It’s half summer and half fall, so these easy and delicious recipes to make in September are the perfect blend of sunny, spiced, and everything nice.
From fruity sweets to hearty salads, they’ll make the end of summer a little more bearable.
30+ Delicious Things To Cook In September
The start of September is super busy, with schools starting and all. But it’s also still summer!
And even the end of the month, when fall has officially begun, is often warm and sunny.
So these recipes to make in September are for busy bees wanting tasty meals and snacks – but nothing too heavy.
We’ll leave those dishes for October!
1. Asian Style Pepper Steak
Get your chopsticks ready and make this Asian-style pepper steak tonight!
It features succulent beef strips cooked to tender perfection in a rich, savory sauce.
The sizzling wok will fill the air with an enticing aroma that’ll make your mouth water.
Oh, and it’s a cinch to whip up on busy weeknights! Even with the back-to-school madness.
2. Coconut Curry Shrimp
Some curry recipes are quite substantial and hearty.
And while this one is certainly filling, the plump shrimp and dreamy coconut sauce are light as can be.
Serve it over rice noodles, zoodles, or even cauliflower rice.
3. Chicken Florentine Pasta
For late September, when you need a jacket in the evening, try this tasty pasta dish.
Between the juicy chicken and bright pops of spinach, you’ll find a heavenly sauce of white wine, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
There’s also chewy sun-dried tomatoes for taste and texture. Yum!
4. Grilled Short Ribs
I grill from the first sunny day until the last. So even if I need a jacket, I’ll be out flipping meat over the fire.
If that sounds like you, why not celebrate the end of the first week of school with these tender and flavorful grilled short ribs?
They’re flawlessly seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika for a bold, smoky taste.
And you’ll love the caramelization from the grill.
5. Strawberry Pie Bars
Crumbly, buttery, and oh-so-sweet, these strawberry pie bars are everything you could ask for in a summer treat.
They’re full of real strawberries, along with lemon juice, butter, flour, and sugar.
And they’re effortless to make! So you don’t need to worry about decorations – the vibrant fruit does all the heavy lifting.
6. Tomato and Pesto Pizza
This tomato and pesto pizza is the perfect marriage of tangy tomato goodness and fresh, herbaceous flavors!
It’s like a garden party baked onto crispy dough and sliced into an absolute delight.
Plus, how incredible are those colors?
This is the only way to use up the last of your summer tomatoes – so maybe make two!
7. Classic Eggplant Parmesan
Make Meatless Monday extra delicious with this classic eggplant Parmesan recipe!
It combines crispy, breaded eggplant with rich, tangy tomato sauce. And then it’s all topped off with Parmesan and mozzarella.
It’s just what you need when the weather starts to turn cool.
8. Nashville Hot Chicken
Are you on the hunt for a fun and flavorful dish to spice up your weekly menu? Then this crunchy Nashville hot chicken is just the ticket!
Juicy chicken deep-fried and slathered in a fiery sauce is as mouthwatering as it sounds.
And it’s just as yummy served in a bun with slaw as it is with cornbread and mac & cheese.
9. Strawberry Pie
For those of us still firmly in a summer state of mind, this strawberry pie is the only way to end the week.
My strawberry patch gives me fresh fruit all summer long. And this pie is one of my go-to recipes to use them up!
And all you need is a pre-made crust, fresh berries, some sugar, cornstarch, and gelatin. Easy peasy!
10. Classic Patty Melt
Craving a meal that’ll transport you back to the good old days of diners and milkshakes?
Then a patty melt is just what you need!
The first bite is a heavenly combination of juicy meat and gooey melted cheese. And it’s all mixed with salty bacon, tangy relish, and crunchy, golden bread.
It’s the kind of simple dinner you’ll want when it’s still warm out. Though you can add a hearty side, too, if you like!
11. Mexican Hot Dogs
You’ve probably spent all summer eating the same old hot dogs with mustard and onions.
They’re a BBQ staple and always a hit. But why not try something new this almost-fall?
Between the yummy beef sausages, fresh pico de gallo, lime crema, and queso fresco, they’re a whole new take on an American fave.
12. BLT Pasta Salad
Even though you’ve probably moved dinners inside, pasta salad never goes out of season.
Especially this bacon, lettuce, and tomato dish!
It’s rich, creamy, and the perfect side to those patty melts above!
13. Fresh Pear Cobbler
Nothing beats the heartwarming feeling of biting into a freshly-baked pear cobbler.
The warm, gooey, cinnamon-infused pear filling is nestled in a buttery, crumbly cobbler crust.
And the aroma alone is enough to make you drool!
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun cold contrast.
14. Sweet And Spicy Corn Gazpacho
Need something light yet warming that’ll work well in summer and fall? This sweet and spicy corn gazpacho is the answer.
It’s jam-packed with sweet, crunchy corn simmered in a rich, perfectly seasoned broth.
And from the first spoonful, you’ll be hooked.
Serve it with plenty of crusty bread, and dig in!
15. Honey Walnut Shrimp
Trust me when I say this picture doesn’t do this dish justice.
It can’t show you how juicy and succulent the shrimp are. Or how crunchy yet buttery the walnuts are.
And it definitely can’t translate the sweet and dreamy sauce!
Just make it for yourself, and you’ll see why it’s my newest obsession.
16. Mexican Lasagna
Even though this dish contains pasta noodles, ground beef, beans, salsa, and sour cream, it feels so much lighter than regular lasagna.
I think it’s the sour cream. And while there is cheese in the mix, there’s not quite as much.
Plus, the salsa is much brighter than marinara. So it’s ideal for September nights.
