before the mixture is topped with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and cheese and baked to perfection. This is the ultimate wintertime comfort food.
Check out this recipe!
4
Shiner Bock Chili
Hearty Shiner Bock Chili makes the perfect wintertime meal that the whole family will love. Ground beef, chili en adobo, canned whole tomatoes, a bottle of Shiner Bock, and spices come together to make this comfort dish in 30 minutes! Once cooked, let the chili simmer on the stovetop until it’s time to eat. A comforting dish to the core, Shiner Bock Chili highlights the spicy/sweet of chili en adobo and a well-loved Texas dark lager. YUM!
Check out this recipe!
5
Chicken Pot Pie
The ultimate comfort dish, Homemade Chicken Pot Pie makes for a delicious dinner. Filled with chicken and various vegetables, this chicken pot pie is a comforting, easy dinner. And the best part is the crust never gets soggy because the chicken pot pie is topped with individually baked pieces of Puff Pastry! This homemade Chicken Pot Pie makes a perfect meal for the whole family to enjoy during the chilly winter months.
Check out this recipe!
6
Vegan Potato Leek Soup
Vegan Potato Leek Soup makes the perfect creamy soup for all seasons! This Whole30-compliant, Paleo, Dairy Free, Gluten Free soup recipe takes an hour to make and packs a flavorful punch. Cook leeks, onion and garlic together, then add veggie stock and red potatoes and boil. Once the potatoes are soft, blend until smooth. Swirl in coconut cream, then serve warm with an additional dollop of coconut cream and a sprinkle of chives and paprika.
Check out this recipe!
7
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is creamy, comforting and hearty for any evening or occasion. This easy weeknight meal calls for leftover roasted butternut squash and adds extra flavor with pancetta, onion and garlic.
Check out this recipe!
Thanksgiving Brunch
Looking to host a different Thanksgiving gathering this year? Thanksgiving BRUNCH is absolutely a thing, and it’s something we can certainly host at home with relative ease. Last year’s Thanksgiving spread at TSP was mostly brunch food, so I’ve compiled our favorites for y’all…
8
Thanksgiving Turkey Biscuits and Gravy
Wow guests by taking traditional Thanksgiving offerings and making them unique during Thanksgiving Brunch. These Thanksgiving Turkey Biscuits and Gravy make the perfect centerpiece. You start with fluffy, buttery biscuits, speckled with leftover turkey breast. Cut them in half and add a slice of turkey with homemade vanilla cranberry sauce before covering and drizzling on the gravy. The perfect entree for any festive brunch!
Check out this recipe!
9
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Elevate your homemade pancake game with Sweet Potato Pancakes. These easy-to-make pancakes include sweet potato puree in their batter and are fun to make for weekend brunch!
Check out this recipe!
10
Cranberry Pumpkin Cold Brew Coffee Drink
Liven up your coffee with Cranberry Pumpkin Cold Brew Coffee Drink! This wintery coffee drink is perfect in the morning or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up! Featuring STōK Cold Brew Coffee, So Delicious Creamer, cranberry juice, pumpkin puree and maple syrup for a little bit of sweetness, this coffee drink sips easily and has a nice tartness from the cranberry. Whether you’re a coffee fan or not, this cold brew coffee drink is perfect for sipping!
Check out this recipe!
11
Sage Browned Butter Homemade Home Fries
Make any brunch a little fancier by serving decadent Sage Browned Butter Homemade Home Fries! This twist on classic home fries makes for the perfect side dish, can be made in advance and is super delicious for a crowd! Brown butter with fresh sage in a skillet. When the sage has crisped, break it apart, then add diced russet potatoes. Cook until fork tender and crisp on the outside. Serve warm as the perfect holiday (or anytime!) brunch side!
Check out this recipe!
12
Thanksgiving Brunch Salad
Add greens to breakfast and brunch with this hearty Sausage Brunch Salad. This salad, studded with homemade breakfast sausage patties, perfectly hardboiled eggs and caramelized apples and topped with a maple vinaigrette, can stand alone as a centerpiece or serve as a side for an at-home brunch.
Check out this recipe!
13
Pumpkin Overnight French Toast Casserole
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is perfect breakfast for any fall or winter morning. This make-ahead breakfast casserole tastes of pumpkin, warming spices and is wonderful for an at-home brunch, holiday breakfast and any other occasion.
Check out this recipe!
14
Pumpkin Waffles with Cinnamon Maple Syrup
Fluffy pumpkin waffles are the perfect breakfast treat for fall. Topped with a stellar cinnamon maple syrup, these waffles are sure to be a family favorite.
Check out this recipe!
