21 Fall Dinner Party Ideas for Cozy Entertaining at Home

Theresa Greco
·5-min read

Fall is a wonderful time to host a casual get-together and take advantage of the quiet company of close friends before the madness of the holiday season begins. Don't let the simplicity of a recipe fool you into thinking it isn't worthy enough to serve to friends and family at your dinner table. Relaxed dinner recipes like these that take very little effort can still produce a delicious meal that's certain to impress even the most finicky of guests, and leaves you as the cook plenty of time to enjoy the party.

From pasta bakes to one-pan suppers, to harvest-inspired dishes, these 21 comforting fall dinner party recipes are sure to leave your guests full, happy and feeling cozy throughout the fall season ahead.

If you're looking for fall pasta dishes, try baked pasta with spinach and zucchini, brown butter pumpkin alfredo and brown butter mushroom sage risotto. Or, for a fancy date night dinner, how about apple cider braised lamb shanks? Chard stuffed acorn squash with za'atar and roasted chickpeas and pumpkin seeds also make delicious fall sides.

Related: No-Bake Fall Dessert Ideas

Best Fall Dinner Party Recipes & Menu Ideas

<p>Amy's Kitchen</p><p>This veggie flatbread combines all the best flavors of the fall season, repurposed to enjoy at a later date. And it's vegan and dairy free, making it a healthy herby <a href="https://parade.com/846554/carolborchardt/15-fantastic-flatbread-pizza-ideas/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:flatbread;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">flatbread</a> that will score rave reviews around the table.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="/1264478/kelli_acciardo/butternut-squash-flatbread-with-herbed-vegan-ricotta/" data-ylk="slk:Butternut Squash Flatbread with Herbed Vegan Ricotta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Butternut Squash Flatbread with Herbed Vegan Ricotta</a></p>
<p>Teighan Gerard and Kristen Kilpatrick</p><p>These ultra-crispy potatoes channel the delicious energy of sour cream and onion potato chips.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://parade.com/1344403/alison-ashton/half-baked-harvest-sour-cream-and-onion-potatoes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sour Cream and Onion Crispy Potatoes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sour Cream and Onion Crispy Potatoes</a></p>
<p>Chad Elick</p><p>These perfectly portioned individual parfaits are layer upon layer of our favorite fall flavors.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="/151703/donnaelick/a-taste-of-fall-caramel-spiced-pumpkin-parfait/" data-ylk="slk:Caramel Spiced Pumpkin Parfaits;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Caramel Spiced Pumpkin Parfaits</a></p>
<p>The Food Hunter</p><p>This heart baked pasta with fall vegetables and cheese is the ultimate cold weather comfort food.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/2018/10/baked-pasta-with-spinach-zucchini.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Baked Pasta with Spinach and Zucchini;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Baked Pasta with Spinach and Zucchini</a></p>
<p>The Food Hunter</p><p>Farro is the nutty grain often used as a substitute for pasta throughout the Umbrian countryside. Here, it gets tossed in a hearty pork ragu sauce and it will instantly transport you and your guests to Italy. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/2017/07/farro-with-pork-ragu.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Farro with Pork Ragu;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Farro with Pork Ragu</a></p>
<p>Running to the Kitchen</p><p>These apple cider braised lamb shanks are fall off the bone tender with caramelized, crispy bits and sweet apple and onion slices. The best part? There's no wine needed for braising (meaning you have more to drink!)</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/apple-cider-braised-lamb-shanks/?fbclid=IwAR1zZG9rUlIyNFp17A36GWrrNMZLnV46THtwgKL7eoD6kbDxNx71pP3BklM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Apple Cider-Braised Lamb Shanks;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Apple Cider-Braised Lamb Shanks</a></p>
<p>Frugal Foodie Mamma</p><p>This creamy & decadent fall spin on classic chicken Alfredo is the perfect fall comfort food.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2018/11/brown-butter-pumpkin-alfredo.html?fbclid=IwAR2NBJZpJsFpwSvsJFcgO8cCAjJTGPtcMuTUXQnJMt1CzaFSM5Dt_kJ6OYE" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Brown Butter Pumpkin Alfredo;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Brown Butter Pumpkin Alfredo</a></p>
<p>The Food Hunter</p><p>This delicious spiced cake, is super moist from the applesauce baked in the batter and extra tasty from the toasted pecans studded throughout. Serve it at your fall dinner party and your guests will thank you. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/2016/08/toasted-pecan-caramel-apple-layer-cake.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Toasted Pecan Caramel Apple Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Toasted Pecan Caramel Apple Cake</a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/30-appetizer-recipes-star-fall-180107743.html" data-ylk="slk:Best Fall Appetizers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Best Fall Appetizers</a></strong></p>
<p>The Food Hunter</p><p>As far as winning combinations go, crispy pork belly with warm, tender go together like peanut butter and jelly. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/2018/05/braised-pork-belly-with-fennel-cabbage.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Braised Pork Belly with Fennel & Cabbage;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Braised Pork Belly with Fennel & Cabbage</a></p>
