Recipes to Celebrate Mabon

The autumn equinox is known as witch's Thanksgiving. We've got 100 awesome recipes to celebrate Mabon with all your favorite fall flavors. You'll definitely be grateful for all this food.

What is Mabon?

Mabon usually falls around the 21st of September, but it depends on the timing of the autumnal equinox. In 2023, it's actually on September 23rd. It's the second of three harvest festivals, and to me, it's the harvesty of them all. Think cornucopias full of fresh corn, squash, nuts, and grains. Think Oktoberfest and Thanksgiving. Think tables groaning with abundance.

The history of Mabon specifically is a bit sketchy, and it's formalization in the Wheel of the Year may be a more recent practice, but harvest festivals are definitely nothing new. Giving thanks for the crops that would see your family through the winter is definitely not new. And though we may no longer be tied to an agrarian cycle, I would never pass up an opportunity to express gratitude. Or to have a feast.

A Mabon feast is going to be celebrating all those crops your ancestors would have been harvesting. You'll see some carry over from Lammas or Lughnasadh, and some of these will appear again at Samhain. They'll be delicious every time.

Bread

I'm always celebrating with bread, and though wheat and grain are most closely associated with Lughnasadh, they're still great recipes to celebrate Mabon. Break bread and give thanks with those you love.

• Savoury Sausage Bread Pudding - Turn slightly stale bread into a breakfast feast with fresh herbs and plenty of cheese.
• Potato Rolls - These are seriously the lightest, fluffiest, most delicious rolls I've ever made. I can't get enough.
• Satsuma & Dark Chocolate Brioche - These sweet little loaf has the happiness vibes of orange and chocolate. And I know for a fact it makes excellent French toast.
• Tear & Share Flower Bread - Form this wheat bread loaf into a flower and carve a gratitude sigil into the top.
• Sea Salt Bagels - Homemade bagels are inevitably wonky but oh so chewy and delicious. Create a sacred circle of bread for Mabon.
• Cheddar Quick Bread - This is an easy cheesy bread option that is perfect for anyone who doesn't feel confident baking with yeast.
• Cinnamon Pull-Apart Cake with Lemon Glaze - This cake is actually made with layers of yeasted bread doug. It's like vertical cinnamon rolls, and it's delish.
• Basic Bloomer - A classic loaf that's simple and delicious.
• Gorgonzola Focaccia Bread - This gorgeous bread is topped with blue cheese and pine nuts with tons of potential for happiness.
• Potato Bread - We're harvesting lots of root vegetables this season, so let's make some into pillowy soft bread.
• Cinnamon Whole Wheat Pancakes with Blackberry Brown Butter Syrup - I'm always in the mood for bringing a little cinnamon magic into my life, and this blackberry syrup is a delicious way to incorporate summer fruits.
• Rustic Rye Bread - Incorporate a different grain into your loaf with this rye recipe.
• Whole Wheat Guinness Soda Bread - Bread, oats, beer, and all in a hurry without waiting for anything to rise.
• Buttermilk Soda Bread - A simple and rustic no-yeast bread that will be the perfect accompaniment to whatever you're cooking in your cauldron.

Oats

All grains are celebrated at this time of year, and oats are no exception. Celebrate abundance with this chewy goodness.

• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes - Perfect for the solitary witch, this recipe makes enough for one or two people.
• Homemade Oatcakes - No Celtic cheese board is complete without them. Probably. I don't know. They seem to really love them in Scotland, and they're way better when they're homemade.
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies - These cookies are made with maple syrup, and they're absolutely irresistible.
• Chocolate Porridge - Make your breakfast a bit more indulgent and add the happiness vibes of chocolate to the abundance vibes of oats.
• White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies - Mix up your oatmeal cookie game with sweet, tart, jewel-bright dried cranberries for those autumn vibes.
• Nutella No-Bake Cookies - Made with oats and some peanut butter as well, this reicpe brings wisdom through the power of hazelnuts.
• Nutella Oatmeal - So much better than the stuff from the packet, homemade oatmeal is even more awesome when you stir on your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread. Good morning Mabon. Don't mind if I do

Corn

Corn is a symbol of abundance and prosperity, so invite plenty of that into your life for Mabon. And don't forget to give thanks for all you have.