15
Sausage Quiche with Sweet Potatoes and Collard Greens
This Sausage Quiche with sweet potatoes and collard greens is the perfect dish to serve at a holiday brunch! With a homemade grit-filled crust, this quiche can be made in advance. Celebrate the holidays with this unique quiche recipe.
Check out this recipe!
16
Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
Sweeten up any holiday morning gathering by serving dairy-free Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls! The dough of buns is speckled with fresh cranberries, and the gooey cranberry-maple filling adds the right amount of sweetness to this brunch piece de resistance! Topped with a sweet-and-tart Blood Orange Icing, Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls are a festive, one of a kind recipe for Thanksgiving Brunch, Christmas breakfast or any morning that needs pizzazz.
Check out this recipe!
17
Buttermilk Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
What better way to celebrate a fall morning than by mixing up a batch of Buttermilk Pumpkin Spice Pancakes? These from-scratch pancakes come together with easy pantry ingredients and some extra spices and pumpkin puree to really make them shine!
Check out this recipe!
Easy Apps to Share… for Thanksgiving and Beyond
Get the party started with some finger foods ! Below are some fabulous and scrumptious examples of things to serve to guests before dinner is served…
18
Whipped Ricotta Dip
Whipped Ricotta Dip is creamy, dreamy and so satisfying to eat. Paired with garlicky crostini, this simple dip recipe is easy to make and perfect for sharing for various occasions.
Check out this recipe!
19
Crispy Green Beans with Creamy Dipping Gravy
Want to make the ULTIMATE holiday appetizer? Crispy Green Beans with a Creamy Dipping Gravy is what you need. These green bean casserole bites are ready in less than an hour and perfect for sharing!
Check out this recipe!
20
Baked Brie with Cranberry Chutney
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Cranberry Chutney is a creamy, gooey appetizer for any holiday celebration. Topped with a tart, spiced Cranberry Chutney before it bakes, this Puff Pastry Baked Brie is a decadent recipe that looks fancy but is actually quite simple to make! Enjoy the extra cranberry chutney served alongside your meal, too!
Check out this recipe!
21
Bacon Wrapped Dates
These poppable Bacon Wrapped Dates are the best party appetizer. Stuffed with feta cheese, herbs and spices and wrapped in crispy bacon, these sweet-and-salty stuffed dates are full of flavor. They’ll be gone in a flash!
Check out this recipe!
22
Caprese Skewers
Caprese Skewers are the perfect easy appetizer to make for a crowd for any season! Crusty ciabatta bread, grape tomatoes, small mozzarella balls and fresh basil are layered and skewered to create a stunning finger food. To finish, simply drizzle with a balsamic vinegar reduction and enjoy! This simple caprese skewer recipe is great for sharing during the holiday season and beyond.
Check out this recipe!
23
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect holiday appetizer to serve for any occasion or gathering. Made with simple ingredients and requiring no baking time, this easy cranberry appetizer is festive and the best balance of sweet, tart and spicy.
Check out this recipe!
24
Sage Sweet Potato Olive Oil Biscuits
Sweet Potato Biscuits with Olive Oil and Sage are a beautiful addition to any autumnal breakfast, brunch or dinner. These vegan biscuits, which call for high quality olive oil instead of butter, are a simple baked good that sing of fall flavors. Ready in 30 minutes, this olive oil biscuit recipe is something special for any occasion.
Check out this recipe!
25
Cranberry Turkey Puff Pastry Tartlets
Spread holiday cheer by baking delectable Cranberry Turkey Puff Pastry Tartlets for your friends and family! These tartlets, filled with tart cranberry sauce, spicy Jennie-O Cajun turkey breast and salty feta cheese, sing of the season's flavors. Serve the tartlets warm with a sprinkling of fresh thyme sprinkled. Perfect for a party, Cranberry Turkey Puff Pastry Tartlets are sure to be a crowd pleaser at any get-together this winter!
Check out this recipe!
26
French Onion Baked Brie Bites
Looking for a handheld appetizer to make and serve for any occasion? These Baked Brie Bites, featuring gooey brie cheese and caramelized onions, are a nod to classic French Onion Soup flavors… all in a bite-sized package!
Check out this recipe!
Fall-Centric Side Dishes That Also Work at Thanksgiving
Below are some of our all-time favorite side dishes. Whether you make them to pair with a regular ‘ol dinner or to serve at the Thanksgiving table, they’re a winner!
27
Garlicky Spagetti Squash
In search of a vegan, grain-free Thanksgiving side? Look no farther than this simple, but incredibly flavorful Garlicky Spaghetti Squash. Spaghetti squash is baked, then shredded and sautéed with red pepper flakes and tons of garlic.
Check out this recipe!
