What to Cook in September

September feels like that sweet spot between summer and fall: the air starts to cool, routines settle in, and the rhythm of the school year solidifies. As you think about what to cook in September, it’s the perfect moment to shift from light, sunny meals to dishes that are still bright but a little more grounded and cozy.

What to Cook in September🍽️🍂

School weeks and cooler nights call for comforting dishes made with seasonal ingredients. September brings beautiful late-summer produce, including juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches, and crisp apples, alongside early fall favorites such as squash, mushrooms, and root vegetables. Think meals that bridge the seasons: easy, nourishing, and perfect for gathering around the table.

🧑‍🍳Late-Summer-to-Early-Fall Mains to Cook in September

Seasonal Comforts as Summer Fades

Mushroom Gnocchi. The pillowy gnocchi pairs beautifully with the creamy mushroom sauce, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners at home.

Cornbread Casserole with Ground Beef. Full of flavor and layers, this comfort food dish will be a new go-to in your dinner rotation.

Smothered Pork Chops. a classic dish born in the South that brings a perfect cast iron sear and savory gravy to dinnertime.

Carrot Ginger Soup. It’s a comforting dish on a crisp fall night when you crave something warm.

Caramelized Bourbon Peach Salmon. Take advantage of the last peaches of the season. They pair beautifully with salmon.

Keto Fajita Shrimp Dinner. Quick and low-carb, this meal is one of our favorites.

APPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL. A easy baked breakfast filled with fresh apples and cinnamon.

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini with Kale and Sundried Tomatoes!

Create a hearty, warm, filling dish with a balance of fresh acidic flavors in a thick cream sauce when you make this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini with Kale and Sundried Tomatoes!

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Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken

Tender chicken breast, vibrant bell peppers, and savory onions come together with a zesty black bean sauce to create a meal that's bursting with flavor.

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Skillet Fried Potatoes

Easy Skillet Fried Potatoes are made with oil, butter, onions, and delicious Italian Herbs in a cast iron skillet for a smoky char and quick side dish in less than 30 minutes.

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Maple Cider Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tender fresh carrots are chopped into 1/4 inch coins and boiled in a maple and apple cider reduction, sprinkled with soft Herbs de Provence. This fragrant side dish is perfect for any holiday or week night dinner.

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Stovetop Smoked Sausage and Beans

This Stovetop Smoked Sausage and Beans are a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the tummy and the soul. I used canned beans to cut the cooking time down to 30 minutes without losing any flavor. It's a comforting, satisfying dish that combines smoky, savory, and slightly spicy elements.

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🚸Back-to-School Lunches & Quick Dinners

Buffalo chicken ravioli casserole. a quick and easy family favorite that takes just minutes to put together, thanks to convenience products.

15-minute Asian chicken wraps. Perfect for prepping once and eating all week.

CREAMY ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP RECIPE.

Hissy Fit Dip Pasta. This delectable pasta dish takes all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the dip and transforms it into a hearty pasta meal

Cilantro Lime Chicken. One pan, in 30 minutes, and the cleanup is a breeze.

My boys love pasta. My 17+ Favorite Weeknight Pasta Dinners is a list of their most requested.

Street Corn Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These versatile wraps make a healthy choice when you need a quick meal.

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Chorizo Shrimp Quesadilla

Quick and easy quesadilla made with shrimp and chorizo.

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ZESTY CUBAN SANDWICH

This glorified grilled cheese is full of ham, tenderloin, cheese, pickles, and mustard.

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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

These sandwiches come together quickly for an easy and hearty meal.

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Sloppy Joe Quesadillas

A delicious and easy quesadilla recipe using Sloppy Joe sauce.

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🍎🥧Cozy Desserts & Seasonal Sweets to Cook in September

Sweet Potato Pound Cake

Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Pecan Praline Brownies

Crustless Pumpkin Pie Crumble

Cake Mix Pumpkin Loaf

We Strawberry Mojito Cocktails until October then give them a rest until March.

Cake Mix Apple Cobbler

This is a simple Apple Cobbler made with cake mix. When you need a fast, no-fuss dessert for fall or the holidays, this recipe is precisely what you’re looking for!

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

The cake is soft, springy, bouncy, fluffy, and the cream cheese layer is like having a layer of cheesecake baked into the cake. The big ribbon of cream cheese is thick and bold making this cake out of this world.

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Pumpkin Alabama Pecan Bread

Pumpkin Alabama Pecan Bread combines pumpkin and pecans into a flavorful, easy-to-make recipe. It’s versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert.

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Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

Delicious muffins packed with pumpkins, apples, carrots, dried cranberries and more.

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Blue Ribbon Apple Fritter Waffles with Caramel Sauce

Apple slices are cooked in butter then added to waffles to give these Blue Ribbon Apple Fritter Waffles with Caramel Sauce a pop of flavor.

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🍳✨September Cooking Tips

• Prep early: Chop squash, roast potatoes, or make salsas ahead.
• Double your cooking: Roast extra veggies or bake extra chicken for grain bowls, salads, or wraps.
• Divide and freeze: Make batch desserts like crisp now and thaw later on a chilly weekend.
• Toast spices: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage start to pair beautifully with cooling temperatures. Add a pinch to savory dishes for a cozy twist.

Conclusion

September bridges the best of summer and fall. When you plan what to cook in September, keep meals bright and easy, but start layering in warmth and comfort. Enjoy the transition—one roasted squash, one peach crisp at a time. 🍂🍑

Paula Jones is the founder, creator, and cook at CallMePMc.com, where she provides simple recipes & time-saving strategies for nutritious & delicious meals for your family. Born and raised in the South, Paula, or PMc as her friends call her, understands that many life events happen around the dinner table, & she wants you to enjoy that time in the kitchen & around the table stress-free with your family and friends. You’ll enjoy a variety of recipes at CallMePMc.com, from updated Southern classics, to practical, healthy, and indulgent. Learn more about Paula. Shop Paula’s favorites link on her Amazon storefront.