It’s no secret that with autumn comes many seasonal activities and traditions such as apple picking, pumpkin picking, haunted hay rides, Halloween movies, and fall decorating. Arguably the best part of fall, however, is the comfort food that comes along with cozy nights, shorter days, and cooler weather. Fruit smoothies, watermelon, and barbecue may have been all the rage only a short month ago, but with a new season comes a new plethora of food. Here’s a list of the best fall comfort foods:
1. Macaroni and cheese
Every college student’s favorite microwavable meal becomes gourmet during autumn. And with so many different types of mac’n’cheese, the possibilities of cheesy goodness are endless.
2. Chicken noodle soup
One of the best things on a crisp fall day: chicken noodle soup. As the temperature lowers and the constant chill in the air starts to get to you, there’s no doubt that chicken noodle soup will instantly bring warmth and happiness. Not to mention it’s one of the best cures for the colds that start coming.
3. Grilled cheese
One of the most versatile seasonal comfort foods, grilled cheese is good for almost every occasion throughout autumn. Watching a football game on a lazy Sunday afternoon— grilled cheese. After-pumpkin-picking-snack—grilled cheese. Craving some tomato soup? Don’t forget the grilled cheese. Plus, there are so many ways of making it! Use any cheese you want, add tomato, peppers, bacon, jalapeños, avocado— honestly, the list is exhaustive.
4. Mashed potatoes
Ah, the ultimate comfort food. Mashed potatoes are extremely popular on Thanksgiving Day, but throughout the entirety of autumn (and even winter) they are literally the best food to lift your spirits, warm you up, and make you feel relaxed and ready for an afternoon nap.
5. Hot chocolate
One of my personal favorite things about the cooler weather is that it’s a perfect time for getting under a blanket with hot chocolate. Admittedly, this sweet drink is probably more popular in winter, yet there’s always that out-of-place snowstorm in October/November that warrants a break from Pumpkin Spice Lattes for hot chocolate.
6. Lasagna
Not necessarily seasonal, lasagna is definitely one of the best comfort foods out there. The cheesy goodness is enough to make anyone go into a solid three hour food hibernation, not to mention the endless possibilities with meats, veggies, cheeses, and toppings to really spice up the classic dish.
7. Pancakes
Much like lasagna, pancakes are not something that come about only in autumn. However, since comfort food becomes 99% better in the fall, it’s worth mentioning that pancakes are one excellent comfort food. Although they are wildly popular for breakfast, I actually think they make a better dinner. Get the pumpkin spice pancake mixture, add some syrup and some bacon and a warm cup of tea and you’re in comfort food heaven.
8. Butternut squash soup
Definitely seasonal, butternut squash soup is one of those acquired tastes. As a child, I hated it. Now when October rolls around, I can’t get enough of it. (Pro-tip: the Autumn Squash Soup from Panera is amazing— especially when you dip bread in it.)
9. Warm cinnamon buns
Even though these are sold all year round, there’s something about these sticky, cinnamon-spiced rolls of dough in fall time that makes them so much more comforting. Maybe it’s the warm icing on a brisk autumn morning, or the sweet yet slightly spicy cinnamon. Or maybe it’s the soft and flaky bun that steams as you pull it apart. Either way- mouth watering.
10. French onion soup
The third soup on the list, French onion soup is most definitely a comfort classic. The soft and soggy bread that sinks to the center and the immense amounts of cheese broiled on the top is enough to turn any frown upside down.
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