• White Cheddar Polenta Souffle - For the fancy kitchen witch, this is really tasty and actually pretty easy to make.
• Cheddar Habanero Cornbread - Bring a little fire energy to your Mabon table with this spicy cornbread.
• Skillet Cornbread - A traditional Southern recipe made in a cast iron skillet. Iron has extremely powerful magical qualities.
• Chicken Corn Chowder - This pot is absolutely heaving with delicious abundance. Perfect to go with your loaf of bread.
• Bacon & Corn Risotto - I think this recipe is an excellent celebration of sweet summer corn. Use frozen if you need to, but this is a great time to slice fresh corn straight off the cob.
• Mexican Mac & Cheese - Featuring sweet corn and fresh chillies, this mac and cheese features fresh veggies from another part of the world.
• Jalapeno Hush Puppies - Somehow it always feels like a feast when hush puppies are on the table.
• Cheddar Corn Soup - I made this for my Lughnasadh feast, and it was a huge hit.
• Vegan Sweet Corn & Roasted Bell Pepper Soup - For the meatless witches, this soup will summon the sunshine.
• Cornbread-Topped Chilli Mac - Are you a wannabe kitchen witch who's actually not got much cooking experience? This recipe is perfect for you.
• Frito Chili Cheese Wraps - Who says corn chips don't carry corn energy? Not this witch. If you're not much of a cook, this is a great recipe for you.
• Corn & Green Onion Biscuits - With just three ingredients, these are going to become your favorite soup dipper for the season.
• Lemon Polenta Cake - A sweet and delicious way to enjoy the energy of corn along with the uplifting flavor of lemon. It's pure magic.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates are associated with wisdom and protection. As we the days slowly get shorter, their energy can also help connect us to the cycle of death and rebirth that is so apparent in this season. Call in their energy to help you listen to your inner voice.

• Ginger Pomegranate Cocktail - My personal favorite, this drink combines the energy of air and fire.
• Pomegranate Martini - For the sophisticated witch.
• Pomegranate Margarita - Turn your Mabon feast in a real party. Go ahead and make a huge pitcher. Fill your cauldron. It'll be fine.
• Sweet Potato Chickpea Dip - The vibrant fall colors in this dish are almost as exciting as how delicious it is.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin season has finally arrived. Loaded up with seeds, pumpkins are a major symbol of abundance. They'll keep the good stuff coming throughout the season. Plus, all the spices in pumpkin recipes tend to be associated with prosperity.

• Pure Pumpkin Cheesecake - Straight up super pumpkiny cheesecake action.
• Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake - Add some attracting power with creamy caramel.
• Pumpkin Spice Gooey Butter Cake - Another great semi-homemade recipe for the beginner kitchen witch.
• Pumpkin Cake - I would eat this cake every single day if I could.
• Pumpkin Pancakes - Start your day with some prosperity magic.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins - Filled with sweet cream cheese, these muffins are a portable feast.
• Pumpkin Butter & Dark Chocolate Stuffed French Toast - Literally anyone can make this indulgent treat.
• Pumpkin Spice White Russians - Raise a glass in gratitude for the abundance of the seasons.
• Pumpkin Scones - Make these for your coven mates, and they'll love you forever.
• Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes - These would be great to take to a Mabon potluck.
• No-Bake Double Layer Pumpkin Pie - Ideal for the tropical witch who wants fall flavors without turning on the oven.
• Pumpkin & Hazelnut Crostini - A little savoury bite of pumpkin and sage for a Mabon cocktail party nibble.
• Pumpkin Baked French Toast - An all-in-one autumn breakfast dish that will start your day off with a punch of prosperity.

Squash & Root Vegetables

We're digging up the Earth's bounty and harvesting those bigger vegetables this time of year. Beyond pumpkin, we're eating squashes such as zucchini and root veggies like carrots.

• Maple Glazed Carrots - Maple corresponds to the expansive and abundant planet of Jupiter.
• Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells - A totally delicious meatless recipe with a sprinkle of prosperity-drawing nutmeg.
• Carrot Ginger Orange Mimosa - Not that you need an excuse to start drinking early, but this is a pretty awesome one.
• Zuchinni Potato Pancakes - Double Mabon veggie action fried up crisp and delicious.
• Cornish Pasties - These have a lovely autumn feel to them. They're loaded with ground beef, carrots, and potatoes and will leave you feeling deeply grounded.
• Chicken & Ham Pie - Honestly, this is what I want for my Mabon feast this year. A flaky crust tops a creamy gravy with root veg and fresh herbs. It's so delish! Just like Mrs. Weasley would make.
• Weeknight Chicken & Dumplings - This delicious dish with root veggies and fluffy sage-infused dumplings is quick enough to make on a weeknight, perfect for a quick celebration meal.
• Butternut Squash & Carrot Soup - These two orange vegetables will put you in touch with your creativity and inspiration.
• Green Minestrone - With zuchhini and a bunch of other vegetables, this soup is perfect for your late summer garden harvest.
• Butternut Squash Baked Risotto - Combine delicious squash with the protection and prosperity energy of rice, plus lots of cheese for a bit of happiness.

Apples

This is the food I most associate with September, so they had to feature in these recipes to celebrate Mabon. It's also a food closely associated with witches. Each apple contains a hidden pentagram, so you're always protected when eating or drinking apples.

