recipes

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a cozy bowl of soup to welcome the fall season. This easy Autumn Tortellini Soup is everything we love about comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and filled with seasonal favorites like butternut squash and savory Italian sausage. Each spoonful is a perfect balance of rich, herby broth, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese-filled tortellini. It’s a simple, soul-warming meal that comes together in under an hour. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or lazy Sunday afternoons. One taste, and you’ll want to make this comforting classic on repeat all season long.

Quick, easy, and perfect for the whole family

This soup is perfect for busy families who want a hearty homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it comes together quickly — yet tastes like it simmered all day. The one-pot method keeps cleanup easy, while the tortellini and sausage make it filling enough to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re juggling after-school activities, work, or just craving something comforting on a weeknight, this Autumn Tortellini Soup is an easy win for the whole family.

What you’ll need to make this Easy Autumn Tortellini Soup

To make this cozy fall favorite, you’ll start with savory Italian sausage — the heart of the soup that brings richness and depth of flavor. A colorful mix of carrots, celery, onion, and garlic builds the aromatic base, while tender cubes of butternut squash add a touch of natural sweetness and that perfect autumn flair.

Diced tomatoes and chicken broth create a flavorful, herb-infused broth seasoned with thyme and oregano. Then comes the star: cheese-filled tortellini, which turn this soup into a hearty, satisfying meal all on their own. A handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh parsley if you’d like — it’s rustic, simple, and totally irresistible.

Easy Autumn Tortellini Soup

Yield: 4

Autumn Tortellini Soup

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil
• 1 lb of ground Italian sausage
• 2 large carrots (peeled and cut)
• 2 stalks of celery (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 cups of butternut squash (cubed)
• 14 oz can of diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp of thyme
• 1 Tbsp of oregano
• 1 tbsp pepper
• 9 ounce bag of tortellini
• 1 1/2 cups of spinach

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

1. Add the oil and sausage to a stock pot. Cook over a medium to high heat. Stir and cook until it’s browned. About 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic and butternut squash, and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Add the broth, tomatoes with juice and seasonings. Stir to combine. Let it come to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes.
   
4. Add the tortellini to the broth and cook for about 6 minutes. Turn the heat off and then add the spinach and stir. Pour into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and parsley (optional) serve and enjoy!
   

Notes

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• Want extra creaminess? Add a splash of heavy cream. 
• Want it spicy? Add in spicy Italian sausage or red pepper flakes.

As the clock winds down on another year, it’s time to celebrate in style, and what better way to ring in the new year than with a festive and flavorful New Year’s Eve charcuterie board? Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or looking to add a touch of elegance to a larger celebration, a well-curated charcuterie spread offers something for everyone—salty, savory, sweet, and even a little bubbly. Packed with an array of gourmet cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, and artisanal crackers, this crowd-pleasing centerpiece is as beautiful as it is delicious. Get ready to impress your guests and set the stage for a sparkling start to the year ahead!

Cheers to a new year

As we say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new, there’s something truly special about gathering with loved ones to celebrate the moments that matter. Whether it’s the laughter of friends, the warmth of family, or the joy of shared memories. The act of coming together creates an energy that can’t be replicated. And what better way to enhance that sense of connection than with a thoughtfully prepared New Year’s Eve charcuterie board? It’s more than just food—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the flavors of the season, and enjoy the company of those around you.

As you nibble on delicious cheeses, cured meats, and sweet treats, you’ll find that the true joy of the evening lies elsewhere. In the conversations, laughter, and memories made with the people who matter most as you all ring in the possibilities of a brand new year.

What you’ll need to build a beautiful charcuterie board

To build the perfect New Years Eve charcuterie board, you’ll need a balanced mix of flavors, textures, and colors to delight your guests. Start with a variety of high-quality cheeses, from soft and creamy to sharp and tangy. Then add an assortment of cured meats for savory goodness. Fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and artisanal crackers offer the ideal contrast. While a few sweet treats and maybe even a touch of sparkle with some bubbly will elevate the spread. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can create a deliciously festive centerpiece that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• a creamy brie
• White Stilton with cranberries
• Huntsman cheese double Gloucester and blue Stilton
• Monterey Jack cheese
• uncured salami or pepperoni
• Prosciutto
• local honey
• Strawberry jam
• Pecans
• Toasted Almonds
• gourmet crackers
• Broccoli florets
• olives
• strawberries
• grapes
• Cranberries
• Rosemary sprigs

A couple of optional items to have on hand:

• small dipping bowls
• honey dipper sticks
• cheese knives and forks

New Years Eve Charcuterie Board

Yield: 4-6

New Years Eve Charcuterie Board

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• Cheeses
• 1/2 pound of Brie cheese, wedged
• 1/2 pound of White Stilton with cranberries
• 1/2 pound of Huntsman cheese double Gloucester and blue Stilton
• 1/4 pound of Monterey Jack cheese

