If you need recipe inspiration for the month of September, look no farther than this Monthly Meal Plan, which includes 50+ recipes to make! Featuring recipes that are perfect for a tailgate (or a homegate), early fall breakfasts, desserts and more, this September recipe list has something for everyone.
2025 Update: This monthly meal plan was originally shared in September 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!
Somehow, September has begun, and I, for one, am reeling at how quickly this year is flying.
So, to continue with my monthly theme of sharing seasonal recipes, I’ve got 50+ dishes to make during September. (And honestly, beyond.) Today’s recipe roundup includes a lot of fall-centric and tailgate food for you here!
The good news is it’s all versatile. The better news is it’s all delicious.
Please know that this is not a true weekly meal plan or menu plan, but rather a list of various dishes to make and enjoy throughout this month at your leisure. You can pick and choose your own adventure.
Y’all ready to jump in? Let’s do this thing!
What should I cook in the month of September?
As always: that depends on you and what you will do during this month. It also depends on where you live.
Since members of my family are back in school this month, September is all about quick and easy dinners for us. However, since the football season has begun, we’re also making more tailgate-centric food on the weekends to make, share and enjoy.
And since it’s still relatively warm here in Texas, I still gravitate toward menu items and dishes that require less work.
However, no matter where you live or what you’re looking for, I’ve got lots of different options for you with these seasonal September recipes. Some recipes call for the slow cooker while others are no bake. Some require turning on the oven, too, because as the fall weather arrives, that’s the perfect time to bake something seasonal and delicious.
These seasonal meal planning ideas are just that: ideas. Feel free to transform them into the ideal-for-you (and your family) September meal plan.
What is in season in the month of September?
September is a month that offers a lot of variety. This month is the ultimate mash-up of summer and fall flavors, and you’ll see the combination of late-summer produce with the beginnings of fall harvests. It makes for the best combination of fruits and vegetables, in my opinion.
As always, some of the produce you can find at your local markets and grocery store is determined by where you live.
At the farmer’s market, you’ll see a combination of tomatoes and peppers (both of which love the early September heat), as well as sweet corn and late-summer stone fruits (like peaches, nectarines, cherries, etc.) Culinary herbs should still be flourishing, too. Summer squash, like zucchini, yellow squash,
Pair those with fall staples, like apples, acorn squash and pumpkin… and we are all in for a treat.
Since this month straddles the line between summer and fall, there are so many wonderful flavors and flavor combinations to be had… and we are celebrating them all in this month’s recipe ideas below. You’ll find that this menu skews more into the fall flavors and spices.
More monthly meal plans:
If you’re in the market for more seasonal menus and recipes, we’ve got them for you here…
If you’re tailgating this season, chances are you’re feeding a crowd! Below are some of our favorite dishes that are hits at tailgates (that can also work at home-gates, or even dinner for the whole family.) These recipes can be made for large groups, they can be made on a grill and/or easily transported to/from your tailgate location if it happens to be somewhere that’s not at home.
1
Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Apple Cabbage Slaw
Pork and apples are an age-old combination… and this Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Apple Coleslaw is the perfect fall entree. Pork cooks in the slow cooker or Instant Pot with apple cider before being served over bread with a homemade apple coleslaw. No matter what you serve it for, these pulled pork sandwiches make a lovely meal.
Blackened Shrimp Tacos with a crunchy coleslaw are the BEST entree to make at your football tailgate! Shrimp are liberally sprinkled with homemade blackening seasoning, then cooked. Flour (or corn!) tortillas are warmed on the grill. When the elements of the dish are ready, the shrimp are served atop a (made-at-home) Asian-inspired coleslaw that features green cabbage, toasted almonds, toasted Ramen noodles and a honey vinaigrette. These Blackened Shrimp Tacos go great with beer and are easily transported as you peruse your team’s tailgate scene!
Guacamole-Stuffed Fajita Burgers make the PERFECT entree for Cinco de Mayo and summer parties! This burger combines guacamole goodness, beefy deliciousness and fajita veggies on a bun. First, make guacamole using avocados, taco seasoning and fresh lime juice. Instead of forming a normal patty, make two smaller ones. Dollop guacamole on one, then top with the other and seal tightly. Pan fry or grill and serve. These burgers are a guaranteed hit!