28
Toasted Pine Nut Green Beans
Vegan Green Beans with Toasted Pine Nuts make the BEST accompaniment for any weeknight meal! Green beans are steamed, then topped with a mixture of golden brown, toasted pine nuts and a diced, caramelized shallot. The green beans and their topping are drizzled with olive oil for the finishing touch. Simple and exceedingly quick to make for a weeknight meal, this vegan side dish is sure to become a dinnertime favorite of vegans and non-vegans alike.
Check out this recipe!
29
Cranberry Feta Brussels Sprout Salad with Candied Pecans and Warm Bacon Vinaigrette
Cranberry Feta Brussels Sprout Salad with Candied Pecans and Warm Bacon Vinaigrette is the perfect side dish for the winter months and holiday season! Slightly sweet, savory, salty and crunchy, this hearty salad strikes a beautiful balance because it's a little bit sweet, a little bit salty and a LOT a bit delicious.
Check out this recipe!
30
Creamed Cornbread Casserole
This from-scratch Creamed Cornbread Casserole is a Southern classic and a decadent casserole for the holiday table. Combine cream corn with a homemade sweet cornbread and a jalapeño to delightful side dish that's perfect for sharing.
Check out this recipe!
31
Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles make the BEST holiday side dish! Fresh green beans are wrapped in bacon and topped with a homemade mustard vinaigrette. Baked to perfection, this side dish is ready in less than an hour and perfect for sharing.
Check out this recipe!
32
Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole
Knock the socks off your guests with this slightly sweet Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole, covered with a crunchy streusel topping. The bourbon sings, the sweet potatoes are light and creamy, and the streusel topping adds texture to this take on a Thanksgiving classic.
Check out this recipe!
33
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Perfectly balanced, this Fresh Cranberry Sauce is an amazing holiday side dish. Calling for a handful of ingredients, including fresh cranberries, orange and spices, this homemade cranberry sauce recipe makes enough for sharing and is ready in less than 15 minutes.
Check out this recipe!
Autumnal Desserts
Because no fall gathering is complete without a fall flavored sweet treat…
34
Bourbon Pecan Pie
Add a bit of booze to the holiday dessert table by baking a Bourbon Pecan Pie. A twist on the classic, this homemade pie captures the sweetness of pecans with a little spice from the bourbon. Served with whipped cream, it is a true holiday treat!
Check out this recipe!
35
Praline Pumpkin Upside Down Cake
Combine two favorite fall flavors to make the ULTIMATE Thanksgiving dessert: Praline Pumpkin Upside Down Cake! Bourbon pralines create the base/top of this cake, then pecans add decoration. Once the pecans are in place, pour the thick pumpkin cake batter into the cake pan, and bake! Flip after removing from the oven and free from the pan, then drizzle with bourbon caramel sauce for the finishing touch. This cake is decadently moist and perfect!
Check out this recipe!
36
Mini Apple Spice Rum Cakes
Looking for the perfect dessert to bake this season? Mini Apple Spiced Rum Cakes absolutely perfect! This twist on pound cake highlights fall spices, spiced rum and crisp apples. Serve with a homemade spiced rum caramel sauce and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert.
Check out this recipe!
37
Creamy Cranberry Tart
Brighten up the holidays by making a Creamy Cranberry Tart! Calling for simple ingredients, this cranberry dessert recipe is creamy, tart and flavorful! Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, Christmas Eve and more, this Cranberry Tart is a tasty win.
Check out this recipe!
38
Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
Perfectly spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip is the best no bake dessert dip around for the fall months ahead. Made with just a handful of ingredients and ready in less than 10 minutes, this Pumpkin Dip recipe is great for sharing with adults and kids. Makes 6-8 servings, but can easily be doubled.
Check out this recipe!
39
Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
Want to make the most unique snickerdoodles around? These Apple Butter Snickerdoodles are bursting with warming fall spices and taste incredible! Learn how to make this chewy snickerdoodle recipe — they’re perfect for sharing this time of year!
Check out this recipe!
40
Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars
Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars taste like the favorite holiday pie… elevated. With a buttery homemade crust, these sweet, decadent bars are the perfect dessert for any fall or winter gathering and are made without corn syrup!
Check out this recipe!
41
Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake with Bourbon Caramel Glaze
Celebrate fall flavors and cooler temperatures by baking a Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake with Bourbon Caramel Glaze! Apple-filled and bursting with cinnamon, ginger and allspice, this boozy cake is sure to be loved when served to family, friends or guests. Perfect for a dinner party, a holiday shindig or even the showstopping Thanksgiving dessert, this Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake with Bourbon Caramel Glaze is a cake the whole family can love.
Check out this recipe!
42
Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownie Bars
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars combine seasonal flavors to make the best pumpkin dessert. A gorgeous, smooth pumpkin cheesecake layer bakes on top of a dense, rich brownie base. Speckled with chocolate chips, these decadent cheesecake brownies are the perfect autumnal dessert.
