A cake topped with baked sliced figs on a beige stone plate

Browse our collection of autumn dinners and desserts below. For more seasonal ideas, check out our autumn cake recipes, pear recipes, plum recipes, butternut squash recipes and Halloween recipes. Also read the ultimate guide to preserves and browse our chutney recipes for tips on making the most of seasonal produce. For more autumnal inspiration, check out our best autumn kitchen activities, our best autumn home decor ideas, best autumn travel breaks for food lovers and our guide to what's in season in August?

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Starters
Mains
Desserts
Drinks

Autumn dinner ideas

Starters

Apple salad

This apple salad is quick to prepare, fresh and healthy, combining the crispness of fennel and apple with the richness of smoked mackerel for a light yet satisfying dish.

Three plates topped with shredded fennel, sliced apple and chunks of mackerel

Parsnip and apple soup

Make the most of parsnip season by combining with apples in this rich and creamy soup. Serve with crusty bread for a warming lunch or starter.

A grey bowl filled with creamy parsnip soup and topped with chopped chives

Roast pumpkin salad

This roast pumpkin salad is quick to prepare, full of vibrant flavours and textures and makes a wholesome gluten-free starter or dinner option that's both satisfying and low in calories.

Pear and blue cheese toasts

Seasonal pears team well with tangy blue cheese to make these deluxe sourdough toasties. Ideal for cosying down and munching on when it's wet and rainy outside.

Slices of rye sour dough topped with blue cheese, pear and salted butter honey on a board

Pickled grape salad with pear, taleggio and walnuts

Tangy pickled grapes shine in this autumnal salad recipe with creamy taleggio and crunchy pears. This gluten free recipe makes a perfect low-calorie midweek meal.

A salad of pickled grapes, pear, taleggio and walnuts in a large bowl with two smaller plates either side

This comforting bowl of seasonal veg soup is great for when the nights draw in. Whizzing the cream in at the end makes for a super-creamy consistency. Serve with a swirl of double cream and a hunk of buttered bread.

Carrot and parsnip soup in a white bowl next to spoon

Wild mushroom ravioli

October is the key season for wild mushroom foraging in the UK. Identifying the edible kinds can take some experience though, so if you are less confident with this, we'd recommend joining a course or buying from supermarkets or farm shops instead. Wild mushrooms take the centre stage in this delicate ravioli dish, which makes for an impressive starter or main.

Three plates of ravioli with wild mushrooms

Pumpkin soup

Great for using up any leftover pumpkin, this creamy soup is best served in big mugs with fingers of melty blue cheese and sage toasties for dipping. Equally ideal for a comforting autumnal lunch or for entertaining.

Blue cheese leeks with crispy bacon breadcrumbs

These indulgent blue cheese leeks with crispy bacon breadcrumbs are super-simple to make, only takes 30 minutes to prepare and make the perfect Sunday roast accompaniment.

Leeks, blue cheese and bacon breadcrumbs in a large baking dish

Clams with quick XO sauce

Give these clams a go for a quick autumn dinner party starter or a simple supper, they come with a quick and punchy XO sauce. XO sauce originates from Hong Kong and is traditionally made with dried shrimps and scallops. We’ve substituted these for shrimp paste, which is available in all large supermarkets.

Mains

Pumpkin curry

This pumpkin curry is an easy, warming one-pot meal that makes the most of pumpkin season – perfect for a comforting vegetarian dinner.

Bowl of pumpkin and chickpea curry with rice on the side and coriander on top

Roasted butternut squash with sage pesto

The vibrant colours of autumn are reflected in this comforting veggie traybake. Roast the squash in garlic and chilli, then top with a herby homemade pesto. If you love this vibrant veg, we've got plenty more easy butternut squash recipes to try.

Roasted butternut squash wedges with pesto on a baking tray

Creamy butternut squash pasta

Take your time to tenderise the butternut squash in this pasta and you'll be rewarded with a beautifully silky and sweet sauce when you blitz it. Perfect for a comforting bowl of pasta on cold autumn evenings.

Bowl of spaghetti with butternut squash sauce next to bowl of oil and glass of water

Cumin spiced swede and gouda pasties

These vegetarian swede and gouda pasties are packed with spiced vegetables, fragrant cumin and creamy cheese for a comforting twist on a classic. With golden pastry and a straightforward method, they’re perfect for a warming lunch or easy dinner.

