Grandma knew the secret to a cozy, comforting fall meal—and now you can, too!
44 of Grandma’s Best Fall Recipes
Grandma’s Chicken ‘n’ Dumpling Soup
I’ve enjoyed making this rich homemade dumpling recipe for over 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois
1/44
2/44
Hungarian Goulash
Total Time
7 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Talk about your heirloom recipes! My grandmother made this Hungarian goulash recipe for my mother when she was a child, and then Mom made it for us to enjoy. Paprika and caraway add wonderful flavor, and sour cream gives it a creamy richness. It’s simply scrumptious! —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup goulash with 1 cup noodles: 388 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
3/44
Pumpkin-Filled Crescent Rolls
Total Time
55 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an Old World recipe derived from my grandmother, who didn't use traditional measuring cups. We figured out this recipe, which must date back to 1900 or earlier. Other fillings that work well are cranberry, peanut butter or lemon. —Gary Wanosky, North Ridgeville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 156 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
4/44
Spiced Upside-Down Apple Pie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma taught me to make this pie when I was 4. Over the years, I've kept it about the same with just a few changes. Flip it out the second it stops bubbling. The glaze makes it look especially delicious. —Francine Bryson, Pickens, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 825 calories, 53g fat (23g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 87g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
5/44
Candied Acorn Squash Slices
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This acorn squash recipe was passed down to me from my grandma, who always served it at Thanksgiving. Now I make it whenever I'm feeling nostalgic. —Rita Addicks, Weimar, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 287 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
6/44
English Pub Split Pea Soup
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of the slow cooker, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for five hours, and come back to "soup's on." Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 141 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
7/44
Walnut Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Black walnuts, which have a more distinctive flavor than traditional English walnuts, have a short shelf life. It's best to store them in the freezer. —Doug Black, Conover, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 55 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
8/44
Grandma’s Cranberry Stuff
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
What could taste better than turkey and cranberry on Thanksgiving Day? My grandmother's classic recipe makes the best cranberry stuff to share with your family and friends this holiday. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 148 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
9/44
Chicken-Fried Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a child, I learned from my grandmother how to make these chicken-fried steaks. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are older, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 1/3 cup gravy: 563 calories, 28g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
10/44
Authentic German Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 344 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
11/44
Meatballs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
48 meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Keep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 276 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
12/44
Gran’s Apple Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother occasionally brought over this wonderful cake warm from the oven. The spicy apple flavor combined with the sweet cream cheese frosting made this recipe one that we treasured. Even though I've lightened it up, it's still a family favorite. —Lauris Conrad, Turlock, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 181 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
13/44
Lemony Turkey Rice Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup.
—Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 166 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 1047mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
14/44
Rice Pudding
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I'm glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 197 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
15/44
Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma used to bake a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the backyard. I've adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apples, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 462 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
16/44
Oven-Fried Cornbread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says good home cooking like a crisp Southern cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet. This old family recipe has been passed down to each generation. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 238 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
17/44
Blackberry Peekaboo Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother bakes this recipe every year for the holidays. She uses homemade blackberry jam that she makes fresh every summer. These cookies are so delicious! —Jacquie Franklin, Hot Springs, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 162 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
18/44
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 194 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
19/44
Toffee Apple Cinnamon Buns
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 cinnamon buns
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was my dad’s favorite growing up. He would sit and watch his mom sprinkle the dough with sweet filling, carefully roll it up and cut it into rounds. The anticipation waiting for them to come out of the oven was almost more than he could bear. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 bun: 525 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 96g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
20/44
Sausage Stuffing
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Every family seems to have their own favorite dressing recipe that becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their kitchens. This is truly a good old-fashioned recipe. —Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 352 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
21/44
Granny's Spice Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Granny always had a batch of these delicious, crispy cookies waiting for us at her house. When I miss her more than usual, I make these cookies and let the aroma fill my house and heart. —Valerie Hudson, Mason City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 188 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
22/44
Pork Roast with Apples and Onions
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The sweetness of the apples and onions nicely complements the roast pork. With its crisp, golden exterior and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this pork is my family's favorite weekend dinner. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 210 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
23/44
Grandmother’s Toad in a Hole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have fond memories of my grandmother’s Yorkshire pudding wrapped around sausages, a puffy dish my kids called The Boat. Slather it with butter and maple syrup. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 336 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
24/44
Apfelkuchen
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 422 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
25/44
German Red Cabbage
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 64 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
26/44
Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband’s grandmother made this soup with her own homemade sausage and tortellini. We don’t make those ingredients these days, but we’re so happy to have the passed-down recipe—this version is almost as good as hers. It's also an excellent way to get the kids to eat spinach! —Joyce Lulewicz, Brunswick, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 354 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
27/44
Nana's Italian Roulade
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without spaghetti): 331 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
28/44
Southern Dressing
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up, we didn’t have turkey. We had chicken, chopped and baked in my grandmother’s dressing. Now we leave out the chicken and keep the cornbread dressing. —Suzanne Mohme, Bastrop, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 236 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 969mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
29/44
Grandma's Rice Dish
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother often made this casserole when I was young. I forgot about it until one day I found myself adding the same ingredients to leftover rice. The memories came flooding back. —Lorna Moore, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 719 calories, 37g fat (18g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 1397mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 41g protein.
