Overture Apartments offer exceptionally designed kitchen spaces that let you unleash your inner chef. Apartment kitchens may, however, be smaller than you’re used to, and without the kids at home, you may not need to cook as much. Or perhaps you simply don't want to spend as much time in the kitchen as you used to.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled some easy cooking recipes for seniors to usher in the fall season. With these suggestions, you’ll be able to enjoy a great meal with minimal cleanup, so you can get back to enjoying the Overture community and active senior living.

What Makes a Recipe “Apartment-Friendly”

At their core, apartment-friendly recipes for seniors are low-stress, high comfort cooking that fits into your new life in a 55+ active living community.

Apartment-friendly recipes for seniors focus on keeping prep simple, cleanup quick, and portions manageable. Crockpots, microwaves, air fryers, electric skillets, and toaster ovens are excellent choices for making meals for one or two people and for minimal cleanup. Keep a selection of easy, versatile spices and ingredients that you can use in multiple recipes.

Having said that, don't think that you can't whip up a multi-course meal for family or friends in an Overture senior apartment's kitchen. We’ve set things up so you can do as much, or as little, cooking as you want!

Easy Fall Recipes for Seniors

To give you an idea of the types of meals we’re talking about, here are three  recipes for seniors that are excellent alone, or can be combined into a two- or three-course meal:

Cream of  Cauliflower and Potato Soup

Thick, creamy, warming soups are a fall staple. Serve this one with a fresh, crusty loaf, croutons, snipped chives or green onion, or garnished with cooked chopped bacon.

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced sweet yellow onion
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1/2 head of cauliflower, cored and roughly chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (not pre-shredded)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, or until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the cauliflower and potatoes. Continue to cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.

Add broth, bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Remove from the heat and blend half the soup with a blender or immersion blender until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in cheese, half-and-half, and sour cream.

Toaster Oven Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

  • 2 Italian sausage links (you can substitute vegan sausages)
  • 1 bell pepper of any color, sliced
  • ½ small onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste

Preheat the toaster oven to 400°F. Combine sliced peppers and onions in a small bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat.

Arrange sausages, peppers, and onions in a single layer on a toaster oven-safe skillet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the sausage is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake

Embrace fall flavors with this quick and easy microwave cake. Make one mug.

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • pinch salt
  • 2 Tablespoons milk
  • 1 Tablespoon canned pumpkin
  • 1 Tablespoon melted butter
  • dash vanilla extract
  • 1 Tablespoon chocolate chips or a dollop of whipped cream

Mix the flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt in a mug. Stir in the milk, pumpkin, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the mug to mix all ingredients. Add the chocolate chips, if using.

Microwave for 70-90 seconds. The cake should be set, but still barely shiny on top. Allow to rest in the microwave for a few minutes before eating. The cake will continue to cook as it sits. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top before eating.

Cozy Vibes Without the Fuss

Now it’s time to set the mood. Light a candle and put on your favorite music. You've got yourself a wonderful end to a day of active senior living spent enjoying the resort-style amenities of your Overture Apartment community!