Meats

• 3 ounces of uncured salami or pepperoni
• 3 ounces of Prosciutto

Dips

• 1/2 cup of local honey
• 1/2 cup of Strawberry jam

Nuts and crackers

• 1/2 cup of Pecans, halves
• 1/2 cup of Toasted Almonds
• 20-30 gourmet crackers

Fruits and Vegetables

• 1/2 cup of Broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup Olives, pitted w/ pimento
• 1/2 cup of Strawberries
• 1 cup of red Grapes

Garnish (Optional)

• Cranberries
• Rosemary sprigs

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

1. Prepare the cheeses for placement on your serving board. Place the cheeses on the board in random but separate spots. Use a pairing knife or cookie cutters to cut the letters out of slices of the Monterey Jack cheese.
   
   Crumble portions of the cranberry Stilton cheese.
   
2. Fold the slices of pepperoni in half and stick a toothpick in it. Fill each toothpick with 3-4 slices and lay them across the board like a ribbon.
   
   
3. Place the letters on the pepperoni ribbon to spell happy new year (or whatever phrase you prefer!).
   
4. Add the dips to start filling in the board. Remember to try and keep like things separate.
   
5. Add the remaining ingredients throughout the board filling in the blank spots and keeping like foods separate as possible.
   
6. Finish by adding any decorative garnishes.
   
7. Serve and enjoy!
   

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Looking for a fun and festive way to ring in the New Year with the little ones? A Kids New Year’s Eve Charcuterie Board is the perfect solution! Packed with kid-friendly snacks, colorful treats, and a variety of delicious finger foods, this easy-to-assemble spread will keep the kiddos entertained and satisfied while the countdown to midnight begins. Whether you’re hosting a family celebration or a small get-together, this creative board offers a playful twist on the traditional charcuterie—making it both a treat for the taste buds and a visual delight. Let’s dive into how to create a fun, festive, and kid-approved board that’s sure to be a hit!

Why make a kids charcuterie board?!

If you’re planning a New Year’s Eve celebration with kids, it’s essential to offer snacks that are both fun and delicious. The holidays can feel long for little ones. Having a variety of easy-to-eat treats helps to keep them happy and energized throughout this super long night. Having kid-friendly snacks helps keep the littles engaged in the celebration without being overwhelmed by having only adult-focused foods. A colorful spread of bite-sized snacks, sweet treats, and savory bites allows the kids to join in on the fun. And all while giving them a sense of inclusion in the festivities! Plus, having an assortment of treats can make the event feel extra special, setting the stage for a memorable New Year’s Eve!

What you’ll need for a NYE treat

The fun thing about charcuterie boards is that they can be customized with practically anything! In our house, we like to mix it up. If you’re just not sure where to start, here are some basic ideas:

• pepperoni
• cheddar cheese
• string cheese
• peanut butter
• chocolate syrup
• frosting
• yogurt covered raisins
• grapes
• sliced bananas

• cheese crackers
• aspberries
• strawberries
• pretzel thins
• BBQ sauce
• chicken nuggets (I used chick-fil-a nuggets, but you can use any. If you want to try homemade, consider making these Copycat McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets)
• chocolate chip bear crackers

To elevate your Kids New Year’s Eve Charcuterie Board, add playful garnishes and decorations like edible glitter, mini party hats, or colorful sprinkles. Fresh herbs, like mint or rosemary, can also add a festive touch while brightening up the board’s appearance, making it both visually appealing and fun for the kids!

Kids New Years Eve Charcuterie How-To

Yield: 6-8

Kids New Years Eve Charcuterie

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Prep Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 ounces of pepperoni slices
• 4 ounces of medium cheddar cheese
• 8 string cheese
• 1/2 cup of peanut butter
• 1/2 cup of chocolate syrup
• 1/2 cup of frosting
• 1/2 cup of yogurt covered raisins
• 1 cup of grapes
• 2-3 bananas
• 1 cup of cheese crackers
• 1 pint of raspberries
• 1 pint of strawberries
• 4 ounces of pretzel thins
• 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce
• 10-20 chicken nuggets
• 1/2 cup of chocolate chip bear crackers

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

1. You will want to prepare the cheese and or fruit/vegetables for the board. 
2. We cut the cheddar into small cubes and open the string cheese.
3. Using a shot glass, fold slices of pepperoni over the rim and overlapping the previous slice halfway.
   
   
   Once you’ve added about 8-10 slices, flip it over and pull off the shot glass to expose the flower. 
   
4. Peel and cut the banana into 1” bits.
5. Start by framing the board with the cheeses and dipping sauces. 
   
6. Start adding the fruits and then the crackers.
   
7. Finally add the meats and fill any holes you may have. 
   
8. Look over the board and make sure nothing of the same type is touching if possible. 
   
9. Garnish with your choice of nuts, herbs, and decorations.
   

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