Autumn Eats: A Full Day of Fall and Halloween Themed Recipes For Meal Prep

These easy recipes are perfect for meal prep and will give you a cozy, fall-inspired vibe to your day! From a hearty soup for lunch to an apple crisp dessert, these recipes are designed to make your meals both convenient and flavorful, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal flavors without compromising on taste or nutrition. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients from Trader Joe's (and grab a vanilla spice candle while you're at it), and let these recipes guide you towards a satisfying and wholesome dining experience that captures the essence of autumn. 🍂👨‍🍳

Recommended: Prep meals ahead of time in containers so they are ready to be eaten or heated up in minimal time.

Breakfast

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

A creamy, delicious breakfast with all the flavors of fall, perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)

• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)

• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)

• Toppings: chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, or fresh fruit

Instructions:

1. In a mason jar or bowl, mix the oats, almond milk, pumpkin puree, chia seeds, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and sweetener.

2. Stir well to combine, ensuring there are no lumps.

3. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.

4. In the morning, stir the oats and add your favorite toppings, like chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, or dried cranberries.

Lunch

Spiced Pumpkin and Lentil Soup

A warm, creamy soup perfect for chilly fall days.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed

• 2 cups pumpkin puree (or fresh roasted pumpkin)

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley and Greek yogurt for topping

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.

2. Add lentils, pumpkin puree, and vegetable broth. Stir in cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.

4. Blend the soup until smooth. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Snack

Halloween Stuffed Peppers (Jack-o'-Lantern Style)

Fun and festive stuffed peppers shaped like jack-o'-lanterns.

Ingredients:

• 4 orange bell peppers

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 lb ground turkey or chicken

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds. Carve jack-o'-lantern faces into the sides.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté ground turkey or chicken with onions until cooked through. Add quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

3. Stuff each pepper with the mixture. Top with shredded cheese if desired.

4. Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.

Dinner

Harvest Chicken and Butternut Squash Skillet

A hearty and colorful one-pan dish loaded with fall veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed

• 1 apple, cored and diced

• 1/2 red onion, sliced

• 1/2 cup brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet and sauté butternut squash, apple, red onion, and brussels sprouts until tender, about 10-12 minutes.

3. Return chicken to the skillet. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

4. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until flavors meld together. Garnish with chopped pecans if desired.

Dessert

Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

A cozy, warm dessert with all the flavors of fall.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1/4 cup almond flour

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 2 tbsp chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, toss apples with maple syrup and cinnamon.

2. Transfer apples to a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix oats, almond flour, coconut oil, and nuts (if using) until crumbly.

3. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples. Bake for 25-30 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden.

I hope you enjoy these comforting, healthy dishes that are perfect for a fall day while embodying the Halloween spirit! Gather your loved ones, light a few candles, and savor the flavors of the season with these delectable and festive creations.

Happy cooking! 🍂🥧