<p>Flavor the Moments</p><p> This is a flavorful, comforting meal that the whole dinner table will love!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://flavorthemoments.com/beef-short-ribs-mushroom-risotto/?fbclid=IwAR3-K1uJ4oo_2dYBNjdkky1ND825cSE69Zt8dV0g5EmfWgDr_zwO-fAFydA" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Beef Ribs with Mushroom Risotto;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Beef Ribs with Mushroom Risotto</a></p>
<p>The Joy of Eating</p><p>These stuffed squash are as scrumptious and spice-packed as they are super adorable.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com/blog/2014/11/chard-stuffed-acorn-squash-zaatar-tahini" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chard Stuffed Acorn Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chard Stuffed Acorn Squash</a></p>
<p>The Food Hunter</p><p>If you need to make a quick and easy side dish to round out the dinner table, look no further than these roasted chickpeas and pumpkin seeds. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/2016/05/roasted-chickpeas-pumpkin-seeds.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Roasted Chickpeas & Pumpkin Seeds;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Roasted Chickpeas & Pumpkin Seeds</a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1279862/jocelyndelkadams/fall-slow-cooker-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Best Fall Slow-Cooker Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Best Fall Slow-Cooker Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>The Joy of Eating</p><p>This vegan cassoulet with delicata squash roasted garlic recipe is packed warm and cozy goodness of a traditional French recipe, but not nearly as labor intensive! Bake a mix of delicata squash, cremini mushrooms, white beans and sauteed aromatic vegetables with a crispy crust of herbed breadcrumbs! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com/blog/2016/12/vegan-delicata-squash-cassoulet?fbclid=IwAR3PrgccdmDBaPwgPF1N8DviCVY8QeaxA5ZNcQfVgv6IDUem3XMc3mq0ERU" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Delicata Squash Cassoulet;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Delicata Squash Cassoulet</a></p>
<p>The Food Hunter</p><p>In this recipe the acidity of the cider vinegar tenderizes the pork while the sweetness balances out the flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes and greens for a hearty comforting meal perfect for guests.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/2014/01/eat-whole-foods-apple-cider-vinegar.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Apple Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Apple Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder</a></p>
<p>Culinary Ginger</p><p>This brown butter-kissed risotto turns an Italian classic dish into a delicious seasonal meal, with a huge flavor punch from brown butter and fresh sage.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://culinaryginger.com/brown-butter-mushroom-sage-risotto/?fbclid=IwAR0Iyu-BhJXB3lpuRZdF14N1bjGERX2adIvqy1zQT0PyYXhM8nWaN5Grk6c" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Brown Butter Mushroom Sage Risotto;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Brown Butter Mushroom Sage Risotto</a></p>
<p>Pumpkin & Spice</p><p>Packed with zesty ground beef, cheddar cheese, mixed veggies, and topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes, this casserole is perfect warming dish for everyone to enjoy!</p><p>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.pumpkinnspice.com/easy-shepherds-pie/?fbclid=IwAR3GmlPq_SX4EYPEoXn5GdysaHj4JMMwEMhkW7M52KGcXhm2V4balfV8Mj4" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Shepard's Pie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Easy Shepard's Pie</a></p>
<p>The Food Hunter</p><p>Butternut squash shines in this warm, stick-to-your-ribs stew. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/2016/10/hearty-butternut-squash-beef-stew.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Butternut Squash & Beef Stew;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Butternut Squash & Beef Stew</a></p>
<p>A Farm Girl's Dabbles</p><p>This recipe is equally ideal for Thanksgiving dinner and summertime grilling parties. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/grilled-brown-sugar-and-whole-grain-mustard-turkey-tenderloin-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR3GmlPq_SX4EYPEoXn5GdysaHj4JMMwEMhkW7M52KGcXhm2V4balfV8Mj4" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Turkey Tenderloin with Brown Sugar;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Grilled Turkey Tenderloin with Brown Sugar</a></p>
<p>The Food Hunter</p><p>Craving a new way to enjoy pumpkin spice? Allow this boozy pumpkin cocktail to warm your senses. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/2019/09/sagamore-pumpkin-flip.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Rye Pumpkin Flip;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Rye Pumpkin Flip</a></p>
<p>Boulder Locavore</p><p>The classic, flavorful pairing of pork chops and applesauce is gets a glow-up with all of the autumn vibes. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://boulderlocavore.com/pumpkin-cider-braised-pork-chops-with-shallots-and-thyme/?fbclid=IwAR1zZG9rUlIyNFp17A36GWrrNMZLnV46THtwgKL7eoD6kbDxNx71pP3BklM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pumpkin Cider-Braised Pork Chops;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pumpkin Cider-Braised Pork Chops</a></p>
<p>Fearless Dining</p><p>Don't let turkey have all of the fun this fall. A dish like this cheesy stuffed kabocha squash can easily be the center of attention. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.fearlessdining.com/vegetarian-stuffed-kabocha-squash-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR29yQk-YBP5yHRTdJNGqlTbNhYVb3niq17tc6E-8b0EfLPpIV4crsDs0GE" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash</a></p>

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