20 Easy Fall Recipes With Just 5 Ingredients

Fall is in the air, and honestly, my desire to spend hours in the kitchen is not. That's the beauty of these recipes. Each one is a total no-brainer, relying on just a handful of ingredients to create something seriously comforting and delicious. Let's get cozy without the complication.

Why 5-Ingredient Recipes Are a Game-Changer

Look, I get it. Complicated recipes with a mile-long ingredient list can be intimidating, expensive, and just plain exhausting. Sticking to five core ingredients (not counting basics like salt, pepper, oil, or water) simplifies everything. It cuts down on grocery bills, reduces food waste, and makes weeknight cooking feel actually achievable. It’s about working smarter, not harder, to get a fantastic, home-cooked meal on the table.

A Quick Note on Your Pantry

For these recipes to truly shine, I’m assuming you’ve got a few basics on hand: olive oil, salt, black pepper, and maybe some water. These are my "free" ingredients that don’t count toward the magic number five. They’re the supporting cast that lets the main stars—your five ingredients—really shine.

Breakfast & Sweet Treats

1. Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

This is the ultimate grab-and-go autumn breakfast. It’s creamy, meal-prepped ahead of time, and tastes like a treat.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk (any kind), 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice.
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a jar or container. Stir really well, seal, and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours). Enjoy cold in the morning.

2. Apple Cinnamon Microwave Mug Cake

For those sudden, undeniable dessert cravings. It’s single-serving, ready in 90 seconds, and so satisfying.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/4 cup finely chopped apple, 3 tbsp milk.
Instructions: In a mug, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and baking powder. Stir in the chopped apple and milk until just combined. Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds, until risen and firm.

3. Pear & Ginger Smoothie

A refreshing yet cozy smoothie that feels like a hug in a glass. The ginger gives it a lovely, warming kick.

Ingredients: 1 ripe pear (cored and chopped), 1 frozen banana, 1 cup vanilla yogurt, 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger, 1/4 cup milk or water.
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. Add a touch more liquid if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Cozy Soups & Sides

4. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

This soup is shockingly creamy without any actual cream. It’s pure, sweet, and savory fall comfort.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash (peeled and cubed), 1 apple (peeled and chopped), 1 small onion (chopped), 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp curry powder.
Instructions: In a large pot, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until squash is tender. Use an immersion blender to puree until silky smooth.

5. Rosemary Garlic Roasted Potatoes

A classic for a reason. These are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and smell absolutely incredible.

Ingredients: 2 lbs baby potatoes (halved), 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped), salt and pepper.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss all ingredients together on a baking sheet until potatoes are evenly coated. Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

6. Simple Cranberry Sauce

Forget the canned stuff. This is so easy and miles better. The orange zest makes it sing.

Ingredients: 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries, 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1 cinnamon stick, zest of 1 orange.
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries have burst and sauce has thickened. Remove cinnamon stick before serving.

7. Sausage & Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

This feels fancy but is embarrassingly easy. It’s a full meal in a cute, edible bowl.

Ingredients: 2 acorn squash (halved and seeded), 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed), 1 apple (chopped), 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp maple syrup.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, brown sausage in a skillet. Drain fat, then stir in apple. Flip squash, fill with sausage mixture, drizzle with syrup, and top with cheese. Bake another 15 minutes.

Hearty Main Courses

8. 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

The easiest, coziest chili you’ll ever make. It’s hearty, creamy, and perfect for a chilly evening.

Ingredients: 1 lb cooked shredded chicken, 1 can (15 oz) white beans (drained), 1 jar (16 oz) salsa verde, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp cumin.
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve with your favorite toppings.

9. Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

This looks and tastes like a gourmet meal but requires almost zero effort. The glaze is everything.

Ingredients: 1 lb pork tenderloin, 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic (minced).
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season pork with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides in an oven-proof skillet. Whisk remaining ingredients together and pour over pork. Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, basting occasionally, until cooked through.

10. One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon & Asparagus

Elegant, healthy, and the cleanup is nonexistent. A perfect weeknight win.

Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets, 1 bunch asparagus (ends trimmed), 1 lemon (sliced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss asparagus with half the oil and season. Push to the side. Place salmon on the sheet, drizzle with remaining oil, and top with seasoning and lemon slices. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily.

