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As the crisp autumn air sets in and leaves turn to fiery shades of orange and red, it’s the perfect time to gather friends and family around the grill.
Fall cookouts are a cozy celebration of the season’s best flavors — from smoky and savory to sweet and spiced.
Whether you’re craving hearty mains, vibrant sides, or irresistible appetizers, our collection of 22+ fall cookout recipes offers something for every palate.
These recipes highlight the season’s freshest ingredients like pumpkins, apples, squash, and warm spices, making each bite a comforting nod to autumn.
Get ready to elevate your outdoor gatherings with dishes that bring warmth, flavor, and festive flair to the table.
22+ Flavor-Packed Fall Cookout Recipes to Savor This Season
Fall cookouts are about more than just grilling—they’re a chance to connect over food that celebrates the best of the season.
With these 22+ fall cookout recipes in your arsenal, you can craft meals bursting with autumn flavors and inviting aromas that linger long after the last bite.
From savory mains to delightful sides and desserts, these recipes are designed to please every appetite while embracing the comforting spirit of fall.
Fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and make this season’s outdoor meals unforgettable.
Apple Cider BBQ Chicken
There’s something about the crisp scent of apples in the fall that makes everything taste like comfort, and this Apple Cider BBQ Chicken delivers just that.
Smoky, sweet, and tangy, it’s marinated in spiced apple cider and slathered with a sticky homemade barbecue glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the grill.
The aroma alone will draw guests to the cookout table before it’s even served.
Juicy and tender with a touch of autumn spice, this chicken can be served with roasted squash or on a sandwich bun for a cozy, flavor-packed bite.
Maple Dijon Grilled Pork Chops
These Maple Dijon Grilled Pork Chops are the epitome of savory-sweet balance, perfect for the smoky backdrop of a fall fire.
The maple syrup infuses a golden sweetness, while whole grain mustard adds a pop of tang and texture.
Grilled to perfection, the charred edges contrast with the succulent, juicy center, delivering layers of flavor in every bite.
Whether paired with grilled apples or enjoyed solo, these chops offer a bold yet refined twist on traditional barbecue fare.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers
Hearty, smoky, and kissed with the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers are a vegetarian dream on the grill.
Cumin and smoked paprika add depth, while a crunchy exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful interior.
Topped with creamy avocado and zesty chipotle mayo, these burgers are satisfying enough to stand alone but also pair wonderfully with grilled corn or slaw.
Their rustic texture and vibrant flavor make them a must-have for meatless fall cookouts.
Bourbon Glazed Carrots
Fall cookouts call for sides that shine, and these Bourbon Glazed Carrots bring the flavor with their rich, caramelized coating.
Roasted over the grill, they absorb a smoky char that plays beautifully against the sweet bourbon glaze.
A pinch of cinnamon and chili flakes adds a whisper of warmth and heat, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Serve them as a vibrant side or pile them onto a plate of ribs or chicken—they elevate everything they touch.
Pumpkin Spice Baked Beans
Pumpkin in your baked beans? Don’t knock it till you try it.
These Pumpkin Spice Baked Beans are warm, slightly sweet, and surprisingly savory, with hints of molasses, smoked paprika, and, yes, pumpkin puree.
The beans simmer until tender, soaking in every drop of that spiced sauce that screams fall comfort.
Perfect for spooning onto a plate of grilled sausage or enjoying as a hearty, standalone side dish by the fire.
Grilled Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Smoky, crispy, and utterly addictive, Grilled Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a fall favorite that always vanishes first.
The sprouts blister beautifully on the grill, creating crispy edges and tender centers, while the bacon adds a rich, savory crunch.
A balsamic glaze drizzle brings a touch of sweetness that balances the bold flavors.
Serve them skewered as a finger-friendly app or alongside grilled steak—they’re as versatile as they are flavorful.
Grilled Apple Sausage Skewers
Savory, smoky, and touched with autumn sweetness, Grilled Apple Sausage Skewers bring a perfect balance of flavor to your cookout spread.
Juicy sausage slices are threaded alongside crisp apples and red onions, then brushed with a maple-mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the flames.
The aroma is rich and inviting, with hints of spice and smoke drifting through the air.
Serve them hot off the grill or at room temperature—they’re just as delicious as a hearty side or a main event.
Chili Lime Corn
This Chili Lime Corn is a zesty twist on classic grilled corn, packed with bold flavor and irresistible texture.
The ears are charred to perfection, slathered in a spiced butter blend, and finished with a splash of lime and crumbled cotija cheese.
The flavor hits all the right notes—smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of heat.
Whether served on the cob or sliced into a vibrant salad, it’s a versatile side that brings energy to any fall cookout plate.
Harvest Veggie Foil Packs
Loaded with seasonal vegetables and fall herbs, Harvest Veggie Foil Packs are an easy, no-mess way to serve up cozy grilled flavor.
Sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onions soak in garlic butter and rosemary, steaming inside the foil as they roast.
The result is tender, caramelized bites with a smoky kiss from the flames.
Serve these straight from the pack as a rustic side dish or pair with grilled protein for a complete autumn-inspired meal.
Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs
Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs bring sweet heat and juicy richness to your outdoor feast.
The glaze is a seductive blend of maple syrup, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of chili, creating a glossy finish that locks in the moisture.
As it sizzles on the grill, the sugar caramelizes and fills the air with an irresistible aroma.
Perfect with roasted root veggies or on its own, this dish is as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing.
BBQ Butternut Squash
BBQ Butternut Squash brings a smoky, slightly sweet edge to fall’s favorite gourd.
Thick wedges are brushed with olive oil, dusted in BBQ seasoning, and grilled until tender with crisp, golden edges.
Their natural sweetness shines through while the smoky char adds depth and contrast.
Serve as a vegetarian main or hearty side—the texture and flavor hold their own at any fall cookout.
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Creamy, smoky, and ultra-comforting, Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese is the ultimate side dish for a chilly evening cookout.
The cheese sauce is velvety and deeply flavored with smoked gouda and sharp cheddar, clinging to every noodle.
Baked over the fire or finished on the grill in a cast-iron skillet, it develops a golden crust that’s impossible to resist.
Pair with grilled sausage or serve on its own—it’s a guaranteed favorite wherever it lands on the plate.
Spiced Pumpkin Wings
These Spiced Pumpkin Wings bring a surprising twist to classic chicken wings by adding warm pumpkin spice and smoky grill marks.
Tender, juicy wings are coated in a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and paprika before hitting the flames, filling the air with cozy autumn aromas.
The crispy skin gives way to flavorful meat that’s both sweet and savory, perfect for snacking or pairing with a crisp fall salad.
Sage Butter Corn
Sage Butter Corn is a simple yet luxurious side that transforms grilled corn into a fragrant fall treat.
Fresh corn is slathered with browned butter infused with fresh sage leaves, releasing an herbaceous aroma as it grills.
Each bite is rich, buttery, and complemented by the earthiness of sage—ideal alongside roasted meats or as a standalone delight.
Maple Glazed Salmon
Maple Glazed Salmon offers a rich, sweet-savory balance that sings with the essence of fall.
The glaze, made from pure maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic, caramelizes beautifully over smoky grill heat.
Flaky, tender salmon fillets absorb the glaze deeply, delivering a succulent bite bursting with seasonal warmth.
Roasted Garlic Mushrooms
Roasted Garlic Mushrooms bring deep, earthy flavors enhanced by a gentle smoky char.
Whole mushrooms are tossed in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs before roasting on the grill until tender and juicy.
Their meaty texture and aromatic finish make them an excellent side or vegetarian main for fall cookouts.
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs mix tangy cranberry sauce with smoky barbecue flavors for an irresistible appetizer or main.
Juicy meatballs simmer in a glossy sauce that balances sweet, tart, and savory notes perfectly.
They’re great served on their own, on slider buns, or alongside grilled veggies for a festive fall feast.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potato Fries are a crispy, golden snack that brings natural sweetness with a hint of smokiness from the grill.
Tossed with a touch of paprika and salt, these fries crisp up beautifully over the heat and deliver satisfying crunch and warmth.
Serve them as a side or enjoy solo with a dipping sauce for a cozy autumn treat.
Maple Glazed Brussels
Maple Glazed Brussels combine the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts with a luscious, sticky sweetness that caramelizes on the grill.
The smoky char from grilling deepens their flavor, while the maple glaze adds warmth and a touch of autumn magic.
These make an irresistible side or a standout vegetarian option at any fall cookout.
Roasted Pear Salad
Roasted Pear Salad blends juicy, caramelized pears with crunchy toasted nuts and tangy cheese for a fresh fall bite.
The warm pears bring a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with peppery greens and a light vinaigrette.
Enjoy it as a refreshing starter or a light side to grilled meats.
Spiced Apple Slaw
Spiced Apple Slaw offers a crisp, refreshing contrast with a punch of autumn spices and sweet apple crunch.
The tangy dressing is dotted with cinnamon and clove, adding warmth that complements the smoky flavors of grilled dishes.
This slaw shines as a standalone side or as a vibrant topping for sandwiches and burgers.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a casual weekend barbecue or a festive fall feast, these 22+ fall cookout recipes offer a versatile range of options to suit every taste and occasion.
The rich, seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations bring a fresh twist to traditional cookout fare.
With these recipes, your fall gatherings will be filled with delicious memories and the warm, cozy essence of autumn.
So grab your grill tools and let these dishes inspire your next outdoor celebration.
