On The Menu Week of September 22nd

Plan dinner with ease. Get 7 dinner menus and 40 fall recipes, from cozy mains and crisp salads to soups, homemade breads, and simple sweet treats.

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure statement for details. 

The first days of fall are always so refreshing. The air feels lighter, evenings grow cooler, and I can almost smell autumn riding on the breeze. This is the time of year when I start to crave heartier meals and warm flavors that make the house feel extra inviting.

I’ve been bringing in little touches of fall here at Tanglewood with some pumpkins on the porch, a cozy throw on the sofa, and a few branches with turning leaves tucked into vases. Just like decorating, cooking shifts with the seasons too. On the menu this week are comforting favorites like Chuck Roast with Balsamic and Dijon, Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken, Mayonnaise Crusted Baked Salmon, and Blackened Red Snapper with Crawfish Cream Sauce.

So, pour yourself something warm and let’s plan your meals together. Here’s what’s On The Menu this week…

There is something irresistible about a creamy Cajun sauce that is full of flavor yet simple to make. This version from Biscuits and Burlap is a keeper. It starts with just a spoonful or two of pan drippings from the fish, then layers in dry white wine, half and half, and a little flour to make it rich and velvety.

Cajun seasoning, oregano, and smoked paprika add spice and depth, while fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish. Poured over blackened red snapper, the sauce turns this meal into something truly special.

Pan Seared Fish With Creamy Cajun Sauce

Nani’s Sauteed Rice

Sauteed Fresh Green Beans

Sliced Garden Tomatoes

---

If you have an afternoon at home, this Chuck Roast from The Wicked Noodle is the perfect dinner for the season. It is easy to make and full of flavor, thanks to balsamic and Dijon, which give the roast a rich depth that feels just right for cooler days. I

have made this recipe before, and it has quickly become a favorite for Sunday suppers and cozy fall evenings. It is also company-worthy, especially when served with roasted vegetables or creamy potatoes.

Chuck Roast with Balsamic and Dijon

Roasted Carrots

Garden Tomatoes

---

One of my go-to food blogs is The Recipe Critic. Everything I have ever made from Alyssa’s site turns out absolutely scrumptious, and this Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken is no exception. The sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and smoky with just enough chipotle heat to make it interesting without being overpowering.

Chicken thighs are my very favorite cut of chicken to cook with because they stay so moist and flavorful. They are budget-friendly too, which makes this recipe a win all the way around. Grilled or baked, these chicken thighs turn out tender and delicious every time. I love serving them with a fresh salad or roasted fall vegetables for an easy dinner that tastes like you fussed.

---

I have a sous vide, and it really is one of the best ways to cook perfectly tender meat and seafood. If you’re not familiar with it, a sous vide (pronounced sue-veed) uses a small heating element to warm and circulate water in a pot. Meats, fish, or even vegetables are sealed in a bag and placed in the water, where they gently cook to the exact temperature you want. The best part is that it keeps everything at that perfect doneness until you’re ready to serve. This is such an easy way to cook!

This week, I’m using my sous vide to make a Pork Tenderloin. The pork turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of decadent flavor. This is such a wonderful recipe to try if you’re ready to put a sous vide on your kitchen wish list.

---

These Healthy Salmon Cakes are a recipe I turn to again and again. They are light, full of flavor, and come together so easily with ingredients I usually have on hand. The salmon cakes are golden and crisp on the outside while tender on the inside, and the homemade tartar sauce takes them to a whole new level.

This is one of those recipes that feels fresh and wholesome yet still special enough to serve for dinner guests. Pair them with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a delicious and balanced meal any night of the week.

Healthy Salmon Cakes

The Best Caesar Salad With Homemade Croutons And Dressing

Garden Tomatoes

Grilled hamburgers are one of my all-time favorite meals, and I come by that love honestly. My mom is just as crazy about a good burger as I am. They have to be juicy, cooked just right, and piled high with lots of fixings.

This week I’m making classic grilled hamburgers with a special burger sauce that makes them extra delicious. Early fall is the perfect time to fire up the grill, enjoy the crisp evening air, and savor a mouthwatering burger hot off the flames.

---

Cauliflower is in season in my area, so I am taking advantage of it by making this gorgeous soup from Seasons and Suppers.

It is creamy, flavorful, and just the kind of recipe that feels right for crisp fall days. When I make soup, I usually prepare a double batch so I have plenty to freeze and enjoy for easy lunches throughout the season.

---

This apple cake truly is the best, and I don’t say that lightly. The recipe has the perfect balance of tender apples, warm spices, and a moist crumb that keeps everyone coming back for more. From the very first bite, you know this is a cake you will want to make again and again. It fills the house with the most wonderful aroma as it bakes, and it tastes even better the next day.

It is the kind of dessert that feels like fall on a plate. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it just as it is with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Once you make it, I’m sure you’ll be hooked too. This is one of those classic recipes that becomes a family favorite in no time.

Raw Apple Cake

---

A delicious Chicken Taco Soup that eats like a meal.

I’ve gotta try these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars, YUM!

Looking for an easy chicken recipe? Try Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake!

These gorgeous Pecan Pie Bars will be perfect for fall!

This is a great autumn Cheese Ball With Diced Ham And Pecans.

Honey roasted pears are sweet, simple, and beautiful to serve.

Caramelized onion, bacon, and blue cheese puff pastry tarts are full of bold flavor.

Crock pot chicken and stuffing is an easy, comforting family dinner.

Tuscan chicken mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and full of Italian flavor.

Pumpkin spice French toast is cozy, sweet, and perfect for fall mornings.

Roasted hasselback butternut squash is flavorful, tender, and impressive on the table.

Croque monsieur savory bread pudding is rich, cheesy, and so satisfying.

Creamy honey mustard chicken is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

Maple pecan roasted acorn squash is sweet, nutty, and perfect for fall.

This Baked Chicken Gnocchi with Asiago Sauce is creamy, comforting, and just right for an easy fall dinner.

Garlic Prosciutto and Hot Honey Baked Brie Bowl is an appetizer that is simple to make but tastes like something special.

These Red Wine Braised Short Ribs cook low and slow until they are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy evening meal.

Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes are a delicious side dish that pairs well with just about any main course.

I hope this week’s menu inspires you to cook with what’s in season and enjoy the simple goodness of early fall!

More Recipes To Enjoy

Fall Soup Recipes- Warm up your autumn days with these 7 delicious and comforting fall soup recipes that are perfect for cozy meals at home.

Favorite Fall Recipes – Enjoy the best of fall cooking with favorite seasonal recipes that are full of comfort and flavor, perfect to enjoy all season long.

Easy Dinner Recipe Roundup– Get 45 quick and delicious recipes in our easy dinners roundup. From one-pan wonders to 30-minute meals, simplify your cooking while savoring mouthwatering flavors.

Happy cooking, friend…