'Nduja pepperonata stew

Celebrate autumn’s arrival with this tomato-based one-pan wonder. It serves up serves up to six and is freezable, too.

An oven dish flled with a red stew, topped with torn mozzarella next to a basket of bread

Sweet potato and chickpea curry

This sweet potato and chickpea curry is vibrant, rich and hearty – packed with nutrients and full of colourful flavour, making it a satisfying dinner choice.

Slow-cooked lamb and autumn veg one pot

This hearty one-pot celebrates autumn veg such as turnips, celery, leeks and carrots. These are slow-cooked together with herb-roasted lamb until beautifully tender. Serve with cooked grains such as pearl barley or spelt.

Lamb and slices of autumn veg served in a baking dish

Butternut squash curry

Chunks of butternut squash paired with coconut milk, ginger and garlic makes for a very comforting autumnal dish.

Sweet potato and brie galette

An elegant French tart, flavoured with sweet potato and brie. The perfect vegetarian centrepiece for a lazy weekend lunch.

Sticky plum and earl grey ribs with plum and sesame salad

Not just a warm weather dish - these irresistibly sticky ribs are given an autumnal makeover with a coating of rich spiced plum sauce plus an earl grey tea marinate.

Baby back ribs covered in plum sauce next to a plum salad on a baking tray.

Sweet potato and lentil curry

A vibrant, low-calorie and vegan dinner idea, made with sweet potatoes, red split lentils, coconut milk and plenty of spices. Enjoy with a naan or pilau rice.

Miso and chilli squash tarte tatin

This vibrant savoury tart is impressive yet simple to prepare – perfect for a dinner party and packed with bold flavours from miso, chilli and crispy sage.

Miso and chilli sage squash tarte tatin on a green background

Venison stew

Warm up on chilly autumn nights with a rich venison and sloe gin stew with cheesy polenta. It may take a little time, but it's worth it. Discover what sloe berries are and where you can find them.

Squash and sweet potato tagine

Sit down to a hearty bowl of our vibrant vegan tagine. Butternut squash and sweet potatoes are combined in a tomato sauce and flavoured with rose harissa and preserved lemons. The perfect meal for autumn weeknights.

Butternut squash mac and cheese

We've given one of the nation's favourite comfort foods an autumnal twists. The addition of roasted butternut squash cubes takes this cheesy pasta bake to the next level.

A white baking dish filled with baked macaroni and a golden cheese topping

Korean Philly cheese steak with Russian dressing

This recipe is a clever mash-up of Korean and classic American cuisine. We’ve added horseradish as it's in season in autumn and gives an extra kick to fight off the cooler weather.

Three sub rolls loaded with steak, cheese and sauce on a white plate

Spiced autumn lamb with butternut squash purée

Lamb is often thought of as a springtime food but a few more months out in the pasture gives a fuller flavoured meat. Try this easy coriander and cumin-spiced rack of lamb dish as a healthier alternative to your Sunday roast.

Butternut squash lasagne

This veggie butternut squash, spinach and mascarpone lasagne is a great veggie option. It's packed full of flavour and even meat-eaters won't be complaining.

Butternut squash, spinach and mascarpone lasagne in a large oval black baking dish, placed on a wooden plank

Pot-roast red curry pheasant

Often a mainstay of traditional dishes, this roasted pheasant is instead infused with the irresistibly aromatic flavours of Thai red curry. It only requires five minutes of prep time, so you can leave the oven to do all the work.

Plaice with warm tartare butter sauce

We have kept things simple so that plaice can shine in this autumnal dish. Try our easy plaice recipe with warm tartare butter sauce. This simple fish idea makes an easy entertaining idea with a tangy tartare sauce.

Creamy sprouts and pancetta spaghetti

Pair earthy Brussels sprouts with plenty of cream, pancetta, garlic, white wine and lemon for a genius spaghetti tea for two.

Cauliflower wellington

This hardy veg is a staple of warming autumn and winter dishes - from comforting curries to bubbling cauliflower cheese. It also works well in this showstopping veggie wellington. Complete with vibrant saffron spice and a mushroom duxelles, this luxurious dish is sure to impress.