Shredded Applesauce Chicken Sliders with Brussels Sprouts Apple Slaw
Serve Shredded Applesauce Chicken Sliders with Brussels Sprouts Apple Slaw at your next tailgate or weeknight dinner! Made in the slow cooker, these chicken sliders are juicy and topped with an amazing homemade coleslaw. Gameday never tasted so good!
Fire up the grill this weekend and host friends and family for a backyard barbecue! Grilled BBQ Chicken Flatbread makes the perfect centerpiece for an outdoor party. Studded with various fresh summer veggies and grilled barbecue chicken, this scrumptious flatbread serves a crowd. Elevate the dish and gathering by pairing it with Coppola Diamond Collection cans. This premium wine comes in three varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.
Made with leftover pulled pork, BBQ Nachos are great for sharing, whether you're hosting gameday festivities, a backyard barbecue, a laidback dinner and more! This colorful Pulled Pork Nachos recipe is packed with delicious flavors and ready in 30 minutes! Makes 4-6 servings.
These easy BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect mix of smoky, tangy and savory flavors packed into a bite-sized sandwich. Juicy chicken patties coated in a lightly spicy sauce pair beautifully with a crisp, creamy slaw — all tucked into a soft, toasted bun. Whether you're making them as appetizers for a party or game day, or as an easy weeknight dinner, these sliders are sure to be a crowd favorite!
Summertime is the season of barbecue… so it’s time to learn how to make a barbecue classic. Even though ribs take time, they’re well worth the effort, and these Memphis-Style Barbecue Ribs are PERFECT for any summer get-together. Seasoned with homemade barbecue dry rub, these ribs cook low and slow for hours. Finish this nod to the Memphis dry rib on the grill or in the broiler, and serve with traditional barbecue sides to complete the feast!
Pumpkin Pulled Pork Bowls are the best fall dinner. Cook pulled pork in a slow cooker with homemade pumpkin BBQ sauce, then combine it with a homemade easy coleslaw recipe to make a meal. Whether you're hosting friends for an a tailgate party at home, bringing it on the road or serving it for dinner, these pulled pork bowls are an excellent meal.
You’re hosting folks at home or traveling to the game. Either way, you’ve got to serve up some apps to be enjoyed during the game. Below are some of our favorites that sing of fall flavors…
10
Baked Boudin Balls
Boudin Balls are a beloved Cajun finger food that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside! The base of this recipe is boudin —rice dressing (or dirty rice) stuffed into a sausage casing — that are removed from the casing, rolled in a breading mixture and baked (instead of fried) until golden brown. All you need are a handful of ingredients to make them and the most decadent Louisiana dipping sauce.
Savory Sage Pumpkin Hummus is an excellent fall appetizer for any occasion. Made with toasted pumpkin seeds, pumpkin puree and fresh sage, this savory pumpkin dip recipe is sure to please everyone's tastebuds!
Looking for a unique dip to serve to a crowd? This Hot Crawfish Dip is hearty, gooey and slightly spicy! Studded with bite-sized crawfish tails, this creamy dip is satisfying and great for sharing for any occasion.
You know the gooey Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip from restaurants that’s irresistible once you start eating it? It’s incredibly easy to make at home in 30 minutes or less. This Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering
Caramelized Onion Guacamole is your run-of-the-mill guacamole… with a twist! Instead of using tomatoes, herbs and avocados, this recipe calls for sautéed onions, caramelized with balsamic vinegar. Once the onions cool to room temperature, mix them into sliced avocados with lime juice, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and salt-free creole seasoning. Serve with tortilla chips to make the perfect appetizer for any get together.
Vibrant, creamy and a little bit spicy, Chicken Enchilada Bruschetta is the appetizer to make this season! This dish comes together in no time, too, thanks to the Instant Pot! Cook the chicken and enchilada sauce on high pressure before shredding and adding cream cheese. Serve over toasted garlic bread, garnished with parsley and cotija cheese! Perfect for entertaining, this Chicken Enchilada Bruschetta adds a creamy, spicy kick to any event!
