By Elizabeth Webb
The arrival of autumn brings with it many of my favorite things, like cool and foggy mornings, bright foliage, harvest, and deer season, all of which make saying goodbye to the slow days of summer easier. But the flavor profiles that come with fall foods just might top my list!
Pumpkin and apple desserts are delicious, but the soups are the star of the show for me. Not only are soups hardy and delicious, but they’re also quick and easy to throw together, especially in the slow cooker. I’ve got some yummy soups and protein-packed breakfast recipes to get you in the mood for fall!
Starting the day off right
I’m a sucker for a sweet breakfast, but I also like to make sure I hit my protein goal throughout the day, and this pumpkin pancake bake gets me started on the right foot. I make enough of these for the week in individual glass containers that are easy to grab on my way out the door for school.
I like to rotate this recipe with overnight oats. Numerous recipes are available online, making it easy to find one that suits your taste. I like to add sugar-free apple pie filling to mine, along with a little granola for a fall treat.
Soups on!
There’s nothing like a bowl of hearty soup to warm you up after being in the cool fall air. I love that most soups can be made in the crockpot or just one pot and freeze well, too. I’ll freeze it in gallon baggies or in silicone molds for smaller individual portions.
My kids’ favorite soup is broccoli cheddar in a bread bowl. Sometimes I buy bread bowls that are already made, and sometimes I make them from scratch. Whichever bread you choose, this recipe is our favorite! It does recommend fresh broccoli florets, but I usually use frozen, and it still tastes great!
If you’ve ever been to the Dolly Parton Stampede, you know the food is part of the draw, especially the creamy vegetable soup. I found a similar recipe to make at home, and it quickly became a staple in our house during the colder months. You can add shredded chicken for protein if you choose, but honestly, it’s so good, I’m okay with skipping the protein.
Some Family Favorites
My mom makes the best taco soup, but when I asked her for the recipe, she sent me two different ones and said she adds a few ingredients from each one. Below is a combination of the two recipes.
The last recipe is definitely a crowd pleaser; one of my aunts has been making this creamy potato soup regularly for the past 30 years. It is literally like a hug in a bowl. Thick and cheesy, with chunks of carrots, potatoes, and ham, it’s sure to leave you feeling warm and cozy. While fall brings colder temperatures and dreary weather, it also gives us the opportunity to spend more intentional time with family, and the best place to do that is around the table. It’s even better if there’s soup involved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Webb is a Registered Nurse turned high school English teacher who loves to encourage other women to embrace the path they’ve been called to. She enjoys spending time with her family, chasing her kids to sporting events, being outdoors, and anything creative. She lives on a farm in the Midwest with her husband, three children, and dogs.
