9 Best Cheesy Fall Recipes (Seasonal, Comforting & Fun)

As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, there’s something special about fall that calls for cozy, hearty meals. And what better way to embrace the season than by incorporating cheese into your favourite fall recipes? Whether it’s melting over roasted vegetables, being baked into savoury pies, or adding creaminess to soups, cheese brings a comforting richness to any dish. Here are some of the best cheesy fall recipes that will make the season even more delicious.

READ ALSO: The most iconic dishes featuring cheese from all around the world →

How to choose the best cheeses for fall recipes

Selecting the right cheese can make all the difference in a recipe, especially when it comes to fall dishes that rely on cheese for their rich, comforting flavours.

Here are some tips to help you choose the best cheeses for each of these cheesy fall recipes:

1. Consider the melting qualities

For dishes like gratins, mac and cheese or potato soup, you’ll want cheeses that melt smoothly and evenly. Cheddar, Gruyère and Taleggio are excellent choices because they have a high moisture content, making them ideal for creating creamy, gooey textures. Avoid crumbly or hard cheeses like Feta or Parmesan for these dishes, as they don’t melt well.

2. Balance flavours

Cheese should complement the other ingredients in your recipe. For example, the nutty, slightly salty taste of Gruyère pairs beautifully with the sweet butternut squash in a gratin, while an Aged Cheddar contrasts well with the mild sweetness of pumpkin in mac and cheese. When using bolder cheeses like Brie or goat cheese, keep the other flavours in the dish more subtle to let the cheese shine.

3. Go for seasonal and fresh

When possible, choose cheeses that are at their seasonal peak. Soft cheeses like Brie and Goat Cheese are ideal for autumn, as they are rich and creamy, perfect for pairing with figs, apples or roasted vegetables. Hard cheeses like Cheddar and Gruyère are also great for fall, as their deep flavours match the richness of fall vegetables and hearty grains.

4. Buy high-quality cheese

Where possible, opt for high-quality, artisanal cheeses rather than processed varieties. Fresh, natural cheeses tend to have better flavour and texture, and they’ll make a noticeable difference in your recipes. Look for cheeses from reputable cheesemakers or local farmers’ markets to ensure you’re getting the best quality.

By paying attention to these factors, you can ensure that you elevate your cheesy fall recipes, making them even more enjoyable.

My top 9 cheesy fall recipes

Now that we’ve got the ground rules for cheese selection out of the way, let’s take a look at how you can incorporate them into some great cheesy fall recipes.

1. Butternut Squash and Gruyère Gratin

This creamy, cheesy butternut squash gratin is a perfect side dish for fall. It pairs the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the nutty, slightly salty flavour of Gruyère cheese, which melts beautifully into a bubbly, golden topping.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and sliced
• 200g Gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200ml heavy cream
• 100ml milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Layer the butternut squash slices in a greased baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine cream, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the cream mixture over the squash and top with grated Gruyère.
5. Bake for 45 minutes until the squash is tender and the cheese is golden brown.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.

2. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin isn’t just for desserts—it adds a velvety texture to mac and cheese, giving this classic comfort dish a fall twist. The subtle sweetness of pumpkin blends beautifully with an Aged Cheddar, creating a dish that’s rich, warm, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 300g elbow macaroni
• 200g Aged Cheddar, grated
• 100g Cream Cheese
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 250ml milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt the Cream Cheese with milk over low heat.
3. Stir in the pumpkin purée, Cheddar cheese, mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until fully coated.
5. Serve hot, optionally garnished with crispy breadcrumbs for added texture.

3. Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Tart

This simple yet elegant tart is perfect for autumn gatherings. The combination of sweet, caramelized apples and creamy Brie cheese is a match made in heaven, while the flaky puff pastry provides a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 3 medium apples, thinly sliced
• 200g Brie cheese, sliced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet and score a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Arrange the apple slices and Brie cheese in an alternating pattern inside the border.
4. Drizzle honey over the apples and Brie, and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
5. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crisp.
7. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

4. Cheesy Potato Soup

Few things are as comforting as a bowl of potato soup on a chilly autumn day. This version is packed with melted Cheddar cheese, making it extra creamy and rich. Top it with crispy bacon bits and chives for the ultimate indulgence.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500ml chicken or vegetable broth
• 300ml milk
• 200g Cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Fresh chives for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the diced potatoes and broth, then bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
3. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth (or leave some chunks for texture).
4. Stir in the milk and Cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the soup.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve topped with crumbled bacon and chives.

5. Fig and Goat Cheese Salad

Fall is fig season, and they pair beautifully with creamy Goat Cheese in this simple salad. The sweetness of the figs and the tanginess of the Goat Cheese are balanced with peppery arugula and crunchy walnuts, making this a light yet flavourful dish.

Ingredients

• 4 fresh figs, quartered
• 100g Goat Cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups arugula
• 1 small bunch of green grapes
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Arrange the arugula on a serving platter.
2. Top with quartered figs, crumbled Goat Cheese and grapes.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

6. Cheddar and Sage Biscuits

These buttery, flaky biscuits are packed with a mature Cheddar cheese and the earthy flavour of sage, making them a perfect accompaniment to soups, stews or even your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 100g cold butter, cubed
• 150g Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 200ml buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the grated Cheddar and chopped sage.
5. Add buttermilk and mix until just combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Mushroom and Taleggio Risotto

Mushrooms are at their best in the fall, and they pair beautifully with the creamy, earthy flavour of Taleggio cheese in this luxurious risotto. The slow cooking method brings out the earthy, savoury flavours of the mushrooms and the rich creaminess of the cheese.

Ingredients

• 200g Arborio rice
• 200g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500ml vegetable broth, warmed
• 200ml white wine
• 150g Taleggio cheese, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pan, sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms in butter until the mushrooms are golden.
2. Add the rice and stir to coat in the butter.
3. Pour in the white wine and cook until it’s mostly absorbed.
4. Gradually add the broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously until the rice is creamy and al dente.
5. Stir in the Taleggio cheese until melted.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, and a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish that turns this simple vegetable dish into something special. This is a great side dish for any fall meal, particularly holiday dinners.

Ingredients

• 500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 100g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside.
4. Remove from the oven and toss with Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar.
5. Serve warm as a side dish.

9. Baked Brie Puff Pastry with Cranberry Sauce

Baked Brie is the ultimate fall appetiser. The gooey, melty cheese is paired with sweet cranberries, all wrapped up in golden puff pastry. It’s perfect for entertaining or simply indulging yourself on a chilly evening.

Ingredients

• 1 round of Brie cheese
• 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Place the Brie in the centre of the puff pastry.
3. Fold the pastry over the Brie and seal the edges.
4. Brush the pastry with egg wash and bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Top with cranberry sauce.
6. Serve immediately with crackers or slices of baguette.

Conclusion

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in rich, comforting dishes, and cheese adds a warm, creamy element to any meal. From savoury tarts and hearty soups to decadent risottos and baked appetisers, these cheesy fall recipes will bring a touch of indulgence to your autumn table.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these recipes are sure to become seasonal favourites, making fall feel even more comforting and delicious.

Enjoy the season with these cheesy delights!

Jonah Kincaid

Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!