Have you ever gone apple picking before? It's a great activity, until the very end when you question, "What am I going to do with all these apples?" Luckily, there are plenty of things to make with apples that will please the whole family.
When thinking of the best apple recipes, the first thought that comes to your mind is probably pie. Apple pie is always a treat, and it's also a really good dessert for when the weather starts to get a bit chilly again. Apples are seen as a fall fruit, but that doesn't mean that they can only be baked in the fall. They're delicious year-round. They also come in plenty of varieties, meaning you'll never get bored with apples.
Looking for some inspiration when figuring out things to make with apples? Here are 15 great recipes to try.
1. Cinnamon-Apple Stuffed French Toast
When you're thinking about things to make with apples, you might want to start with breakfast foods. Apples are very versatile, especially when it comes to recipes like pancakes, waffles, and French toast. This Cinnamon-Apple Stuffed French Toast recipe doesn't require much, and it's fairly easy to make. Whether you're preparing it for your kid's sleepover party or for a fun brunch with family, it'll hit all the right notes.
2. Dutch Apple Cake
This Dutch Apple Cake recipe from Taste of Home can also, technically, be a breakfast on the go. It requires three tart apples to create, along with some standard baking ingredients like sugar, butter, and flour. It takes only 15 minutes to prep the ingredients, making it a great apple dessert that will be quite tasty if made a few hours before a big party or event.
3. Caramel Apple Cheesecake
So, just because this Caramel Apple Cheesecake recipe features apples doesn't necessarily mean it's a healthy choice. But it can be a healthier choice. Apples contain a lot of fiber, making them a great addition to any recipe. If you've never made a cheesecake before, you may feel a little intimidated. But there's only one way to learn. This recipe might actually replace the apple pie on your Thanksgiving table this year.
4. Mom’s Fried Apples
Featured on Taste of Home, this recipe for fried apples is both simple and delicious. And chances are, you already have the minimal ingredients needed at home. Wondering which apples fry up the best? The recipe recommends Granny Smith, Empire, Golden Delicious, Courtland, or Braeburn. (Sorry, Red Delicious — you have your place elsewhere.) Ice cream is also an optional add-on if you want to make this recipe into a fun dessert.
5. Applesauce
Have you ever had homemade applesauce before? If not, be warned — you might never buy it in stores ever again. Simply Recipes has a great applesauce recipe that's also good for beginners. Cinnamon, white sugar, salt, and lemon will take this common and kid-friendly side dish to the next level.
6. Apple Peanut Butter Cookies
What happens when you mix apples and peanut butter? A flavor explosion occurs. When looking for things to make with apples, you'll definitely want to find recipes that also include peanut butter. These apple peanut butter cookies from Taste of Home fit the bill. Perfect for the fall or any time. Maybe they'll even make their way into your holiday cookie lineup.
7. Baked Apples
Yes, apples can be fried — but they also taste excellent when they're baked. This baked apple recipe from Simple Nourished Living is one you'll want to add to your recipe box as soon as possible. This recipe uses quick-cooking oats and also makes an excellent and healthy breakfast option.
8. Double-Crust Apple-Cheddar Pie
Apples and cheddar? Who would have thought? It seems a little ridiculous for a pie, but think about it — the combo actually makes a lot of sense, hitting both the sweet and savory notes. You might see apple slices on a cheese plate, and that's why. This pie will be better than the standard apple pie you probably thought of making first. This apple cheddar pie recipe comes from Nancy Fuller from Country Living and takes around four hours total.
9. Apple Bundt Cake
This apple Bundt cake recipe from The Kitchn is special for a big reason — you can make it using only one bowl. Your dishwasher will thank you. And so will your family, because apple Bundt cake is a delicious dessert option. You can even make the glaze at home for a special treat.
10. Apple Glazed Chicken
Apples don't always have to be the star of the show to make a dish special. Just ask Mrs. Wages, a site with a mouthwatering recipe for Apple Glazed Chicken. Remember, when you're thinking of things to make with apples, you'll want to consider toppings, dips, and glazes as well. Not only does this recipe call for a few medium red apples, but it also uses apple jelly and spiced apple mix.
11. Honey-Mustard Chicken and Apples
Honey mustard chicken is always a great family meal. This honey mustard chicken recipe from Food Network is sure to be an even bigger hit. Not only does it get rave reviews from other moms, but it's a great way to incorporate fruit into an entrée.
12. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes
What better treat than eating some apple-infused pancakes on a nice Saturday morning? This apple pancake recipe from Lemon & Zest is a great place to start, as it's an easy and quick recipe. You can make the batter in a blender and even freeze leftover batter for another day. Gala or Fuji apples work best. These can also be made vegan if you wish — the recipe will show you how.
13. Brussels Sprouts With Apples and Bacon
Remember back when we were kids and we thought that Brussels sprouts were some of the most hated veggies? It almost seemed torturous to eat them. That's changed — in fact, if you make Brussels sprouts correctly, they almost don't seem like a vegetable. Adding apples and bacon will make them even more kid-friendly. This recipe for Brussels sprouts from Allergy Free Alaska includes both.
14. Fall Fruit Galette
This may resemble a pie, but it's even more Instagram-worthy when it's done. This apple galette recipe from Epicurious works best with Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp apples. You'll need two pounds of apples to make it, along with apple cider vinegar, heavy cream, and other ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This is a true crowd-pleaser when it comes to desserts.
15. Apple Pizza
If you're staunchly against pineapple on a pizza, you might not be too happy about this Apple Pizza recipe from Taste of Home. But for those who feel a bit more adventurous, it's a fun way to use up some apples and feel good about making a (slightly) healthier choice. This recipe was also a contest winner.
