Recipe Roundup

Our Best September Recipes for 2023

What should you cook in September? We’ve got answers.
Slices of pork tenderloin on a platter with a honeymustard sauce learn how to cook pork tenderloin that's juicy every time.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

Even if it doesn’t quite feel like fall just yet, September recipes mark a shift in our cooking. Maybe you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners to help you settle into that busy school-year schedule, a few clever after-school snack ideas, or perhaps you’re just excited to think about the first fall produce—and the first time in a while that it’s been cool enough to roast a chicken. Days may be getting shorter, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the late-summer tomato harvest while transitioning into fall flavors. When it is time to hit the apple orchard instead of the tomato patch, we’ve got enough apple recipes to keep you busy all season long. So pull out your slow cookers and roasting pans ready because September has finally arrived.

  • A grey bowl filled with slowcooker green chicken chili.
    Photo by JP Bevins, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone
    1/27

    Slow-Cooker Green Chicken Chili

    Kicking off this list of our best September recipes is a simple slow-cooker chili to ease you into cooler weather. A departure from the classic “bowl of red” chili, this version calls for chicken thighs and pinto beans.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell
    2/27

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta

    Whether you still have cherry tomatoes in your garden or you're just prolonging the season as long as you possibly can with store-bought, this easy pasta recipe will more than satisfy.

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  • Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Stevie Stewart
    5/27

    Applesauce

    Head out apple picking, then make a big batch of this homemade applesauce so you can spend the week spooning it on pancakes, bowls of yogurt, or latkes.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova
    6/27

    Make-Ahead Crispy Chicken Cutlets

    Maybe your summer schedule was jam-packed, too, but something about September and back-to-school season makes prepping ahead on Sundays feel like a super power. Stash a big batch of these chicken cutlets in the freezer so they're ready to cook at a moment's notice.

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  • Photo by Max Milla
    9/27

    Butter Toffee Bars

    With one of these packed away in the lunchbox, your kids will be more eager than ever to get to school.

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  • Photo by Isa Zapata, Prop Styling by Christina Allen, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht
    10/27

    Baked Apple Pancake

    This spiced apple pancake-for-a-crowd comes together in a matter of minutes, so there's really no need to wake up early to host weekend brunch.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone
    11/27

    Brownie Pudding Cake

    This self-saucing chocolate cake is a reader favorite from Gourmet that's especially popular every September.

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  • Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton
    12/27

    Tuna Melt

    Can a tuna melt feel luxurious? Absolutely, if it's this one, which is extra-cheesy and balanced with crunchy quick-pickled onions.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell
    19/27

    Majestic and Moist New Year's Honey Cake

    Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with a honey cake that's moist, lightly spiced, and scented with coffee, fresh orange juice, and rye whiskey.

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  • Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton
    20/27

    Old-Fashioned Muffin Recipe

    Consider this muffin a choose-your-own adventure. Whether you want sweet blueberry-studded muffins or savory crispy bacon muffins to serve alongside your slow-cooker chili, you can have it all with only one recipe.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Dawn Perry
    25/27

    Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder With Zesty Basil Sauce

    Spruce up your slow-cooker pork with a fresh fresh chimichurri-inspired sauce. This dish is great for dinner parties, or just planning ahead for multiple meals at home.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Rhoda Boone
    26/27

    Our Favorite Key Lime Pie

    When the dog days of summer carry over into September, you'll need a refreshing slice of cold and creamy key lime pie to temper the heat and humidity.

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  • Photo by Eva Kosmas Flores
    27/27

    Cauliflower Puttanesca

    Pasta puttanesca inspired this cauliflower dish from chef Gregory Gourdet, and it's one of those September recipes that we just can't stop thinking about. It's a great gluten-free option—and perfect for anyone who is looking to eat more vegetables.

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Originally from Maine, Carly has a strong love of oysters and even stronger opinions about the proper temp to serve lobster rolls. Prior to joining the team at Epicurious and Bon Appétit, Carly earned a degree in finance and art history from the University of Denver. She eluded the corporate ... Read More
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