Our Favorite Recipes to Make in September

The arrival of September tends to divide people into two camps: those cable knit sweater-wearing, spiced pumpkin latte-drinking, “We’re driving north to see the foliage,” apple-picking fall lovers, and the beach-going, backyard grill-loving, “Get a load of these tomatoes, peppers, and sweet corn” summer diehards. We’re admittedly a bit of both and these September recipes are further proof of that.

READ MORE: Guide to Fall Foliage

Mother Nature may not officially turn her page to fall until Sept. 22, but we cannot help love the mossy-smelling brisk air that moves in after Labor Day and that back-to-school, fresh start feeling. As the heat winds down and cooler days approach, we are struck with a jolt of inspiration to pull out the slow cooker, create game day tailgating feasts, and gather outdoors around a fire pit with friends and family.

We love late summer’s fruits and produce that usher us into fall with a sweet landing. These remind us that, while the days grow shorter, there is still so much of summer to relish: Pears are ripe, tomatoes are bursting, grapes are busting, and seasonal dishes to enjoy cooking on the grill abound.

Here, we offer a taste of our favorite September recipes and culinary ideas with the best of summer in mind and an eye toward fall. (And who doesn’t love fall?) All these reasons are why this is our favorite time of year to be in the kitchen.

Back-to-School Lunch Box Ideas

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The back-to-school juggle of homework, after-school activities, and work is real. Eliminate any cafeteria conundrums by prepping lunches from healthy, easy weeknight dinner leftovers. Here, you'll find delectable recipes for Salmon Burgers and Spiced Fries, Kale and Cauli Frittata, Baked Chicken Tacos, and lovely little Turkey Mushroom Meatballs and Pasta. Each one is sure to please your little one and make him the popular kid in the lunchroom who everyone wants to trade with.

Savory Zucchini and Carrot Muffins

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Many gardeners plant the second round of summer squash, such as zucchini, in July or August so that it's ripe for picking in September, since it's a fast-growing seed. Tender, mild green zucchini — high in fiber and loaded with antioxidants — is paired with sweet carrots and cheddar cheese for this savory anytime muffin.

READ MORE: Guide to Carrots

Pumpkin Pie Pancakes

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These pump'ed-up pancakes are redolent with pumpkin butter — a cooked pumpkin purée base combined with warm fall spices, giving it more complexity and depth of delicious flavor than plain pumpkin purée. They're ideal for brunch on a chilly morning in early fall. Go big or gourd home and pair these with a homemade pumpkin spice latte.

One Pot Pasta with Tomatoes and Crispy Salami

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One-pot anything is a weeknight staple in my repertoire, and this one is a favorite for its simplicity and deep flavors. The pasta soaks up the sweet tomatoes and garlic, and the whole shebang gets a salty, rich punch from chunks of crispy salami. End of summer tomatoes are sweeter and have a higher water content, making them great for sauce. Look for San Marzano, Roma, or Campari tomatoes at the farmers market.

Grilled Fish Tostados

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When you take an extra minute to pan fry corn tortillas, they become crunchy tostadas. And when you top them with tasty fresh, grilled, flaky white fish fillets, they are a vehicle for a world of flavor and texture. A tangy slaw and bright honey-mango salsa add lovely acidity and a touch of sweetness, making this dish a fresh and clean new weeknight go-to.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chutney

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This three-ingredient slow cooker pulled pork has a sweet twist thanks to the addition of mango chutney. This dish is wonderfully tender and juicy over rice or on a soft bun topped with homemade coleslaw for pulled pork sandwiches. You can also spin leftovers into pulled pork tacos (if there's any left, that is!).

Slow Cooker Baked Beans

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The familiar, comforting texture, brown sugar sweetness, and hint of tomatoey acidity make baked beans a beloved component of late summer spreads. This slow cooker baked beans recipe takes its cue from baked beans' low and slow origins. It delivers an edge of smoky, tangy chipotle pepper flavor from the addition of bacon chipotle BBQ sauce instead of traditional tomato.

Spice Cake with Poached Pears

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This mildly sweet cake is fragrant with molasses and warm fall spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Garnish it with seasonal red wine poached pears, add maple cream, and serve as a memorable dessert for a special gathering. Or make it for a fall breakfast or brunch board with fresh coffee.

Apple Cranberry Crisp

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In most parts of the country, September to early October is prime apple picking season. And crisp apples make up the bulk of this delightfully easy-to-prepare oat, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin seed topping. Fresh or frozen cranberries, or dollops of cranberry relish, act as a sweet and tart counterpart to the main fruit in this rustic dessert.

READ MORE: An Irreverent Guide to Apples

End of Summer Grilling

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There are plenty of grill days in September (let's be real folks, grilling is a year-round ritual), so be sure and take advantage of them with these grill tips for every meat protein under the September sun, including ribeye steak, chicken breast, ribs, Wagyu burgers; don't forget about those creatures from the sea like lobster, shrimp, tuna, and flaky white fish, such as mahi-mahi.

A selection of marinades and sauces offers a wide range of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, and keeps your proteins succulent. Accompany your dishes with the best of late summer grilled corn, bell peppers, onions, eggplant, and even fruit!