11. French Onion Smothered Chicken

All the deep, savory flavor of French onion soup in a quick chicken dish. You’re gonna love this one.

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 2 large onions (thinly sliced), 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup, 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, 1 tbsp thyme.
Instructions: In a skillet, caramelize onions over low heat for 20-25 minutes until deep brown. Push onions to the side, add chicken, and brown on both sides. Pour soup over everything, top with caramelized onions, cheese, and thyme. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked.

12. Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta

This sauce comes together in the time it takes to boil water. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly simple.

Ingredients: 1 lb pasta, 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce, 4 oz cream cheese (cubed), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 lb ground beef (optional).
Instructions: Cook pasta according to package directions. If using, brown ground beef in a separate pan. Drain. In the same pan, warm marinara sauce. Whisk in cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Stir in cooked beef (if using) and drained pasta. Toss to coat.

Vegetarian Mains

13. Spinach & Feta Stuffed Portobellos

These meaty mushrooms make a fantastic, satisfying vegetarian centerpiece. They’re juicy and packed with flavor.

Ingredients: 4 large Portobello mushroom caps (gills scooped out), 5 oz fresh spinach, 4 oz feta cheese (crumbled), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup marinara sauce.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush mushrooms with oil and bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, wilt spinach with garlic in a pan. Drain any liquid. Mix spinach with feta. Fill mushroom caps with marinara, then spinach-feta mixture. Bake for another 10-15 minutes.

14. Black Bean & Sweet Potato Tacos

A hearty, colorful, and healthy taco filling that everyone will devour. The ultimate Taco Tuesday upgrade.

Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes (peeled and diced), 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained), 1 tbsp taco seasoning, 8 corn tortillas, 1 avocado (sliced).
Instructions: Toss sweet potatoes with oil and taco seasoning. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender. Warm black beans. Heat tortillas. Assemble tacos with beans, sweet potatoes, and avocado slices.

15. Creamy Mushroom Pasta

So decadent, you won't believe it's only a few ingredients. It’s the ultimate pantry pasta.

Ingredients: 1 lb pasta, 1 lb mushrooms (sliced), 1 small onion (chopped), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Instructions: Cook pasta. In a large skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms until golden and all liquid has evaporated. Reduce heat, pour in cream and Parmesan, and stir until a sauce forms. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with drained pasta.

Sweet Endings

16. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Yes, really. These are a classic for a reason—they’re stupidly easy and always hit the spot.

Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms. Roll into 1-inch balls, place on a baking sheet, and flatten with a fork in a criss-cross pattern. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

17. Baked Cinnamon Apples

Like mini apple pies without the crust. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure magic.

Ingredients: 4 apples (cored and chopped), 2 tbsp butter (melted), 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 cup oats.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss apple chunks with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread in a baking dish and sprinkle oats on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until apples are soft and bubbly.

18. No-Churn Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

You don't need an ice cream maker for this! It’s creamy, spiced, and the perfect frozen fall treat.

Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream (very cold), 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Instructions: Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. In another bowl, whisk condensed milk, pumpkin, spice, and vanilla. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture until combined. Pour into a loaf pan, freeze for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

19. Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

A gourmet twist on a childhood favorite. The brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that is mind-blowing.

Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, 1 bag (10 oz) marshmallows, 6 tbsp butter, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Instructions: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Continue to cook, swirling pan, until it foams and turns a golden brown color (smells nutty!). Immediately add marshmallows and salt, stir until melted. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Quickly add cereal and stir to coat. Press firmly into a greased 9x13 pan. Let cool before cutting.

20. Maple Roasted Pears with Yogurt

This is less of a recipe and more of a thrown-together-elegant dessert. It’s healthy-ish and feels special.

Ingredients: 2 ripe pears (halved and cored), 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup granola, cinnamon for sprinkling.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake for 20-25 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly. Serve each half with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, and a drizzle of the pan juices.

Final Thoughts

See? Creating amazing fall food doesn't require a magic touch or a pantry that rivals a supermarket. It’s about letting a few great, seasonal ingredients do the talking. I hope this list inspires you to get into the kitchen and whip up something cozy without any of the stress. What’s the first recipe you’re gonna try? Let me know in the comments

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