An Easy Early October Menu

Weeknight Menu Favorites

recipe & photo via Brooklyn Supper

Butternut Squash and Sausage Pizza

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with a butternut squash you randomly picked up at the market, you’re not alone. But rest assured, cooking up that squash is far less intimidating than it looks. In this recipe, you’ll simply slice, roast, and top it on a pizza with plenty of fresh mozzarella in the mix. Just add wine, and you’ve got the ultimate mid-week dinner.

recipe & photo via Bon Appetit

Oven Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms and Thyme

Have you cooked with polenta before? If not, consider this the perfect beginner’s recipe. You’ll be adding in a mixture of mushrooms and herbs to balance the flavor, but here’s the best part: the oven does 90% of the work. Your only task is to prep, bake, and enjoy.

recipe & photo via Downshiftology

Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash

Now that you’ve already got butternut squash in your grocery shopping cart, it’s only fitting to try out another variation of this classic fall flavor. This time around, you’ll be stuffing your squash with a mix of apples, sausage, spinach and herbs for a healthy dinner that also makes great leftovers. PS: this recipe is naturally gluten-free, just in case that’s your thing.

recipe & photo via Skinnytaste

Turkey Meatball Spinach Tortellini Soup

For a fall-approved dinner that’s big on flavor but minimal on calories, this soup is just the ticket. There’s a bit of legwork upfront to prep your meatballs, but once you start the stovetop action, everything comes together in a cinch. Serve it up in big soup bowls for your whole family, and don’t forget to top with generous amounts of freshly grated parm.

The Perfect Fall Snack

recipe & photo via Jessica in the Kitchen

Vegan Pumpkin Mug Cake

Sometimes a late-night craving strikes, and there’s no time to make a big fuss with the oven. And that’s where single-serve mug cakes come in. This mug cake creation from Jessica in the Kitchen features tons of pumpkin spice flavors, and is made with pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s a vegan-friendly recipe, but you can easily swap in any milk, oil or flour option you prefer.

Our Favorite Fall Cocktail

recipe & photo via Short Girl Tall Order

Pear Vanilla Gin Fizz

Fall cocktails are getting a fun makeover thanks to this recipe from Megan of Short Girl Tall Order. Rather than the usual apple or cinnamon spices, she’s using pear and vanilla combo for a perfectly unexpected drink. Be sure you’ve got soda water and gin on hand, and you’ve got your new five o’clock go-to.