20 Top Recipes for That Middle Ground Between Summer and Fall

Apple pie's close association with fall can't be understated, and in many parts of the United States, early September heralds the start of apple season. This particular recipe, however, calls for an apple pie baked in a cast iron skillet, which gives the dessert a campfire vibe with distinct echoes of summer.

Cranberry beans, also known as Roman beans, are a seasonal September favorite. This recipe combines these substantive legumes with late-summer treats like cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, resulting in a bright and refreshing side dish that expertly straddles the summer-fall line.

Okra, a vegetable closely associated with Southern cuisine, proves far more versatile than many diners assume. By seasoning fresh sliced okra with cumin, coriander, and ginger, recipe creator CALIGAL76 gives this sautéed side dish a deeply spiced flair that makes it a punchy companion for grilled or roasted meats.

Sweet red and green bell peppers reach the height of their seasonality in September, and while they're always delicious as part of a grilled kebab skewer, this particular recipe gives them a chance to play a starring role in the main course as a vessel for spicy chorizo and melted cheese.

Thanks to its light, custard-like texture, the French dessert known as clafoutis has an undeniably summery feel. The version in this recipe uses blackberries, which are at their peak in September, which renders this treat a perfect "bridge" pastry for Labor Day weekend and beyond.

Maple's autumnal associations are abundant, and carrots also feel very fall-like (and are in-season in September and October). However, this dish's inclusion of a pesto made with carrot tops gives it a fresh brightness that feels appropriate for warm-weather dining, and it's an ideal side for BBQ meats and proteins.

"I was charged with bringing the appetizers to a large dinner recently. These appetizers were the hit of the party! Everyone raved about them and they were gone within 5 minutes," says LynnNM of this crowd-pleasing snack, which prominently features in-season pears.

When baked, sweet potatoes truly live up to their name, developing a caramelized hue and a hint of burnt-sugar flavor. Cajun spices give them a dash of Louisiana flair. 

According to recipe writer Heather, "Butternut squash makes for a great taco filling, whether you're eating clean or meat-free. A little garlic and some red pepper flakes make the flavors pop." Keep an eye out for butternut squash at your local farmer's market in the early fall.

The French vegetable casserole known as ratatouille is a hearty baked dish, but its starring ingredients include produce that's at its ripest in the late summer and early autumn. Serve with rice, couscous, or your grain of choice for a satisfying, garden-fresh entrée bursting with herbs and aromatics.

This crisp and vibrant salad expertly blends the sweetness of tomatoes, the saltiness of feta cheese, and the verdant crunch of seasonal green beans. "This cold green bean salad is one of my favorite salads for a picnic or a barbeque," says recipe writer Gundi. 

In warmer areas of the United States, the tomatillo reaches seasonality in late summer and early autumn. These tart, more vegetal variations on the tomato can stand up to serious spices and seasonings, and this recipe for tomatillo soup uses hot peppers, cilantro, and cayenne to highlight the natural flavors of the tomatillo.

Green "Hatch chiles" are the crown jewel of New Mexico produce, and they're in-season right now. Give them a nice char on the grill and pair them with the last of the summer corn and some cooling goat cheese for a smoky, spicy, and crave-worthy side dish ideal for cookouts.

Spinach artichoke dip is always a party classic, but by making it with fresh, in-season artichokes, you can take this festive snack to the next level. Replace the suggested canned artichoke hearts with fresh artichoke hearts and enjoy this cheesy, gooey, slightly spicy treat with some crusty bread or tortilla chips.

Fresh figs are an elusive ingredient (due to their short harvest season), but early fall proves a prime time to scoop these fruits up. This recipe calls for delicate, floral fresh figs to be simmered with chicken thighs, shallots, and balsamic vinegar, resulting in a dish with sweetness, tartness, and herbaceousness (thanks to the inclusion of rosemary).

If you live in California, then you're likely aware that pomegranates are about to be fully in-season. The tanginess of pomegranate seeds makes a fitting companion for equally tangy Greek yogurt and richly spiced beef kebabs in this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Traditional roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic, onion, and bacon make an appropriate side dish for the holidays, but this recipe instead uses honey and Dijon mustard as seasonings for Brussels sprouts, which start to show up in seasonal markets in early fall. The result? A side dish that perfectly matches any meats or vegetables that you choose to throw on the grill.

In September, balmy weather can sometimes give way to cooler days and nights. In those circumstances, a roasted pork tenderloin can provide a hearty and comforting repast, especially when partnered with a sweet fruit sauce made from seasonal plums.

Both red and green grapes are in-season in September, and this snack maximizes the grapes' natural sweetness and delicate tang by coating them with bold and funky Roquefort cheese and adding an almond coating for texture.

Cauliflower's seasonality spans many months of the year, and this very on-trend vegetable really shines when it's coated in brown sugar and grill seasoning and cooked over an open flame, picking up plenty of char and smokiness.