12 indulgent comfort foods to keep you cozy this fall

Ravioli is a pocket of warmth on a cool fall evening. The pumpkin and nutmeg are the classic duo and the sage adds a little extra comfort to the mix. Throw in some parmesan for your cheese quota and top it off with pine nuts to make it even more rich. The sauce is so good you’ll want to lick your plate clean. Recipe: Taste and Tell Blog

Imagine what would happen if pumpkin pie and French fries got together. It’s gently spiced, hugely crunchy, and so pleasantly sweet that you might even want to serve it for dessert. If sweet potato fries aren’t your thing, just go ahead and use ordinary potatoes—wedges are highly recommended for maximum marshmallow-coating. Recipe: With Salt and Wit

No, you did not just die and go to food paradise—this recipe is real. Everything about this is amazing; from the tart apples to the Brie and cheddar combo to the oat crumble that could double as an ice cream topping. Add a bottle of your favourite beer (or pumpkin ale to keep things on point) and you’re ready to enjoy this perfectly heavy autumn soup. Recipe: Half Baked Harvest

When the leaves start changing colours and the kids return to school, it’s time to head to your local farm and enjoy one of the greatest times of the year: apple season! Apple picking is a popular fall pastime, because it leads to some of the best autumn comfort foods, such as apple pie, apple crumble, apple butter, apple sauce, and of course, apple cider. This recipe lets you easily upgrade your cider the best way possible—with ice cream. Recipe: What’s Cooking Love

While this dish might look like Thanksgiving leftovers at first glance, it's actually a meat-free, veggie-filled meal that's inspired by the feast, but is a whole lot healthier. Recipe: The Post Punk Kitchen

Of course, pumpkin pie is going to end up on the autumn comfort foods list, so why not opt for something a little more unique? This dessert is vegan and gluten-free, so all your dietary-restricted loved ones will get to share in the joy of devouring this after-dinner treat. Plus, you can eat it with your hands! Recipe: Oh She Glows (Just in case you want your pie to be round, here is a must-try Nutella Swirled Pumpkin Pie recipe.)

We warned you that autumn gives us the urge to wrap everything in bacon, so you really can’t be surprised to find this recipe on the list. Imagine your favourite meatloaf—the one your grandmother used to make—and now imagine it enveloped in bacon with a crisp fried onion topper. Recipe: Self Proclaimed Foodie

Grilled cheese was probably the first comfort food you learned to make as a child, but there's no need to stop making it now. To keep things interesting, why not add a little lasagna like this recipe does? Just grab some meatballs (or grilled eggplant if you’re going veggie), slice some tomatoes, throw together some creamy cheeses, and sandwich them between two slices of buttery bread. Recipe: A Latte Food

Apple pie and cookies are two foods that are sure to make you feel warm and fuzzy. Put them together and you’ve got a super-powered comfort recipe. They are easy to make, look adorable, and—thanks to the caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple—taste amazing. This is one pie you won’t regret finishing in one go. Recipe: Cincy Shopper

Instead of going the usual route with Shepherd's Pie and layering boring meat, soggy veggies, and potato, this recipe throws all the wonderful tastes into one steaming pot of glorious stew. This particular recipe is vegan, but if tofu isn't your style, just replace it with whatever meat you prefer. Best of all, the broth tastes just like gravy! Recipe: Veg News

We can't figure out why these two recipes aren't combined more often. This recipe is reminiscent of classic cheese and onion pie, but tastes so much better. Mac and cheese is another lifelong comfort food, and although it doesn’t really need upgrading, this recipe is worth it. The combination of caramelized onions and crispy croutons of French onion soup with the creamy pasta of mac and cheese, is a dinnertime dream. Recipe: Bakeaholic Mama

Yes, we did save the best for last. This is one of those perfect examples of when A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words. Go ahead and stare. It’s real. You’ll never be satisfied with a regular caramel apple ever again. All your previous memories of that charming fruit coated in sugary goodness will be completely destroyed after one glorious bite of this epic masterpiece. Best. Autumn. Ever. Recipe: Half Baked Harvest