Autumn Feasts Made Easy: 35 Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for a Cozy Fall Gathering

35 Fall Recipes That Will Easily Feed A Crowd

Introduction

When the crisp air of autumn arrives, so does the season of gatherings—think tailgates, harvest parties, and cozy family dinners. Fall is bursting with fresh produce and warming spices, making it the perfect time to serve hearty, flavorful dishes. Whether it’s a Friendsgiving feast or a festive weekend get-together, these 35 fall recipes are crafted to help you effortlessly feed a crowd with comfort and style.

Why These Fall Recipes Are Crowd Favorites

Every recipe on this list is designed with simplicity, big flavor, and easy scaling in mind. You’ll find classics like chili and casseroles, creative sheet pan meals, festive desserts, and much more—each making the most of autumn’s harvest and ideal for serving groups. There’s no need to fuss over complicated techniques; instead, focus on bold flavors, minimal prep, and meals that invite everyone to dig in.

Mix-and-Match Dishes for Any Occasion

This collection includes dishes for all your fall celebrations—savory mains, shareable sides, snacks perfect for parties, and impressive desserts. Many can be doubled, prepped ahead, or kept warm for flexible serving. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, a tailgate, or a holiday dinner, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

35 Fall Recipes That Will Easily Feed A Crowd

  • Classic Pumpkin Chili with Black Beans
  • Butternut Squash and Sausage Sheet Pan Bake
  • Harvest Apple & Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
  • Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole
  • Roasted Sweet Potato and Brussels Sprouts Medley
  • Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Slaw
  • Baked Ziti with Fall Veggies
  • Slow Cooker Beef Stew
  • Autumn Minestrone Soup
  • Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Puff Pastry Squares
  • Maple Roasted Carrot & Quinoa Salad
  • Loaded Baked Potato Bar
  • Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
  • Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders
  • Acorn Squash with Wild Rice Stuffing
  • Creamy Corn & Bacon Chowder
  • Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
  • Spiced Pear and Cranberry Crisp
  • Cider-Glazed Ham
  • Sheet Pan Chicken with Root Vegetables
  • Moroccan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Stew
  • Spinach Artichoke Dip with Toasted Baguette
  • Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
  • Roasted Cauliflower and Barley Bowl
  • Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
  • Baked Apple Fritters
  • Butternut Squash Lasagna
  • Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
  • Sausage and Apple Breakfast Casserole
  • Loaded Nachos with Autumn Salsa
  • Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Braised Short Ribs with Root Veggies
  • Spaghetti Squash Boats with Marinara
  • Maple Oatmeal Cookie Bars
  • Classic Mulled Cider for a Crowd

Ingredients

Assorted main and side dish staples for 35 people, such as:
5-6 lbs chicken or beef (for stew or casserole)
3 lbs butternut squash, cubed
2 dozen eggs
4 lbs potatoes
2 lbs Brussels sprouts
4 cups cooked beans or lentils
12 cups leafy greens (for salads)
2 cups shredded cheese
3 large baguettes (for dips)
4 cups pasta (for baked ziti/mac and cheese)
3 lbs assorted apples and pears
2 lbs carrots
Various spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, chili powder, garlic, thyme, rosemary
2 cups nuts (pecans, walnuts)
1 quart milk or cream
4 cups broth (chicken, beef, or veggie)
8 oz cream cheese (for frostings or dips)
Jarred sauces as needed (marinara, maple syrup, cider, vinaigrettes)
Sucrose for baking needs (brown sugar, honey, etc.)
Salt, pepper, oil, butter for cooking

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this fall recipe collection to instantly create a digital shopping list—automatically sorted by store sections—so you never forget an ingredient (or buy more than you need) for your next big event.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Choose 3-5 recipes to suit your event (mains, sides, desserts, and a drink/dip).
  2. For casserole and sheet pan dishes, assemble ingredients in advance. Refrigerate overnight if needed for easy oven-to-table service.
  3. Use your slow cooker or Instant Pot for hands-off stews, chili, or pulled pork.
  4. Prep salads and baked items on the day-of for maximum freshness. Store dressings and frostings separately until ready to serve.
  5. Set up a buffet with mains front and center, sides clustered around, and desserts at the end for easy crowd flow.
  6. Serve punches or mulled cider in slow cookers or insulated dispensers to keep them warm for hours.

Weekly Meal Planning

Hosting or feeding a large group is so much easier when you plan ahead. Save and schedule these crowd-pleasing recipes to plan your hosting calendar and consolidate shopping lists. You’ll get a clear overview of ingredient totals, avoid duplicate purchases, and ensure every meal is prepped on schedule.

Planning Benefits:

  • Calculates all ingredient amounts based on serving sizes
  • Organizes shopping lists to save you time at the store
  • Avoids forgotten or redundant ingredients for big meals
  • Helps map out servings for appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts

Pro tip: Plan your week with a mix of these recipes to use leftovers creatively and ensure there’s something for everyone. Efficient batch cooking and portioning is a hospitality game changer—use CookifyAI to organize, schedule, and shop smarter all season long.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 30-60 minutes (depending on recipes and batch size)
Cook Time: 30-120 minutes (can stagger baking/roasting and slow cooker meals)
Total Time: 1 to 3 hours for a full spread—less with smart planning and make-ahead dishes

The Joy of Fall Crowd Cooking (Recap)

Simple prep, maximum flavor, and flexible serving make these 35 fall recipes essential for crowd-pleasing autumn feasts. Gather your friends and family, set your table with delicious, colorful dishes, and enjoy the very best that fall cooking has to offer.

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