Can you feel it, Seafoodies?!
Autumn is in the air signaling the start of back-to-school, brisk weather and an absolutely overflowing schedule! In an effort to squeeze every last drop out of one of our favorite seasons—it’s time, once again—to pull out our tried and true golden rules for fabulous fall meal planning.
- Switch to an “easy” menu: With school getting into full swing, we can bet your days are packed—from morning drop-offs to after-work activities. That’s why we’re all about recipes that don’t require a long list of ingredients. Simple dishes like sheet pan meals, seafood pasta and hearty hashes are lifesavers. They’re quick to shop for, easy to prep and deliver big on flavor without a lot of fuss. Plus, fewer ingredients mean less time in the kitchen and more time to relax after a busy day.
- Make quick meals: Time is precious, and you need meals that can be whipped up in a flash. Think 30-minute dinners or one-pot wonders that save on both time and cleanup. Meals like these are great for weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast (does this sound familiar?!). Our favorites include anything in the air fryer, quick-cooking seafoods and easy-to-assemble Instant Pot classics. They’re not only speedy but also versatile—so you can switch up the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry.
- Prioritize simple comfort foods: As the weather cools down, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, wholesome meal. This is why every fall, we turn to classic comfort foods that are simple to make. Think creamy seafood risotto, cozy shrimp alfredo and slow-cooked crab mac and cheese! These dishes are ideal on those chilly evenings when your family craves something hearty and nourishing. And the best part? They often taste just as good—if not even better—as leftovers, making them outstanding options for meal prep and planning.
- Return to a routine: With the kids back in school, getting back into a routine is crucial. Meal planning and prepping are key to staying organized and avoiding last-minute dinner scrambles. We love setting aside some time on the weekend to schedule out meals using our monthly meal plans, prep ingredients and even cook ahead when possible. This will not only save you time during the week—but also help support healthy eating goals.
For a smooth and tasty transition into fall, check out this monthly seafood meal plan with recipes that fit into our four rules—all while embracing some favorite flavors of the season.
Here’s to keeping your plate simple, delicious and stress-free!
Breakfast/Brunch
Filled with nourishing crabmeat, red pepper and kale—this recipe reheats well if you want to make it ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week!
Meal prep a batch of these muffins for a much-needed jump start to your morning—or pop a few in your office refrigerator for a quick lunchtime pick-me-up!
This dish is wholesome—thanks to the smoked salmon, red-skinned potatoes and green bell peppers—but it’s also best served family style, which means less plating work for you!
Appetizers
Blink and these crunchy bite-sized treats will be air fried and on your table—ready to be devoured for any meal of the day!
Baked Spinach Artichoke Shrimp Dip
Along with pretzels and crackers—serve this dip with your favorite pre-cut veggies to up the nutrition and add some extra crunch!
Indulge in briny baked oysters topped with Parmesan, cheddar, and creole seasoning—easy and delicious!
Easy to make, this smoked oyster dip delivers big flavor with minimal effort!
Lunch
Instant Pot Crab Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Balance out the cheesy goodness by swapping in whole-grain pasta and adding protein-packed crab meat, then sit back and let your Instant Pot do all the heavy lifting!
Ladle up this seafood soup for a stick-to-your-ribs family favorite—that also pairs wonderfully with a packaged salad mix or loaf of local bakery bread!
Gluten-Free Acorn Squash and Crab
Squash is not only a seasonal must, but each half makes a fun edible bowl, cradling the flavorful crab stuffing and making clean-up a breeze with fewer dishes to wash!
For the simplest bisque you’ll ever make, use frozen lobster meat—just 10 minutes of prep and an hour in the Instant Pot leaves you with plenty of time to relax!
Dinner
Air Fryer Maple-Glazed Salmon with Brussels Sprouts
Pop a disposable liner into your air fryer for effortless cleanup after enjoying a saucy salmon meal that’s the ultimate balance of spicy sriracha, savory soy sauce and sweet maple syrup!
Instant Pot Shrimp and Cheesy-Chive Grits
When it comes to comfort food, it doesn’t get much cozier than creamy shrimp grits! It’s no surprise that this recipe always gets rave reviews from our taste testers.
After the first mouthwatering bite of our easy-to-perfect seafood risotto, your family will be looking forward to leftovers—if there are any!
Pick up that fork and start twirling your way through this delightful 30-minute recipe that will become the highlight of any busy weeknight!
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