Check out this recipe!
43
Upside Down Cranberry Cake
Upside Down Cranberry Cake is the ultimate fall and winter dessert! This twist on a classic upside down cake features a fluffy, tangy cake and a perfectly balanced homemade cranberry topping. Whether you need a cake for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any gathering this season, this festive cake is great for sharing!
Check out this recipe!
Seasonal Cocktails and Mocktails
Any festive gathering deserves a cocktail… or a mocktail! Below, I’ve included some of our favorite seasonal flavors, including cranberry, pecan, pomegranate and pumpkin!
44
Cranberry Mule
The Cranberry Mule is a fun take on the more traditional Moscow Mule. Perfect as a Thanksgiving cocktail, this drink calls for cranberry, ginger beer and spiced rum, then is topped with sugared cranberries as garnish.
Check out this recipe!
45
Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned
A seasonal twist on the classic whiskey cocktail, the Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned is a perfect cocktail for a chilly winter night. Toasted pecans soak in whiskey for days before the infused alcohol is poured atop a sugar and bitter mixture to make an Old Fashioned.
Check out this recipe!
46
Pomegranate Ginger Orange Sparkling Mocktail
Get vitamin C and enjoy a tasty drink at the same time! Four-ingredient Pomegranate Ginger Orange Sparkling Mocktails are the perfect way to do both. Featuring Sprouts Vitamin C Fizzy Drink Packets, these mocktails are easily made for an individual or a crowd. This drink offers 1000 mg of vitamin C to offset upcoming flu and cold season. Perfect for the holidays, Pomegranate Ginger Orange Sparkling Mocktails are a fun, delicious sipper for all!
Check out this recipe!
47
The Blizzard (Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail)
Looking for a unique bourbon drink to enjoy during Thanksgiving, Christmas and other winter holidays? 100% pure cranberry juice mixes with bourbon, freshly squeezed lemon juice and homemade simple syrup to create this winter-flavored cocktail, entitled The Blizzard. Serve with frozen cranberries or ice, and enjoy this slightly sweet bourbon drink during the chilly months.
Check out this recipe!
48
Citrus Cranberry Sangria
Slightly tart and sweet with a hint of cinnamon, this Citrus Cranberry Sangria is perfect for the holidays! Whether you’re making a batch for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties or anything in between, this winter sangria is wonderful for sharing.
Check out this recipe!
49
Apple Cider Margaritas
Celebrate fall flavors by mixing up a batch of Apple Cider Margaritas! Made with apple cider, tequila, brandy, lemon juice and a homemade cinnamon simple syrup, these cocktails are the perfect drink to serve on a chilly fall or winter evening. As an added bonus, they can be made in a pitcher for a crowd! Whether you’re serving one or many, these Apple Cider Margaritas make the perfect harvest drink for all to enjoy on a chilly fall evening.
Check out this recipe!
50
Sparkling Ginger Cranberry Mocktail
Serve up a Sparkling Ginger Cranberry Mocktail this New Year’s Eve! This sparkling mocktail, which features tart unsweetened cranberry juice and spicy ginger beer, is a flavorful mixed drink to serve to individuals or a crowd. Add orange juice or apple juice to mellow the flavors for children. You can also swap ginger beer for ginger ale, too. With options to make this drink as tasty as possible, it’s perfect for both adults and children!
Check out this recipe!
51
Classic Cranberry Moscow Mule
This Cranberry Moscow Mule is a lovely Christmas sipper. Also known as a Yule Mule, this twist on the classic cocktail highlights cranberry juice! Makes 1 drink, but can easily be made into a pitcher.
Check out this recipe!
52
Blood Orange Mocktail Mule
Light and bubbly, Blood Orange Mocktail Mules make a delightful sipper to serve during the winter months. Made with a few simple ingredients, this nonalcoholic drink is perfect for sharing.
Check out this recipe!
53
Sparkling Bourbon Pumpkin Apple Cider Punch
Sparkling Bourbon Pumpkin Apple Punch is the PERFECT autumnal punch! Highlighting Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider, ginger ale, maple syrup and bourbon, this seasonal pitcher drink is perfect for tailgating, Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Check out this recipe!
54
Winter White Sangria
Winter citrus season is upon us… and what better way to enjoy the fruits of the season than by mixing up a pitcher of Winter Sangria? Full of pink grapefruit, cara cara or blood oranges, pears and pomegranates, this sangria is well-balanced and bursting with flavor. Pour in crisp white wine and mint simple syrup, chill overnight and serve cold the next day. Enjoy the tart sweetness of winter citrus all season long with Winter Sangria!
Check out this recipe!
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
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