A golden pastry crust with a cauliflower filling on a wooden table

Desserts

Caramelised apple and brown butter cheesecake bars

This recipe for caramelised apple and brown butter cheesecake bars offers a fresh way to enjoy autumnal spiced flavours, blending the comforting taste of apple crumble with a rich cheesecake layer.

A plate of apple cheesecake bars with tea in the background

Apple tart

This recipe transforms a glut of apples into a classic tart using insider tips and tricks – it is easy to prepare, delivers impressive results and is best enjoyed warm or cold with custard, ice cream or thick cream.

Spiced baked quince with walnut crumble

This spiced baked quince with walnut crumble is the perfect autumn dessert, balancing floral sweetness with warming spices. Slow baking transforms the fruit until tender and blushing pink, infused with honey, brown sugar and aromatic spice, while a crunchy walnut topping adds the perfect contrast.

A sharing bowl of baked quince with two full plates next to it

Dorset apple cake

Capture the essence of autumn with this delightful apple cake, a perfect treat for the season. Featuring a crunchy demerara sugar topping and a soft, lightly spiced sponge, it’s incredibly easy to make and can stay fresh for up to five days when stored in the fridge.

Marmalade upside-down cake

This marmalade upside-down cake gives a bittersweet twist to a classic, with fresh orange slices, tangy marmalade and plenty of zest for vibrant citrus flavour. The light sponge, made with yogurt and olive oil, is exceptionally moist.

A whole upside-down cake with one slice taken out of it

Classic apple and blackberry crumble

Combine seasonal apples and blackberries in a classic crumble with a satisfyingly sweet topping, ready in an hour. Check out more of our tempting crumble recipes.

Apple and blackberry crumble in a white oval baking dish with a portion taken out

Pear pie

Use seasonal juicy pears in this showstopping pie topped with sugar-topped flaky pastry. Inspired by a savoury Cornish stargazy pie, our pear and rhubarb version makes a comforting family pudding. Enjoy more perfect pear recipes.

Pumpkin pie

A staple of any Thanksgiving menu, this impressive pud is best served with a dollop of maple cream. Our creamy pumpkin pie recipe uses shop-bought pastry to simplify things. Discover more ideas in our collection of pumpkin recipes.

Plum upside-down cake

This vibrant traybake is a pure celebration of juicy plums and features a slightly unusual ingredient - couscous! The nutty grain – similar to polenta – adds a gentle bite to this traybake. Delicious served with a dollop of yogurt for dessert. Discover more sweet and savoury plums recipes.

A rectangular cake topped with pink plums set against a marble background

Pear tarte tatin

Combine a classic tarte tatin with ripe British pears for the ultimate pudding showstopper. Remember, ice cream on the side is non-negotiable

A whole tarte tatin on a white plate with one slice taken out of it

Quince and honey cake

Quince and honey are a great autumnal combination. Try them in this impressive upside-down cake which turns out beautifully moist and full of caramelised flavour.

Fig cake

Figs are an autumn staple, and their soft, squidgy texture lends well so baking. Try them in this comforting vanilla and almond sponge cake.

Pumpkin muffins

Make your own pumpkin purée to combine with warming autumnal spices for these seasonal pumpkin muffins. Top with cream cheese frosting for a stunning finish.

Toffee apple crumble

Give traditional apple crumble an extra flavour boost with a rich caramel coating for the apples and crunchy hazelnut topping. Perfect served with a cooling dollop of ice cream.

Marsala-baked plums with chantily cream

Most British varieties of plum come into season from mid-August to October. Bring out their flavour with sweet marsala and star anise in this easy dessert, topped with velvety Chantilly cream. Try more of our plum recipes.

Roasted Plums served with cream on a speckled grey plate

Apple crumble cake

Apple crumble is combined with a fluffy sponge to create a warming pudding which sings autumn. Serve this sheet cake with custard or cream for added indulgence.

A dark blue plate topped with a slice of sponge pudding covered in custard

Toffee apple cake

Bake our sticky apple cake topped with a creamy toffee frosting for an autumnal pick-me-up. This style of ‘dump’ cake comes from the US, referring to the stir-and-dump-it-in-a-tin method. Get more inspiration from our collection of apple recipes.