Hot Boudin Dip takes boudin, which is essentially flavorful Louisiana rice dressing in a sausage casing, and combines it with some creamy, cheesy elements to make the most delicious hot dip. It’s especially delicious for game day festivities! Serve with pita chip, fresh veggies and more to make the ultimate dip platter.
Loaded Queso is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Studded with ground beef and garnished with avocado, sour cream and jalapeño rounds, this homemade queso blanco is a restaurant-quality dish that's easy to make at home. No shelf-stable cheese or canned milk necessary.
These dippable, poppable, Corn Dog Mini Muffins are perfect for an easy tailgating option, fun party appetizer, quick after-school snack or easy addition to school lunchboxes! These are baked, not fried, so you can feel less guilt about eating more of them. No matter the occasion, Corn Dog Mini Muffins are the perfect finger food for fall months!
If you want to make a meaty, creamy, cheesy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip that does not call for canned ingredients or bottled salad dressing, this recipe is for you! All you need are 7 ingredients and about 30 minutes to make this decadent dip. The real question is: what are you making it for and who are you sharing it with?
Want to bring a dish that’s a guaranteed winner to your next gathering? This Boudin Board, a Cajun version of a sausage board, is what you need to put together! All you need are a handful of ingredients and some boudin to make this board.
Fall flavors are officially here, whether or not the weather has arrived. Hello to all things pumpkin and apple spice! And hello baked goods featuring those same flavors, which are some of my favorites…
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Mini Pumpkin Muffins with Chocolate Chips
Mini Pumpkin Muffins with Chocolate Chips are the BEST fall breakfast. These fluffy, bite-sized Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are easy to make and share. They freeze well, too!
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes are the best fall-flavored breakfast. From-scratch apple pancakes are filled with apple cider, applesauce and spices and topped with gooey caramelized apples. Learn how to make these spiced pancakes for a homemade fall breakfast.
Apple Chai Spiced Yogurt Parfaits make the perfect fall breakfast. Dannon® Light & Fit Greek® Vanilla Yogurt serves as the base for this breakfast and complements the homemade chai spiced granola, which can be made in advance. The morning of, layer the yogurt parfaits and top with apple slices and a drizzle of pure maple syrup! Apple Chai Spiced Yogurt Parfaits are a flavorful, filling breakfast for busy parents, professionals and even kids
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.
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!
This overnight Egg Casserole with Green Chiles is an incredible twist on a classic. Calling for 7 ingredients, this breakfast bake could not be easier to make and share. Smoky green chile peppers add a little heat to this cheesy breakfast casserole.
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!
Spiced Apple Cider Muffins are the perfect fall breakfast — full of warm spices and apple goodness. These fluffy muffins are easy to put together and share for any occasion.
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.
Celebrate hatch chile season by making a delicious, spicy breakfast/brunch for the whole family! Hatch Chile Breakfast Flatbread adds heat to the table. Top flatbread with homemade enchilada sauce, mozzarella cheese, roasted hatch chiles and a raw egg. The flatbread bakes quickly, then is removed and immediately sliced into. The egg yolk should run all over the flatbread (if you’re into that kind of thing) and add creaminess to this peppery dish.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
Decadent Brown Butter Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze are the PERFECT fall breakfast recipe. The pumpkin muffins are fluffy, the streusel is crumbly and the glaze is tart, culminating in a delicious baked good that everyone will adore.
Similar to breakfast, these drinks are fall flavored and utterly delicious. Some can be made without booze, others need it for a little extra. Either way, they’re delicious and perfect for sipping all season long!
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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.
Slightly sweet and crisp apple cider swirls with homemade salted caramel and bourbon to become a comforting, delicious and fall cocktail! This Spiked Caramel Apple Cider is the ultimate autumnal drink. You can make yours with or without spirits, too!
