September marks the transition between seasons, and it’s the perfect time to make the most of the fresh, in-season ingredients from the last few summer produce harvests.

The great thing about September cooking is that you get to choose from the wide array of summer produce that’s still available while starting to incorporate fall and cooler-season veggies.

You can still get good corn, a few fresh summer tomatoes are still hanging on, and the cooler-season lettuces and root veggies are all popping up in the garden.

In most of the US, September brings the last of the summer tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, peaches and blueberries, plus the first apples, pears, grapes, butternut and acorn squash, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Cook the summer produce while it lasts, and start working the cozy fall flavors in as the nights get cooler.

Here’s what to cook in September:

1. Roasted Tomatoes

Tomatoes are still in season in September, so make the most of that final harvest by roasting them.

They’re on sale at the grocery store as they near the end of peak summer freshness, so whether you grew too many or can find them at a good price at the store, slow roasting tomatoes is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and use up every last summer tomato you can find. Have a pint of cherry tomatoes? Here’s how to roast cherry tomatoes in the oven.

Try roasting them with garlic, shallots, and herbs for a delicious side dish or pasta sauce.

2. Apples

While apples are available all year round, September marks the beginning of a fresh harvest season.

Apples are full of fiber and natural sweetness, and they’re a staple in any recipe repertoire.

Apple recipes to try:

• Perfect Homemade Applesauce
• Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
• Fancy Baked Apples with Nuts
• Apple Pie Overnight Oats
• Classic Apple Spinach Salad

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are ready for harvest in the late summer in the US, so there are still a lot of sweet, fresh blueberries available throughout September.

Make a delicious blueberry smoothie or a batch of blueberry muffins and enjoy!

4. Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a versatile vegetable that can be roasted, mashed, or used in soups and stews. If it intimidates you, here’s how to peel, cut and roast butternut squash (it’s easy, I promise).

This Healing Butternut Squash & Carrot Curry Soup is one of my favorites.

I also love this Fall Quinoa Bowl with Butternut Squash.

5. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is another fall favorite. I love it in this Pumpkin Curry Soup that you can make using a can of pumpkin puree.

6. Corn

Corn is in peak season at the end of summer, so there’s still some good corn left as we head into September. This is usually the last of it until next year, so enjoy it!

I love it in this Summer Corn Salad.

And my favorite 30-Minute Taco Soup is a JOY this time of year!

7. Peaches

Early September is your last real shot at juicy, ripe peaches, and they’re usually on sale. If they’re a little too soft for eating out of hand, they’re perfect for baking. My Fantastic Peach Crisp is the best send-off for summer.

8. Acorn & Delicata Squash

Butternut gets all the attention, but the smaller winter squashes show up this month too, and they’re even easier to cook. Acorn squash just needs to be halved and roasted (here’s how to roast acorn squash in the oven), and delicata has a skin so thin you can eat it. Try it in my Delicata Squash Salad with Arugula, Cranberries & Feta.

September Cooking FAQs

What vegetables are in season in September?

Tomatoes, corn, peppers, eggplant, zucchini and green beans are still going strong, and the cooler-weather vegetables start to arrive: winter squash, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. It’s one of the best months of the year for variety.

What fruit is in season in September?

Apples, pears and grapes are just coming in, figs are at their peak, and you can still find late peaches, plums and blueberries early in the month.

What should I make for dinner in September?

Think easy, flexible dinners that use up summer produce but feel a little cozier. My 30-Minute Taco Soup and Butternut Squash & Carrot Curry Soup are both perfect for back-to-school weeknights, and a big Summer Corn Salad goes with everything.

Happy September!

For more cozy ideas as the weather cools down, here are my 21 easy healthy fall recipes.