Autumn offers a plethora of unique ingredients for cooking. From apples and pumpkins to an array of squashes, there’s no shortage of flavors to enrich your dishes. As the weather grows cooler, autumn turns into the ideal time for warm, comforting foods that make a chilly day more bearable. This season is famed for its hearty soups, flavorsome pasta, and iconic apple pie.
Cooking, however, doesn’t always come cheap, especially when certain dishes call for expensive, rare ingredients or a variety of spices. But crafting a delicious, comforting autumn meal doesn’t always have to break the bank. Make the most out of the leftover summer ingredients and welcome the new season by trying out these delightful, budget-friendly autumn recipes.
1. STOVETOP CHICKEN POT PIE
Chicken pot pie is the embodiment of comfort food, especially on damp, chilly days. This amazing recipe utilizes pre-cooked rotisserie chicken which saves significant time and money. Instead of a traditional pie crust, buttermilk biscuits are used to soak up the rich, creamy chicken filling, making it a simple yet scrumptious dinner. This meal costs around $3 per serving – definitely a bargain!
2. VEGGIE CHILI
Fall wouldn’t be complete without chili. While the traditional version is delicious, this recipe takes it a notch higher with fall-favored vegetables like squash, zucchini, and corn. At just $1.25 per serving, it’s not only inexpensive but also quick to prepare and customizable to individual taste.
3. PORK TENDERLOIN, PEAR, AND CRANBERRY SALAD
Busting the myth that inexpensive equates to dull, this salad recipe is visually appealing, satisfying, and delectable. It incorporates fall-friendly ingredients like pears and cranberries, which complement the pork perfectly. Although it requires a little more preparation time, the $2.38 price per serving justifies it.
4. ROAST CHICKEN WITH POTATOES AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Roast chicken, coupled with hearty potatoes and butternut squash, constitutes a satisfying meal perfect for an autumn evening. This simple yet nutritious recipe, priced at $1.62 per serving, proves that there’s beauty in simplicity.
5. BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
Butternut squash soup underscores the essence of fall. Incorporating simple, key ingredients, this soup works as both an appetizer and a main dish. At just $2.08 per serving, it promises a rich experience of the classic butternut squash flavor, best accompanied by a piece of fresh French bread.
6. TWO-INGREDIENT PUMPKIN MUFFINS
Fall wouldn’t be the same without pumpkins. Even though cooking from scratch is often satisfying, it may be pricey and inconvenient. These two-ingredient muffins offer an easy, affordable, and universally appealing autumn treat. What’s more, they’re low in calories – perfect as a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack.
7. PUMPKIN SPICE, NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE
A no-bake recipe is always a winner, just like this affordable, effortless pumpkin spice cheesecake. Choose between making your own crust or using a store-bought one based on your available time. Whichever route you take, the end result is a light, fluffy dessert that satiates your sweet tooth without overfilling you.
8. BAKED APPLES
With the beginning of apple season, it’s time to mark your trip to the orchard. This simple yet elegant recipe allows you to create a high-end dessert using just a few ingredients, including caramel, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The fresh apple flavor is preserved by the straightforward preparation method, keeping the cost low and the taste high.
9. S’MORES NACHOS
Fall and bonfires are a classic pair. If you associate autumn with s’mores just like me, you’d love these S’mores Nachos. And the best part? No campfire needed. Just four simple, inexpensive items and ten minutes are all you need to create an irresistibly delicious dessert anytime you’re in the mood for a campfire treat.
One of the perks of changing seasons is the myriad of mouthwatering recipes we get to try, featuring a range of diverse flavors unique to each time of the year. While the list of ingredients could seem intimidating, remember that cooking shouldn’t be complex and expensive. Several top-quality ingredients and a handful of excellent recipes are all you need to prepare heartwarming autumn delicacies.
What are your most beloved, economical fall recipes? Which autumn ingredient is your favorite?
