What to eat this October

October brings a shift into crisp mornings, cozy evenings and food that feels like comfort. Its the month of simmering pots of chili, hearty dishes, and the end of the garden harvests.

With routines now firmly in place and cooler weather settling in, October is the perfect moment to lean into meals that warm the body and the spirit. From celebrating Polish American Heritage Month with traditional flavors, to packing in extra veggies as the markets transition to fall produce, there are endless opportunities to make food meaningful this season.

This month I’m sharing ideas that highlight cozy comfort food, simple seasonal meals, and small ways to bring more connection to your table. Lets make October a time to savor flavor, share stories, and build traditions around the dishes that nourish up most.

October is National Chili Month

When it comes to cozy comfort food, chili is where its at!

• This bison chili with chocolate is a fun twist on traditional flavors that is kid friendly! This is the ONLY recipe my 11 year old will eat.
• This slow cooker white chicken chili is one of my favorite ways to eat chili. It is really simple to throw together in the morning and the ultimate comfort food.
• If you are looking for an easy stovetop recipe that is different than “normal”, this chicken chili with apples is one you need to try!

National Spinach Lovers Month

Spinach is one of the easiest, most kid friendly dark leafy green. You can add it to easily to breakfast, lunch and dinners with ease! It adds lovely color to any meal and has a mild flavor kids will actually enjoy.

• Mini Puff Pastry Quiche with Spinach is an excellent make ahead breakfast or snack option!
• Tuscan White Bean Soup is a great easy soup for dinner. Replace the kale in the recipe with spinach!
• Apple Chicken Sausage Pasta is a simple and kid friendly dish that is an excellent weeknight meal.

National Sausage Month

This month is a fun ay to explore heat and flavorful meals! Sausages are versatile, easy to cook, and come in endless varieties that kids can enjoy in everything from breakfast scrambles to pasta dinners. How many different kinds of sausage can you try this month?

• Quick Chicken Sausage Gumbo is a weeknight favorite!
• Jamalaya Pasta is a fun twist! Use whatever pasta shape you like best.
• Breakfast Burritos stocked in the freezer are the perfect grab and go breakfast for school mornings.

Fun food days in October

• October 4 – National Cinnamon Bun Day – These pumpkin cinnamon rolls might be my favorite!
• October 6 – National Noodle Day – If your tomato plants are still putting out tomatoes, try this roasted tomato pasta recipe!
• October 8 – National Pierogi Day – You can make these from scratch or find them in the frozen food aisle at your local grocery store.
• October 11 – National Sausage Pizza Day – Will you order delivery or make it from scratch?
• October 12 – National Gumbo Day – Try this easy weeknight gumbo!
• October 15 – National Shawarma Day – This easy slow cooker shawarma is going to be a hit!
• October 21 – National Apple Day – Try my apple taste test activity!
• October 24 – National Food Day – Make your favorite food!
• October 26 – National Pumpkin Day – Listen, you need to try pumpkin pasta sauce.