Enjoy fall flavors by mixing up Gin Apple Pie Cocktails for a crowd! Start with homemade cinnamon-infused simple syrup. Combine gin, apple cider and the cinnamon-infused simple syrup in a cocktail shaker, and shake until combined. Pour over ice, and enjoy immediately. Flavorful with interesting floral notes, this 3-ingredient autumnal cocktail is bound to become a favorite, whether it’s served at a party, a tailgate or on a random weeknight.
Attending a morning tailgate and do not want to imbibe a mimosa? Make this fun twist on a classic breakfast cocktail! Bloody Beer combines your favorite beer with a Bloody Mary. Pour the Bloody Mary Mix into a glass, add hot sauce and black pepper, then top with a golden beer to complete this breakfast drink.
Spiced Apple Cider is the perfect warm drink for a chilly fall evening and especially for Halloween! All you need are a handful of ingredients and spices, as well as about 30 minutes to make this easy apple cider recipe.
‘Tis the season for pumpkin! Invite friends for an at-home brunch and mix up seasonal Pumpkin Spice Kombucha Cocktails for all! Rim the glasses with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, then pour in Sprouts Organic Pumpkin Spice Kombucha. Add a little prosecco for more bubbles, then serve! These effervescent brunch cocktails sing of seasonal flavors while not being too sweet. Easily enjoyable, Pumpkin Spice Kombucha Cocktails will become a fall fave!
Salted Caramel Appletini with Salted Caramel-Infused Vodka
Looking for the perfect fall cocktail? Try a Salted Caramel Appletini! This homemade caramel apple martini, made with homemade salted caramel infused vodka, is a sweet dessert drink to serve for any occasion. Makes enough salted caramel vodka for 4 drinks.
We couldn’t do this September recipe round-up without fall-flavored desserts, y’all. Below, you’ll find some of our seasonal faves that highlight seasonal ingredients. And also some that are just darn good whenever you make ’em because YUM.
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Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
'Tis the season for pumpkin spiced everything! These flavorful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies make the perfect seasonal sweet! This cookie dough, which features pumpkin puree, is soft baked and perfectly spiced. Seasoned with cinnamon, ground ginger and allspice, the delicious pumpkin flavor of these cookies sings. Treat guests to two options of frostings – brown butter and traditional – and these cookies are sure to fly off the table this fall.
Want to make an easy fall-flavored dessert to share? These bite-sized Apple Pie Bars burst with apple flavor and warming spices. Complete with a decadent shortbread crust and a crispy, buttery crumble on top, this Apple Pie Bar recipe is utterly scrumptious and perfect for all occasions.
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.
Caramel Corn Cookies are the perfect sweet-salty-crunchy dessert! Featuring caramel corn and roasted almonds, these homemade caramel popcorn cookies sing. Top them with a browned butter glaze for Halloween, Thanksgiving, tailgates and more.
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.
Pillowy and light Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are light, fluffy and totally decadent. Made in less than an hour, this cookie recipe requires no chill time. These pumpkin drop cookies are perfect for any fall get-together!
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.
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!
Craving something rich, creamy and irresistibly sweet? This Dulce de Leche Caramel Dip is a fall must-make recipe! Made with just three simple ingredients, it’s velvety smooth and perfect for dipping crisp apples or your favorite fruits into. Plus, thanks to my dulce de leche hack, it comes together in no time, making it the ultimate quick indulgence for both kids and adults!
This Dairy Free Olive Oil Vanilla Bean Pound Cake is delicious, moist and delightfully light and perfect for folks with or without lactose intolerance. Served along side a big glass of your favorite (non-dairy) milk, my Dairy Free Olive Oil Vanilla Bean Pound Cake is one of the best slightly sweet breakfast baked goods around.
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!
Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are the ULTIMATE fall no bake dessert! This easy recipe is packed with pumpkin spice flavor and chewy, crispy rice krispie treat texture. Make a batch of these for a Halloween party or tailgating — they’re perfect for sharing!
Want to learn how to make Apple Crumble with a delicious pecan crumble topping? This apple crumble recipe calls for tart apples, apple cider, cinnamon and more. This classic crumble recipe is the perfect comforting dessert for the fall months ahead.
What kinds of plans do you have during the month of September?
Which of these fall recipes would you like to try first?
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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