Now that the weather is cooling down, it’s time to fire up the grill in your outdoor kitchen one last time before it gets too cold for outside gatherings. Luckily, there’s no shortage of delicious recipes that take advantage of fresh autumn harvests. In addition to the herbs that you planted in the late summer, you can also whip up meals with all the gourds, leafy veggies, and fruits that you might have in your garden right now. From an herb-stuffed fish as your main dish to sweet grilled apples and pears as dessert, we’ve rounded up the most delicious autumn recipes to try in your outdoor kitchen this October.
Fresh salad with kale, spinach, and arugula
Veggies such as kale, spinach, and arugula do well for early autumn harvests, and they‘re also excellent salad bases. For some autumnal flair, chop up and roast root veggies such as sweet potatoes or beets. Pop in the protein of your choice—chicken breast and tofu are easy go-to’s that you can heat up quickly on your grill. To use even more of your garden goods, add herbs such as tarragon and rosemary to enhance the dressing or vinaigrette for your fresh salad.
Barbecued carrots
Barbecued food doesn’t only have to be summer fare. A great autumnal recipe for your outdoor kitchen is barbecued carrots with some toasted pecans. After coating your carrots in oil and grilling them for around 20 minutes, toss them in a dressing with vinegar, soy sauce, fresh herbs, garlic, and ginger. Add in toasted pecans or the nuts of your choice for extra texture and flavor. Obviously, carrots aren’t the only veggies that you can grill—you can try cooking broccoli, corn, and more! Grilled veggies make for easy and delicious side dishes that will surely win over your guests.
Grilled fish with lemon and herbs
Fish with lemon and herbs is one of the most laidback recipes you can prepare for your autumn soirées. It’s uncomplicated, but still filling and flavorful. All you need to do is stuff the fish of your choice with lemon, garlic, and herbs. Then, drizzle oil on your fish and leave it on the grill for six minutes or so on each side. Fresh herbs that work perfectly for this dish include parsley, thyme, and dill—whatever is handy in your herb garden!
Pizza with fresh toppings
After forming your pizza dough and adding the works—cheese, mushrooms, sauces, and meats—add herbs to your pie before you pop it in your outdoor pizza oven. Some late summer herbs that should be ready to go by October include basil, rosemary, and parsley, and you can use them fresh or dried. You can also add garden veggies such as sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes for some extra texture on your pizza. For a fun activity to pass the time, invite your guests to custom build their very own pizzas!
Grilled apples and pears
After whipping up dishes with your garden herbs and veggies, remember to save room for dessert. Grilling might be associated with savory food, but that doesn’t mean you can’t toss your apples and pears onto the grill. Soak your fruits in a solution of lemon juice and cold water to help them maintain their texture and flavor. When your fruits are ready to go, drizzle some melted butter on them and cook on medium heat until they soften and you see grill marks. When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. There’s always the classic cinnamon and brown sugar for a warm, fall-appropriate treat. That said, ice cream, bourbon, and caramel sauce are also strong contenders—get inventive with your creations!
By the time autumn rolls around, you’ll have a cornucopia of herbs, veggies, and fruits to enjoy. With that in mind, make the most of your outdoor kitchen and fall harvest before it gets too cold to eat outside! From grilled veggies and fruits to pizzas topped with fresh herbs, there are plenty of autumn recipes to try in your outdoor kitchen. After some easy grilling, sit back, relax, and enjoy your autumn harvest with a nice mulled wine or spiced cider to get in the fall spirit.
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