As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the fall equinox marks the perfect time to embrace the changing of seasons with a cozy get-together with family and friends. This celebration offers a delightful opportunity to savor some mouthwatering recipes featuring the quintessential flavors of fall.
The Perfect Bread and Cheese Pairings
As your guests begin to gather, encourage mixing and mingling by passing around a selection of autumn-inspired cheeses paired with warm La Brea Bakery breads. Here are a few cheese and bread pairing suggestions:
- Brie: French Baguette or Sourdough Loaf
- Aged Cheddar: Rustic 8-Grain Loaf or New York Rye Loaf
- Gouda: Ciabatta Loaf or Take & Bake Rustic Ciabatta Loaf
- Gruyere: French Loaf or Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Rolls
- Blue Cheese: Cranberry Walnut Loaf or Olive Loaf
When it’s time for dinner, serve a selection of these soup, side dish, entrée, and dessert recipes for a hearty fall meal that will have everyone ready to welcome the cooler weather.
Savory Fall Soup Recipes
- Baked Sweet Potato Soup with Cranberry Croustade
This comforting recipe combines the creamy sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory garlic and onion, all blended into a velvety soup. Top it off with crispy, cranberry-covered La Brea Bakery French Baguette slices to add a burst of flavor and texture. - Smoky Pumpkin Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons
This bisque features a savory blend of crispy bacon, onions, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and rich pumpkin purée. Heavy cream lends a luxurious texture, while a sprinkle of chives adds a pop of color and flavor. Top it off with decadent grilled cheese croutons made from Take & Bake Rustic Ciabatta Bread.
Hearty Main Dish Recipes
- Blackened Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese with Black and Blue Croutons
This dish starts with a creamy blend of melted cheeses, enveloping tender pasta and blackened chicken breast. The real star, however, is the homemade croutons made from La Brea Bakery’s Take & Bake French Dinner Rolls. - Chicken Parmesan Bake
Layered with our Take & Bake Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Rolls, chicken breasts, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy béchamel sauce, this bake is a feast of textures and tastes. Topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses plus fresh herbs, it bakes to golden perfection in just 15-20 minutes.
Comforting Side Dish Recipes
- Sage Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cheesy Bread Chunks
This vibrant side dish combines crispy brussels sprouts and shallots with fresh sage, olive oil, and parmesan. Chunks of La Brea Bakery Three Cheese Semolina Loaf, red wine vinegar, and pomegranate seeds make this dish perfect for any occasion. - Artisan Bread Stuffing
This savory stuffing starts with crunchy, toasted Italian Round Loaf cubes seasoned with a blend of Italian parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Sautéed shallots, onions, celery, and leek, combined with chicken stock, add depth and moisture to the mix.
Sweet Dessert Recipes
- Sweet Pumpkin Goat Cheese Strata
Creamy and custardy, this dish starts with a blend of eggs, whole milk, and puréed pumpkin, sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with nutmeg. Our Pecan Raisin Loaf adds a hearty texture and a touch of sweetness. - Cranberry White Chocolate Bread Pudding
Tender Telera Roll cubes are soaked in a creamy, vanilla-infused white chocolate custard. Layered with dollops of cranberry sauce or jelly, this dessert is a perfect harmony of sweet and tart.
Fall Cocktail Recipes
- Classic Mulled Wine
Infused with the flavors of oranges, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, this drink combines a rich red wine with a splash of brandy and a touch of maple syrup or honey for sweetness. - Honey Sage Gin Fizz
This fizzy cocktail is a refreshing and aromatic drink that combines gin with honey sage syrup, balanced with fresh lime juice and topped with club soda.
Fall Mocktail and Hot Drink Recipes
- Pumpkin Orange Saffron Fall Mocktail
This delightful drink combines the aromatic notes of saffron and cinnamon with the creaminess of pumpkin and the zestiness of orange. - Ultimate Fall Spice Latte
Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this latte, a comforting blend of freshly brewed coffee or cold brew, almond milk, brown sugar syrup, and a blend of flavorful fall spices.
Set the Seasonal Scene
While the flavorful recipes you’ll bring to the table are the heart of your gathering, you can make your fall celebration a feast for the eyes as well. Incorporate a mix of the following in your decor:
- Warm hues like oranges, reds, browns, and gold
- Natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, leaves, and pinecones
- Cozy knits, rustic wooden elements, and woven baskets for texture
- Fall-themed centerpieces for your table settings
- Spice-scented candles and lanterns or string lights to create a warm glow
Enjoy celebrating the fall equinox with family and friends — and La Brea Bakery Bread!
Let’s Get Social
Share your creations made with La Brea Bakery bread by using #LaBreaBakery on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest.