Image: Victor ProtasioFor those who enjoy baking, the start of fall means bringing out the season’s finest: pies, cobblers, crisps, muffins—typically made with apples or pumpkins. But when the urge to bake strikes and you can’t face another apple crisp, it can be tough to find new inspiration. Keep reading for 13 savory recipes that will bring variety to your fall baking this year.
1. Apple Cheddar Biscuits
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Emily HallMake the most of your apple harvest with these mouthwatering, buttery biscuits. The combination of the natural sweetness from a whole apple, a hint of apple cider, and the rich flavor of smoked cheddar creates the perfect balance, making these biscuits a tempting appetizer, dinner side, or standalone snack.
2. Savory Seeded Granola
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Claire SpollenA subtle dash of crushed red pepper adds a touch of spice to this savory granola recipe. For a fun fall activity with kids, try harvesting your own pumpkin seeds (pepitas) to incorporate into this dish.
3. Simple Crusty Boule
Victor ProtasioHave you ever wanted to try baking bread, but felt overwhelmed? This no-knead artisan bread is the ideal, no-fail recipe for beginners. Even seasoned bread makers will enjoy this straightforward method that creates a crusty exterior with a soft, fluffy interior.
4. No-Knead Onion Rolls
Con PoulosThese rolls are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast or game-day spread. As they require no kneading or special equipment, this recipe is also great for getting comfortable with baking with yeast.
5. Potato, Leek, and Feta Tart
Tracey Kusiewicz/Getty ImagesFor a satisfying, meat-free meal, try this easy-to-make tart. With fewer than 10 ingredients, including a pre-made pie crust, this recipe shows that baking can be both simple and flavorful. Top with a little extra feta for an added burst of creamy, tangy flavor.
6. Quick and Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Cara CormackHere's another tempting dinner idea—a one-pot version of chicken pot pie that swaps out the pie crust for a simple puff pastry topping. Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought puff pastry, this recipe will have you making this comforting classic over and over again.
7. French Onion Casserole
Antonis AchilleosGive this recipe a go for a refined spin on baked mac and cheese. Slowly caramelize the onions and then blend them with the nutty flavor of Gruyère, smoky cheddar, and Worcestershire sauce for a rich, comforting dish perfect for chilly days.
8. Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia
Greg DuPreeA favorite for beginner bread bakers, this simple, classic bread can be prepared in an afternoon. The dough requires no kneading—just a few rises to enhance its flavor and texture. Kids will have fun dimpling the dough on a sheet pan before baking. Stick with garlic and rosemary, or try experimenting with other toppings like tomatoes, olives, shallots, or herbs such as thyme, sage, or oregano.
9. Pepper and Chive Biscuits
Victor ProtasioThe mix of chives, black pepper, and buttermilk gives these biscuits a flavor reminiscent of sour cream and onion chips, but in a buttery biscuit form. By stacking the dough, you create multiple layers of butter that melt in the oven to form that signature flaky texture.
10. Use-It-Up Quiche
VICTOR PROTASIO; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Julia BaylessHad enough of apple and pumpkin pie? Satisfy your craving for a flaky pie crust with this easy quiche recipe that lets you combine any cheese, vegetables, or protein you have on hand. You can use your own crust recipe, or check out this guide to the best store-bought crust options for a quick alternative.
11. Savory French Toast Casserole
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Food Stylist: Claire SpollenTurn that leftover loaf of bread into a savory French toast dish. This casserole is perfect for holiday brunches, ready in just over an hour. It’s a flavorful mix of cilantro, onion, spices like coriander and turmeric, and a fresh Fresno chile. Soft breads such as brioche or challah work best, and you can either use store-bought or homemade.
12. Kale Flatbread Bites
Victor ProtasioElevate your focaccia by swapping it for pizza dough in this flatbread recipe. The tangy mustard and fresh squeeze of lemon beautifully enhance the creamy sour cream and mozzarella, while the kale adds an earthy touch. Serve it in squares as an appetizer or alongside a hearty soup for a warm, satisfying meal.
13. Sausage Stuffing with Cornbread
Victor ProtasioNo collection of savory autumn baking recipes would be complete without cornbread. This versatile fall favorite can be enjoyed with a generous spread of butter as a snack or side dish, or incorporated into this delicious stuffing recipe with other seasonal ingredients like apples and sage.