• Apple Butter - For the witch who got a little carried away with the apple picking.
• Cloudy Cider Cup - Add cucumber, lime, and mint to your cup of cider to make it even more magical.
• Apple Butter & Sharp Cheddar Grilled Cheese - Cheese is associated with success and happiness. I know I certainly feel happy while eating it.
• Orange & Amaretto Cider - Fortified with a bit of mead, this drink gives off serious ancient Celtic vibes.
• Spiced Sparkling Cider Cocktail - This drink is loaded up with all those prosperity spices.
• Apple Brandy Frozen Punch - It's basically an alcoholic apple slushie, so that's pretty awesome.
• Caramel Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies - Made with hot apple cider mix, these cookies pack a serious (if artificial) apple flavor.
• Sausage Egg & Cheese Biscuits with Apple Butter - Trust me, this is extremely awesome.
• Pork & Apple Hot Pot - Fill your cauldron with slow-cooked pork and apples.
• Green Apple Martini - Gorgeously green and surprisingly potent, this is the perfect libation for your coven gathering.
• Cider Braised Chicken Thighs - Cook your chicken slowly in hard cider along with some vegetables for a delicious and tender one pot meal.
• Apple Margarita - A unique twist on a classic cocktail that features fall flavors and the magic of apple.

Autumn Herbs

Though we don't have as many fresh herbs as we did at Litha, we can still work with the energy of rosemary, sage, and thyme at Mabon. Whether you use fresh or dried herbs in your cooking and your craft, they still carry potent energy.

• Herbs of Protection Poultry Seasoning - Mix up the powerful protective herb blend for Mabon and use it throughout the winter to flavor chicken, turkey, soup, stews, and other dishes.
• Garlic & Herb Focaccia Bread - Topped with roasted garlic, parsley, and thyme, this is a beautiful bread to accompany soup season.
• Smoked Cheddar & Sage Biscuits - Sage is also corresponded with Mabon, plus it gives that great cleansing energy.
• Whipped Ricotta - Top this cloud of creamy cheese with all your favorite dried herbs, including the three mentioned above.
• Garlic & Thyme Baked Camembert - A super easy and infinitely delicious dish, this wheel of cheese will bring you happiness and courage.
• Rosemary Potato Rolls - These always appear on my Thanksgiving table, so they're perfect for Mabon as well. Use them to help you create beautiful memories of your feast.
• Chicken & Goat Cheese Pasta - Infused with fresh rosemary, this simple pasta dish will feed the entire coven.
• Lemon Risotto - This bright and lemony risotto also features fresh rosemary for extra brain power and intuition.
• Italian Panissa Rice & Beans - This hearty dish features fresh rosemary as well, along with beautiful barlotti beans. It's just so delicious.
• Chicken & Potato Bake - This super simple one pan meal features potatoes, garlic, lemon, and fresh rosemary for a super flavorful, easy weeknight dinner that's loaded with good vibes.
• Italian Roasted Potatoes - These roasties are coated in cornmeal and infused with fresh rosemary for a Mediterranean flavor.
• Potato & Pancetta Mac & Cheese - With a hit of fresh thyme, this dish is super rustic and totally delicious.
• Brined & Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy - If you want to go the full Thanksgiving route, this turkey is always delicious and the gravy is loaded with fresh herbs.

Fall Spices

It's time to bust out the cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. All of these spices bring abundance, which is the perfect vibe for the harvest season. Let's call it all in, kids. And make it delicious.

• Chocolate Cinnamon Cake - This chocolate loaf cake is delicate and flavorful and just the perfect afternoon treat.
• Chaitini - Mix up your favorite spices into a tasty, creamy cocktail. This little libation will turn your coven gathering into a real party.
• Double-Glazed Chai Spice Muffins - This is the epitome of sugar and spice and everything nice.
• Spiced Honey Vodka - Perfectly sippable all on its own, this sweet spirit is infused with fall spices. Drink it hot for a warming treat.
• Hint of Cinnamon Chocolate Cake - Combine your favorite cake mix with a few unexpected ingredients for the tenderest cake you've ever eaten.
• Snickerdoodle Cookies - These buttery cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar for some sweet prosperity magic.
• Snickerdoodle Cupcakes - Like the cookie but in cake form.
• Spice Cupcakes with Maple Frosting - The maple syrup adds its own magic to these gingery cupcakes.
• Spiced Flourless Chocolate Cake - Infused with all your favorite fall spices and a hint of orange, this gluten-free cake is just gorgeous.
• Baci di Ricotta - These fried dough balls are light as air and infused with cinnamon. Try them with a drizzle of thyme honey.
• Homemade Cinamon Rolls - Take any excuse you can to make homemade cinnamon rolls. With their sacred spiral, they'll make you feel connected to the universe.
• Mini Chocolate Cinnamon Croissants - Made with puff pastry and dark chocolate, these are a simple little treat perfect for a Mabon tea party.
• Biscoff Mug Cake - Perfect for the solitary witch with a sweet tooth, this is a luscious cinnamon cake for one.
• Caramel Snickerdoodles - Your favorite cinnamon cookies are studded with caramel chips to make them extra awesome.

With all that, I'm sure you've found a few recipes to celebrate Mabon in spectacular fashion. If you make one of these recipes, I’d love to see it. Share your photos on Instagram, and hashtag them #awesomeon20.

And be sure to check my Kitchen Magick page for specific correspondences of various ingredients.

Joyous Mabon, my friends. May you find gratitude in every moment.