Seasonal Recipes for October

October is when autumn fully arrives in the UK, bringing cooler weather and a shift towards warming, comforting meals. It’s one of the best months for seasonal cooking, with an abundance of root vegetables, squash, leafy greens and orchard fruits like apples and pears. For more transition recipes check my September recipe collection.

This is the time for hearty soups, roasted vegetables, cosy casseroles and simple seasonal dishes that make the most of rich, earthy flavours. Whether you’re looking for easy dinners or comforting autumn recipes, these October seasonal recipes will help you cook with what’s best right now. For deeper winter comfort food check out my November recipe selection.

What’s in season in October in the UK

October is one of the most abundant months for vegetables, especially root veg and squash, alongside classic autumn fruits like apples and pears.

Vegetables in season

Pumpkin and butternut squash – Perfect for soups, roasting and curries
Carrots and parsnips – Sweet, earthy and ideal for roasting
Beetroot – Great for salads, roasting or soups
Cauliflower and broccoli – Versatile and widely available
Kale and cabbage – Nutritious and perfect for hearty meals
Leeks – Ideal for soups, pies and casseroles
Potatoes – A staple for comfort food

Fruits in season

Apples – One of the defining fruits of autumn
Pears – Sweet and perfect for desserts or salads
Blackberries – Great for crumbles and compotes

October is known for its abundance of seasonal produce, especially root vegetables and squash, making it ideal for warming dishes. Look out also for artichoke, celeriac, celery, chestnuts, fennel, marrow, quince, swede, sweet potato, sweetcorn, and (wild) mushrooms.