7 Must Try Fall Recipes
Cozy Comfort, Big Flavor, and a Little Smoke
The first crisp night hits, a jacket lands on the back of a patio chair, and suddenly the backyard feels like the coziest room in the house. Fall is here—and it’s prime time for slow simmers, caramelized edges, and that whisper of wood smoke that makes neighbors lean over the fence. We’ve gathered seven Big Poppa favorites that bring comfort to your table all season long, from a set-and-forget Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe to a silky Cabbage Soup with Sausage & Cheese, plus a couple of sweet treats and show-stopping mains for weekends and game days.1) Big Poppa’s Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe
When afternoons turn golden and schedules get busy, the slow cooker becomes the MVP. This Sloppy Joe leans rich and hearty without turning heavy, thanks to a balanced spice profile and just enough tang. Let it burble away while you tackle homework rounds or a quick leaf raking—dinner will be waiting.
Why it’s perfect for fall
- Low effort, big payoff—ideal for weeknights and tailgate prep.
- Stays warm for hours (hello, second helpings).
- Pairs with slaw, pickles, or a simple salad.
Seasoning & gear callouts
- Try: Sweet Money for a touch of sweetness and color.
- Boost: A dash of Little Louie’s for garlic-pepper backbone.
- Serve on: toasted brioche or potato rolls; top with sharp cheddar.
Get the full step-by-step: Big Poppa’s Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Recipe
2) Big Poppa’s Cabbage Soup with Sausage & Cheese
This is the kind of soup that warms hands and slows conversations. Savory sausage, sweet cabbage, and a melty cheese finish create a bowl that feels like a hug. It’s budget-friendly and freezer-friendly, and the flavors actually deepen overnight—so make extra.
Why it’s perfect for fall
- Comforting without being fussy—minimal chopping, maximum payoff.
- Plays nicely with crusty bread or a skillet cornbread.
- Great for Sunday batch cooking.
Seasoning & gear callouts
- Base layer: Desert Gold adds herbal brightness to cut the richness.
- Depth: A pinch of Little Louie's for savory oomph.
- Finish: Gruyère or white cheddar stirred in just before serving.
Full method here: Cabbage Soup with Sausage & Cheese
3) Big Poppa’s Apple Turnovers (Smoker or Oven)
Fall apples meet buttery pastry—it’s a love story. These turnovers deliver flaky layers and a warmly spiced filling you can cook on a smoker or in the oven. Dust with sugar for crunch, drizzle with a quick glaze, or serve simply with vanilla ice cream.
Why it’s perfect for fall
- An easy dessert that makes the house smell incredible.
- Use whatever apples you have—Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith.
- Batch-friendly for sharing after backyard dinners.
Seasoning & gear callouts
- Finish: A drizzle of caramel over the top of the turnover and ice cream
- Gear: BPS Drum or MAK Grill or a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
Step-by-step: Apple Turnovers Recipe
4) Chicken Pot Pie Slider
Warm, flaky biscuits stuffed with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and savory gravy—Big Poppa’s twist on classic comfort food. Perfect for any cozy fall meal.
Why it’s perfect for fall
- Comfort in every bite – Warm biscuits, hearty chicken, and rich gravy make it the ultimate cool-weather comfort food.
- Seasonal flavors – Savory herbs and creamy textures capture the cozy taste of fall.
- Easy crowd-pleaser – Simple to make, perfect for game days, gatherings, or family dinners.
Seasoning & gear callouts
- Flavor: Bring the chicken alive with Desert Gold
- Finish: Add a side of mashed potatoes
Full walk-through: Chicken Pot Pie Slider
5) Big Poppa’s Wagyu Burnt Ends
Luxurious, sticky, and unforgettable—Wagyu burnt ends are a weekend project that pays off in silence at the table (the good kind). Rendered low and slow, then sauced and set until each cube turns lacquered and tender, they make a perfect centerpiece for a cozy game-day spread.
Why it’s perfect for fall
- Cooler temps make longer cooks more comfortable.
- Feeds a crowd—ideal for tailgates and family gatherings.
- Pairs with cornbread, beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Seasoning & gear callouts
- Rub: Competition Brisket & Steak for savory depth.
- Finish: A sprinkle of Happy Ending right before serving for pop.
- Sauce: Blues Hog or Head Country to glaze.
Learn the method: Wagyu Burnt Ends Recipe
6) Big Poppa’s Grilled Brussels Sprouts
If you’re feeding a mix of meat-lovers and veggie-fans, these charry, sweet-savory Brussels sprouts keep everyone happy. The edges crisp, the centers turn tender, and a light hit of citrus or balsamic at the end brightens the whole plate.
Why it’s perfect for fall
- Seasonal and budget-friendly, great with pork and beef.
- Quick cook—ten to fifteen minutes on a hot grate.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in a skillet.
Seasoning & gear callouts
- Season: Desert Gold for herb-lemon lift or Jalapeño Lime for a gentle kick.
- Finish: Toss with shaved parmesan; add crisp bacon if you like.
- Gear: Use a veggie basket or skewers for easy flipping.
How we do it: Grilled Brussels Sprouts Recipe
7) Big Poppa’s Blueberry Dump Crumble Cake
All the classic comfort, with a subtle kiss of smoke. This cake makes an October evening feel like a holiday. Bake it on the smoker to keep the kitchen cool—or slide it into the oven while the main course rests.
Why it’s perfect for fall
- Make-ahead friendly; holds for a day without losing texture.
- Pairs with cinnamon whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Smoky aromatics play beautifully with warm spices.
Seasoning & gear callouts
- Try: If you don't like blueberries use apples or even pumpkin
- Wood: Mild fruit wood (apple or cherry) to keep the smoke gentle.
- Tip: Shield the crust edge with foil for the last 15–20 minutes.
Bake along: Blueberry Dump Crumble Cake
Pro Tips: Cozy Fall Cooking Made Easy
Tip 1: Pick the Right Wood
Fruit woods (apple, cherry, peach) bring gentle sweetness to pork and poultry, while hickory and oak add classic backbone for beef. For desserts, keep it light: a little goes a long way. For more information, read our blog on how to pick the right wood for your cook.
Tip 2: Mind the Temps
Cooler weather can drop your pit temp. Give yourself a 10–15 minute warm-up buffer and keep a spare bag of charcoal or pellets close.
Tip 3: Rest is Flavor
From pork tenderloin to burnt ends, plan for a proper rest. Juices redistribute, texture relaxes, and flavors round out. For more recipes visit Poppa's Corner.
Tip 4: Set-and-Forget When You Can
Slow cookers and low-temp smokes are your weeknight friends. Build flavor with rubs, aromatics, and a thoughtful finish.
Game Day & Fall Events: Keep the Flame Going
Football season is rolling, and the tailgate is calling. If you’re building a menu for the big game, start with our 5 Game Day Must Recipes—they’re built to travel well, hold nicely, and feed a crew. And for our competition-curious cooks, the calendar is stacked: The Jack hits in October and the American Royal follows in November. Thinking about throwing your hat in the ring someday? Bookmark our primer, Tips to Get Started in Competition BBQ, and start gathering notes now while the inspiration’s fresh.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.