The holidays are over, fall is officially here and you know what that means — time for some seriously tasty (and healthier) recipes to enjoy! Fall comes with so many flavors and foods and today we’re making recipes that encompass all that. Here are three super delicious ideas that’ll make this colder weather feel extra cozy.

First up, we’ll whip up a lighter version of baked mac and cheese that’s still cheesy and comforting but won’t make you feel guilty. Trust me, they’re the perfect way to use up those apples on your counter. Next, we have a delicious butternut squash salad that’s packed with flavor and a burst of color. And to top it all off, we’ve got homemade apple chips that are crunchy, sweet and dusted with cinnamon. So grab your ingredients and let’s dive into these yummy fall recipes that are perfect for sharing with family and friends or just enjoying on your own.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese is about to become your new favorite way to enjoy this classic dish. Seriously, it’s super easy to make and always a hit with family and friends. Picture this: creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy, golden topping that just makes every bite irresistible. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you’re feeding a crowd. Plus, you can totally customize it with your favorite cheeses or add-ins. Trust me, once you try this baked version, you’ll never want to go back.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces elbow pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 2-3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach
• Breadcrumbs and more shredded mozzarella for the top

Instructions:

Cook your macaroni according to the instructions on the box.

Preheat your oven to 375 F.

Make your sauce by heating butter in a large skillet and then add in your flour slowly while stirring on a low heat.

Add in the milk and vegetable broth on medium heat while stirring until it’s well combined.

Season your sauce with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Once the sauce becomes thick, remove it from the heat and mix in the cheese (add in a bit of the cheese and stir, add more and stir.…).

Add in the cooked macaroni and a cup of baby spinach.

Spray a cooking dish and fill it with the macaroni mixture. Top it with more shredded cheese, breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and enjoy!

Butternut Squash Salad

It’s time to level up your salad game this fall and this delicious butternut squash salad is where it’s at. It’s loaded with all the good stuff: creamy baked butternut squash, sweet dates and tangy goat cheese that blend perfectly together. Toss in some crunchy pumpkin seeds and vibrant pomegranate seeds for an explosion of color and flavor. All of this sits on a bed of mixed greens and is drizzled with a zesty citrus dressing that brings everything to life. This isn’t just any salad — it’s fall in a bowl!

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen butternut squash cubes
• 6 cups spring mix
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds/pistachios
• 1/4 cup goat cheese
• 3 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 lemons, squeezed
• ¼ cup pomegranate juice
• Dash of salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

Place your cubed butternut squash on a piece of parchment paper, spray with oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 425 F for 25-30 minutes.

Assemble your salad, starting with the spring mix. Then top it with your cooked butternut squash. Top it with the toppings like pomegranate seeds, sunflower seeds, goat cheese and chopped dates.

Make the dressing by combining all the ingredients. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix well.

Homemade Apple Chips

If you’re looking for a super easy and tasty snack, you’ve got to try these homemade apple chips. They’re crunchy, sweet and totally addictive! We’re talking fresh apples sprinkled with cinnamon and a hint of coconut sugar that gives them the perfect fall vibe. So grab your apples and let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

• 2 apples
• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

Slice the apples thinly with a knife or mandolin.

Mix the sliced apples with the melted coconut oil.

Mix in the coconut sugar and cinnamon until each apple slice is coated with cinnamon sugar.

Lay out the slices on a piece of parchment paper and air fry at 350 F for 15-20 minutes until crispy; keep it in the oven for longer for extra creaminess.

Let it cool and enjoy!

Tali is a recipe developer who loves creating recipes that take minimal effort yet taste delicious. She started her Instagram account @behindthesnack back in 2019 and has grown it to 90K+ fans who all share the same love of easy and delicious recipes.