17 of Our Favorite Recipes With Apples, From Sweet to Savory Dishes

Fall's favorite fruit reveals its versatility in breakfast treats, baked goods, salads, sides, and mains.

Pork Chops with Apples and Onions — Credit:
Brie Goldman

Apples are so marvelously versatile, taking center stage in sweet or savory apple recipes, prepared hot or cold, raw or cooked. True, their ubiquity at farmers markets, grocery stores, and seasonal fruit stands means that we sometimes take them for granted, but one bite from a just-picked new crop, and boom, we fall in love all over again. Here, we give you plenty of reasons to embrace all of that apple goodness at every meal, including (of course) dessert.

01 of 17

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple

brussels sprouts apple bacon — David Loftus

A sublime combination of sweet and savory flavors, this delightful dish brings fall flavors to the table. Brussels sprouts and apples are roasted on the same baking sheet and then finished with a zingy splash of red wine vinegar.

02 of 17

Mile-High Apple Pie

mile high apple pie — Kate Mathis

Bet you can't top this apple pie—well, maybe you can, if you crown it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Apple heaven in every bite!

03 of 17

Apple Pandowdy

apple pandowdy — Bryan Gardner

A classic American throwback to the 19th century, this humble crowd-pleaser is "dowdied" up when the dough is cut into chunks and arranged in a patchwork over the fruit, instead of being left whole.

04 of 17

Apple-Cider Donut Cake

apple cider donut cake — Jonathan Lovekin

Break out your Bundt pan for this autumnal delight, a luscious, crave-worthy cake reminiscent of the apple-cider donuts often sold at farmers' markets. The olive oil and applesauce add moistness, while the whole wheat flour makes it somewhat wholesome.

05 of 17

Apple-Butternut Squash Soup

Apple-Butternut Squash Soup — Rachel Marek

The sweetness of golden winter squash and fresh apples is balanced by a lively lineup of spices including cumin, coriander, ginger, and cayenne. This fabulous fall soup freezes well so you can enjoy it all year long.

06 of 17

Apple Crisp

portion of apple crisp on plate and baking dish of apple crisp — Julia Hartbeck

All the apple dessert glory with none of the pie pastry fuss, you can never go wrong with apple crisp (aka, apple crumble). Tender, cinnamon-scented apple chunks bake under a crunchy, chewy, buttery oat topping for an easy dessert that will win over any gathering.

07 of 17

Apple-Caramel French Toast

apple-caramel french toast — Nico Schinco

It may sound like too much work to serve a houseful of morning guests French toast covered in caramel-drizzled apples, but surprise: this breakfast casserole is a cinch to assemble the night before. All that's left to do in the morning is preheat the oven and make the coffee!

08 of 17

Martha's Cider-Bourbon Cocktail

Bourbon Cider Punch — Bryan Gardner

This picture-perfect fall cocktail is one of Martha’s favorites. Fresh apple cider gets a big kick from lemon, ginger, and bourbon. Shake these up one at a time or make the big-batch version if you’re entertaining a crowd.

09 of 17

Kale-and-Apple Salad

kale-and-apple salad — Con Poulos

Give your kale salad some fresh ideas with the addition of apple, celery, and Parmesan cheese. The simple dressing of apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey and garlic comes together in seconds.

10 of 17

Pork Chops With Apples and Onions

Pork Chops with Apples and Onions — Brie Goldman

This one-pot dinner is almost too easy, and its satisfying savory-sweet flavors will make it an instant family classic. Serve with a simple side dish to soak up the juices —these chops go great with mashed potatoes, noodles, spaetzle, rice, polenta, or your favorite grain.

11 of 17

Apple Fritters

Apple fritters arranged on a cooling rack some dusted with powdered sugar — Brie Goldman

This version of apple fritters is quicker and easier than you might expect, thanks to our no-yeast recipe. Use a small ice cream scoop to form perfect fritters without even getting your hands messy.

12 of 17

Apple-Braised Turkey Thighs

Apple-Braised Turkey Thighs

Turkey is not just for Thanksgiving dinner! Give turkey thighs the casual weeknight treatment with this easy, flavorful braise.

13 of 17

Apple Butter

Here's Martha's go-to recipe for one of fall's most traditional home-cooking classics. This version of apple butter starts on the stovetop and is finished in the oven.

14 of 17

Spiced Apple Oatmeal

spiced apple oatmeal — Con Poulos

Apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, and butter will banish the word "boring" from the concept of oatmeal for breakfast. Top each serving with toasted pecans for the perfect crunch.

15 of 17

Chicken Salad With Apples and Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Apples and Walnuts

Chicken salad gets a lighter touch with low-fat mayo and zippy lemon juice, while toasted walnuts and juicy apples add a refreshing crunch. Use leftover roast chicken or grab a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store for a shortcut.

16 of 17

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake — Brie Goldman

Each bite of our moist, must-make coffee cake is flavored with exactly the right amount of brown sugar and cinnamon. When you add a hefty helping of chopped apples to the batter, it just about reaches perfection.

17 of 17

Morning Glory Muffins

morning glory muffins — Yuki Sugiura

Apple, carrot, coconut, raisins, pepitas, and whole wheat flour pile on the goodness. Packed with flavor and fiber, these moist muffins are the ideal grab-and-go breakfast.

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