Make-and-Take Recipes for Any Fall Get-Together

Fall make-ahead meals aren’t limited to casseroles. Sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar combine for a tasty sandwich when topping savory pulled pork. To make ahead, slow-cook overnight, then reheat on the stove the day of your event. For easy toting, place your slow cooker in an insulated carrier.

Nothing says autumn like sweet apple pie, and we made this fall favorite dessert into an easy make-and-take recipe. Try these cinnamon-infused, crumb-topped treats with your favorite apple variety. Rome Beauty apples bake up tart and firm, while Granny Smiths become sweet and soft. For easy toting, carry this yummy slab pie in a disposable foil pan.

Buy It: Reynolds Disposable Pan with Lid ($5, Target)

Deviled eggs and pasta salad are a match made in potluck heaven. This on-the-go recipe is brimming with tangy macaroni, red onions, and paprika-sprinkled deviled eggs. Cover and tote in an icy cooler before enjoying.

Buffalo wings nicely kick off a football-watching party, but they’re tricky to tote. This make-and-take dip packs all the punch of its winged cousin without the mess. Make it in your crockpot and then simply pack your crock and go.

We’ve captured all the classic flavors of fall in this easy salad recipe. Pears, candied pecans, maple syrup—we’ve got the works. This fall make-ahead salad is ready to serve in less than 20 minutes. When transporting this salad, keep the dressing on the side until you arrive, and then toss with the homemade maple syrup dressing.

Game day just got a bit sweeter with these football-shaped make-and-take brownies. Show off the sweet and simple frosting details at your next tailgate party, then enjoy their rich chocolate flavor. Make this game-day recipe the night before so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.

Homemade mustard makes a bold party statement when paired with Oktoberfest favorites like pretzels or grilled meats. Our make-ahead recipe is made with mustard seeds, ginger, garlic, and sweet spoonfuls of honey. Like to switch things up? Try our cranberry and Creole variations.

Braising brats in beer before grilling will add flavor while keeping the juices sealed in while cooking. Any beer will work, but for an authentic Oktoberfest style brat, opt for a dark German beer in your cooking liquid. Cook the brats at home and keep them hot until you’re ready to grill them at the party.

Buy It: Stanley Stay Hot Crock ($42, Amazon)

These aren’t your typical grinders. Peppery Italian sausage and garlic-seasoned onions make an unforgettable duo. Take your on-the-go meal over the top with ooey-gooey cheese and tangy banana peppers.

It’s not a party without the guac! Bring this fall twist on a crowd favorite made with ripe avocados, fresh pumpkin, and toasted pumpkin seeds. A few snips of cilantro and squeezes of lime juice bring extra zip to this make-ahead fall recipe.

Mini bowls of this cheesy mix make great grab-and-go snacks. You can enjoy crunchy chips, salted nuts, and crispy cereal squares all before kickoff. Add a few drops of hot sauce to spice up this easy fall party recipe, if you're so inclined.

Bring the state fair to your party. This fall appetizer on a stick makes any autumn gathering feel like a fall festival. Blue cheese and bacon are mixed right into the batter for a flavorful twist on this state-fair favorite. Fry the dogs just before leaving and serve within 30 minutes to ensure the crispiest corn dogs possible.

Buy It: SRXING 6-Inch Skewers ($4, Walmart)

Our bake-and-bring take on hearty cocktail wieners features a crispy bacon wrapping covered in a mouthwatering cheddar-beer glaze. Tote this portable fall recipe in a travel crock to keep it warm all party long.

Buy It: Stanley Stay-Hot Crock ($65, Williams Sonoma)

These divine mini cheesecakes, with the sweet flavors of fall in each bite, make classy party treats and a great make-ahead recipe. The secret ingredient for these bite-size fall treats is blue cheese, which plays off the sweet toffee and caramelized pear topping with a surprisingly rich creaminess. Bring the toffee mixture separately to your event to spoon over the cheesecakes on the serving table for a mess-free haul.

Transform a simple can of pumpkin into a fancy treat with this fall make-and-take appetizer. Canned pumpkin and goat cheese create a fall-flavored spread atop toasted baguette slices. Top the spread with toasted pumpkin seeds and cooked shrimp before packing in a covered multipurpose food carrier.

Buy It: Crazy Chef Food Carrier ($40, Amazon)

Try these smoky jalapeño meatballs in our homemade plum-barbecue glaze. The mouthwatering duo is the perfect party appetizer. Plus, its simple two-step process makes these delicious bites a go-to make-and-take recipe. To make ahead, slow-cook for 3 hours the night before or the morning of your event.

Cornbread is the side-dish staple for so many fall recipes—chili, BBQ, pot pies, Thanksgiving feasts, etc.—but be warned, this portable recipe steals the show. Sweet maple syrup and salty bacon mix right into the batter for these appetizing corn muffins. Pack them in a cupcake carrier and be prepared to hand out your recipe alongside these fall-flavored muffins.

Buy It: Made By Design Cupcake Carrier ($18, Target)

Get your fix of gooey mac and cheese—crock-style! Prepare garlicky ground beef and savory mix-ins the morning of the party, then stir it all together in a large insulated slow cooker. To keep this make-ahead dinner warm throughout the evening, simply tote it in the slow cooker.

This savory pumpkin party dip fits into any fall gathering. Most importantly it travels well and fits easily into any carrying tote for easy portability to your next party. Pack in a few sprigs of cilantro to garnish the dip upon arrival for a fresh touch everyone will appreciate.

Nothing beats this winning tailgate recipe. Our beer-chili combo, filled with hearty beans and savory seasonings, gets its spicy kick from canned chile peppers. This loaded make-ahead meal can be chilled overnight so it’s ready for the big day.

In Texas, this recipe would be called Cowboy Caviar and it would be on the tailgate of every car pre-game or post. Mix chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and other fresh produce with a lime-oil dressing to make this delightfully light on-the-go fall recipe. Taking it to the tailgate? Keep it in a cooler until ready to serve.

Get your pumpkin fix in one of the yummiest brownies around. Our fall potluck recipe features rich chocolate, sweet cinnamon, and toasty walnuts. Store for up to three days before serving.