The Best Iconic Fall Food Is Savory, Versatile, And Served In A Bowl

The autumn season is a time for gathering, feasting, and keeping warm on cold nights. Whether you're set on preparing pumpkin spice desserts or rib-sticking harvest meals, there's a fall dish that can satisfy just about anyone's taste. In Tasting Table's rankings of 18 iconic fall foods, chili was selected as the very best.

This versatile dish is the ultimate indulgence, allowing you to fully customize your own batch with various meats (or meat-free substitutes), vegetables, beans, and other autumnal ingredients. You can add canned pumpkin, chunks of butternut squash, or even cinnamon and other warming spices for even more fall flavor. With so many different types of chili to choose from, a big pot of this satisfying stew is a filling sign that the season is in full swing.

Chili fans celebrate the cozy fall food as a year round favorite. "It's not technically fall yet but who cares, it's close enough to chili season for me," one Redditor says. But for others, the dish is a seasonal tradition. One commenter added, "I always try to wait until the first day of fall to make chili? Just a ritual thing for me." And some chili fans make sure they can enjoy it long after the season ends. Elsewhere on Reddit, a user points out, "Chili freezes very well if you can't eat it all in time."

This hearty dish isn't just for fall, there are a number of delicious chili recipes to keep you warm this winter as well. Whether you include beans, opt for a meat-forward batch, or get creative with ingredient swaps and additions, chili offers endless possibilities. You can make it as spicy and hearty as you like and serve it in several ways.

Chili and cornbread are an outstanding combination, but for a fall twist, try serving pumpkin muffins instead. They pair especially well with chili made with canned pumpkin puree to tie the flavors together. Stretch your pot of chili even further by using it as a topping for baked russet or sweet potatoes. Alternatively, turn your chili into a baked, casserole-style chili mac.

The fall season is also a great time for chili cook offs, which can inspire your own home cooking. Prepare flights of chili to share with friends or host a chili, soup, and stew potluck where everyone brings their favorite dish. Chili is a great way to bring people together for a festive meal.