30/44
Swedish Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
31/44
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me the recipe for these cookies many years ago, and they’re as delicious as the ones Mom used to make. The secret to the recipe is to measure exactly (no guessing on the amounts) and to not overbake. —Wendy Coalwell, Abbeville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 138 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
32/44
33/44
Grandma's Pecan Rum Bars
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother handed down the recipe for these gooey bars that we all love. The candied cherries are a must. —Deborah Pennington, Falkville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 401 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
34/44
Grandma Pietz's Cranberry Cake Pudding
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings (2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
For generations, our family has handed down this cake recipe starring cranberries. Simple and unusual, it remains a treasured family heirloom. —Lisa Potter, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 2 tablespoons sauce: 311 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
35/44
Crescent Rolls
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always have to double this buttery, homemade crescent roll recipe because they never last long. You can shape them any way you'd like, but to me, a crescent shape is so pretty. —Kelly Kirby, Mill Bay, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 128 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
36/44
Ham, Potato and Pepper Chowder
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been serving this chowder for years now. When I’m feeding family members who don’t eat dairy products, I substitute oil for the butter and use coconut milk or soy creamer instead of heavy cream. It still turns out wonderful! —Eileen Stefanski, Wales, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 226 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
37/44
Baki’s Old-World Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My uncles have always called these "cupcake cookies" because of the unique, pretty way they're baked. My maternal grandmother mixed many batches. —Marilyn Louise Riggenbach, Ravenna, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 105 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
38/44
Grandma’s Tomato Soup
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my grandmother’s. Originally, she even made the tomato juice in it from scratch! Gram had this recipe cooking on the stove every time I visited her. She enjoyed making this tomato soup and other favorite dishes for family and friends, and she made everything with love. —Gerri Sysun, Narragansett, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 1144mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
39/44
Green Tomato Pie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When frost nips our garden, I quickly gather all the green tomatoes still on the vine and make this old family favorite. It's been handed down from my grandmother, and now my granddaughters are asking for the recipe.—Violet Thompson, Port Ludlow, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 433 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
40/44
Focaccia Barese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most-requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 142 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
41/44
Snickerdoodle Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My maternal grandmother preferred sewing and quilting to cooking and baking, but there were some things that she cooked and baked really well. She was the only person I knew who made snickerdoodles, simple but yummy cookies that I've always enjoyed. Since cheesecake is my very favorite dessert, I couldn't resist coming up with one that re-creates those flavors. I think of my grandmother each time I make it! Sometimes I'll drizzle the slices with maple syrup. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 513 calories, 35g fat (19g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
42/44
Polish Pierogi
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother measured ingredients for these using her hand. We've passed the recipe down over the years as the family has grown. —Veronica Weinkauf, South Bend, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 230 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
43/44
Southern Collard Greens
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made the best southern collard greens recipe in the world. Eating them with a slice of buttermilk cornbread is pure bliss. —Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 204 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein.
44/44
French Meat and Vegetable Pie
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some time ago, a co-worker brought a meat pie to lunch. The aroma was familiar—and after one taste, I was amazed to discover it was the same pie my grandmother used to serve when I was a youngster! My co-worker shared the recipe, and I have been enjoying it ever since. —Rita Winterberger, Huson, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 531 calories, 32g fat (12g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 724mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.