17. Gigi Hadid Pasta
Gigi Hadid pasta is spicy, rich, and extra scrummy with sausage or grilled chicken.
And while it’s super juicy, it’s not crazy heavy. Instead, you’ll make a simple sauce with olive oil, tomato paste, cream, butter, and vodka.
Serve this with roasted veggies for a complete meal.
18. White Chocolate and Raspberry Cookies
I should start this one with a warning: one of these white chocolate and raspberry cookies is not enough!
Heck, I struggled to stop after four! They’re just that good.
Sweet, fruity, and oh-so-decadent, they’re perfectly crisp on the edges and beautifully soft and chewy in the middle.
And the mix of creamy white chocolate and raspberries is to die for!
19. Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are tasty all year round.
But when you want something light, bright, and perfectly crisp, you can’t beat these lemon pepper wings!
They’re not smothered in a heavy dressing or slathered in overwhelming sauces.
Instead, the lemon pepper seasoning coats every inch of these bad boys. And the texture is insanely crisp with perfectly juicy meat. Delish!
20. Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Breasts
Speaking of lemony chicken: these chicken breasts are just what you need for your next family dinner.
A lot of fall chicken recipes go heavy on the herbs and spices. Or they’re covered in super-filling sauces
But this dish is wonderfully vibrant, fresh, and juicy.
Serve it with salad and roasted potatoes for a tasty summer meal. Or add a few veggies if it’s getting cold.
21. Beet and Goat Cheese Pasta
Bring a pop of color to your weekly menu with a plate of this beet and goat cheese pasta!
The vibrant pink hue with the white goat cheese creates a stunning visual feast. Plus, it’s topped with pistachios and mint leaves for a burst of taste and texture.
This dish is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance to lighten your mood.
22. Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Whether you’re sending the kids off to school, heading back to the office, or just mourning the end of beach season, these chocolate chip cheesecake bars are a must-make!
They’re chocolatey, crumbly, buttery, and loaded with sweet cream cheese tang.
And they’re ideal for lunch boxes! So wrap the squares in plastic and try not to think about them all morning.
23. No-Cook Spicy Tofu
Spice up your life with this vibrant tofu recipe. It’s a no-cook wonder that’s bursting with complex flavors and textures.
Featuring soft, silky tofu marinated in a zippy combination of spicy chili crisp, soy sauce, and lime juice, it’s insanely tasty.
Better yet, it’ll keep in the fridge for up to five days, where the flavors get even more intense.
24. Black And Green Grapes Panna Cotta
Looking for a fruity, flavorful dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make? You just found it!
With layers of vanilla panna cotta and grape jellies, its refreshing blend of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors is a delightful way to end any meal.
I love the contrast in colors. And it’s unusual to see grapes used in dessert -which is a shame because they’re universally loved!
Trust me, even the kids will enjoy this.
25. Jennifer Aniston Salad
If you’ve spent any time on social media recently, chances are you’ve seen Jennifer Aniston’s salad recipe making waves.
And between the quinoa, cucumber, mint, red onion, pistachios, chickpeas, and lemony vinaigrette, it’s definitely worth the hype.
Make it for a quick lunch, or serve it with tofu or chicken for dinner. Yum!
26. Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken
Juicy, tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious creamed corn sauce…I’m drooling already!
This dish looks phenomenal, and you’ll love the combo of sweet corn, meaty chicken, and garlicky sauce.
Oh, and did I mention the bacon?
Make this dish once, and it’ll be your new fave for all of September – and maybe October too!
27. Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
Jello salad is a fun dessert in all kinds of flavors, from coconut to strawberry.
But I think this orange recipe is perfect for that summer-fall overlap. It’s not overly sweet, and it has hints of autumn – especially if you add cranberries!
And since the base is made with cottage cheese, it’s kind of healthy, to boot!
28. Ramen Noodle Asian Salad
September is the time of the year I start looking for bulky salads.
Light greens with a few bits of cucumber just don’t fill you up the same when the weather gets cool.
And this ramen noodle Asian salad is everything you could want in an almost-fall salad and more!
It’s crunchy, colorful, and overloaded with texture.
29. Nanaimo Bars
Here’s another fun recipe that’s perfect for your lunch box. And it’s so easy, the kids can help make them!
Nanaimo bars are chocolatey, creamy, and super flavorful. They’re also crazy versatile, as you can easily change the filling flavor.
Just use a different pudding mix, and bam, you’ve got lemon, pistachio, double chocolate, or even butterscotch bars!
30. Pesto Pasta
This bright green pasta is herby, cheesy, and tasty served hot or cold.
It’s also filling but not overly heavy. Just what September calls for!
Serve it alone or with fish or chicken, and it’s sure to hit the spot.
31. Bang Bang Chicken
Crispy, spicy, and impossibly delish, bang bang chicken is about as good as dinner gets.
This is an American twist on the authentic Sichuan dish. And it’s not one to miss.
You’ll double-fry the chicken for maximum crunch, and don’t be shy with the sauce! That stuff is gold.
32. Fig Tart with Almond Cream
Looking for a sweet ending to a dinner party or a decadent treat for an afternoon snack?
Whatever you’re searching for, this luscious fig tart with almond cream will surely please.
This exquisite dessert is a symphony of textures and flavors. And every mouthful features a crisp, buttery crust filled with velvety almond cream.
And the fresh figs make this dessert extra special.
33. New England Clam Chowder
I associate clam chowder with summer on the coast. And soup is a fall and winter staple.
So this clam chowder soup fits the ‘recipes to make in September’ bill perfectly, don’t you think?
It’s rich and creamy but not overly thick. And the fresh taste of seafood is light, sweet, and dreamy.